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Breast lump

Kitty86
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Hi all,

First time poster and am really concerned.

Around September last year I had a really itchy left breast which felt roasting hot to touch, scaly and it was unbearably itchy and couldn't be soothed.

This passed after about eight weeks but when the redness had subsided I noticed my breast looked different and had some dimpling to the left of my nipple. My maternal grandmother had breast cancer at a young age so I've always been fairly diligent checking my breasts so I did a self examination and found a noticeable lump which I had never previously noticed.

I booked a GP appointment straight away and was seen same day however they couldn't feel the lump and felt that it was just fatty tissue and I shouldn't be concerned but they referred me for a check anyway. I went to the breast clinic in December and was given a physical exam and again told they could not feel the lump but given my family history I should be referred for ultrasound.

I had my ultrasound yesterday and thankfully (perhaps not the right word!) the sonographer found the lump I could feel which by this point was sizeable and I had two biopsies taken, a titanium clip placed in the breast and a mammogram. They have said it's not a cyst but didn't really say much more. 

This has knocked me for six as I'd only been expecting an ultrasound and now I'm really concerned that they believe I have breast cancer and I've tied myself in knots reading things online.

Has anyone had a similar experience in Scotland or had similar symptoms that could offer any advice? I know every body is different and your experience doesn't necessarily mean mine will be the same but I'd rather hear from people who have gone through the same as I'm making myself ill online. I have around ten days to wait before I get my results. 

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    Hi Kitty, I'm sorry you are going through this and you are understandably anxious. I found a lump last year that turned out to be breast cancer but that doesn't mean yours will too, as you say. Before my diagnosis I also consulted Dr Google and tied myself in knots too. So my advice is to resist the urge as so much of what you read online may not even apply to you, whether you get a diagnosis or not. Try to keep busy and distracted, and one of the best things you can do is go for a nice walk in the sunshine. When you get called to get the results it's best to have someone drive you and attend with you just for moral support as you will be nervous. If you can, take some relaxing music to listen to while you wait. I'd love to know how you get on and will say a prayer that it's good news for you. Hugs xx

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    Hi Kitty,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you're hear. I am glad to hear that the sonographer finally found your lump, because you'd never have been convinced that all was clear otherwise. When a lump is found, it is normal to have an ultrasound, a mammogram and some biopsies taken, as this is the only certain way to detect whether or not it is cancerous. It is a scary time when you are waiting for the results of these and most of us turn to the internet in the interim. As you have discovered and Amy has already said, this is never a good idea.  If you have to do so, only stick to reputable sites, like this one. The titanium markers are put in so that the lump can be easier to locate in the future and this is done routinely.

    There are a number of different types, grades and stages of breast cancer and these can all have different outcomes. Each cancer is individual to the person who's got it, so there is little point in comparing your experience to others. 

    There are many different causes of lumps such as fibroadenoma and cysts. It is a fact that of all those who attend the breast clinic, only 2 people in every 10 will get a breast cancer diagnosis.

    I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer and I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer a year apart myself. In between these, I also had a larger lump in my other breast. My surgeon was sure that this was cancerous too, but fortunately, a biopsy proved him wrong. I had a lumpectomy first time around, followed by Tamoxifen for 1 year. When I discovered my third lump, he agreed to carry out a double mastectomy, as he felt that the lump in the other breast was pre-cancerous and could later lead to cancer. I then took Letrozole for 6 and a half years. That was al 13 years ago and I am fortunate enough to still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how your results turn out. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Kitty 

    sorry to find you here 

    I hope you get a positive outcome 

    eishing you good luck for results 

    love Lara ️

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    Hi,

    Sorry to hear what you are going through. I'm also going through similar but I'm still waiting for my appointment at the breast clinic. I found my lump a year ago but was told by the GP she wasn't concerned and to go back if it grows. Fast forward a year it's now grew and I'm now waiting for my appointment at the breast clinic.

    I hope you don't have long to wait for your results as the waiting and worrying is just awful. 

    Keep us updated on how you get on.

    Sophie xx

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