Hi Lucky

Sorry to hear that you're worried about your lump. Glad to hear that you've got an appointment at the breast clinic though. 

I've had several lumps which have been biopsied and turned out to be Fibroadenomas, which are really common. My GP has just referred me on the 2 week wait for an appointment with the breast clinic for another suspected Fibroadenoma.

The waiting is the worst part. I try to keep myself busy so that I don't worry! I really hope that you get seen soon. 

Sending best wishes xx

Hi Dottie,

Gosh sounds like you've been through this a few times already. Fingers and toes crossed that it's another benign fibroadenoma for you! The waiting and worrying are definitely horrible.

Can I ask how old you are? I am 39 and starting to feel rather perimenopausal (my mum and gradnma had menopause in their early 40s, so I'm expecting that's in my horizons soon). I read that cysts may be common and also perhaps fibroadenoma at this stage of my life, so I'm trying to not dread the absolute worst.

Hi Dottie,

Gosh sounds like you've been through this a few times already. Fingers and toes crossed that it's another benign fibroadenoma for you! The waiting and worrying are definitely horrible.

Can I ask how old you are? I am 39 and starting to feel rather perimenopausal (my mum and gradnma had menopause in their early 40s, so I'm expecting that's in my horizons soon). I read that cysts may be common and also perhaps fibroadenoma at this stage of my life, so I'm trying to not dread the absolute worst.

Thank you for your kind wishes! I'm 37, but have had several lumps since my early twenties. I had one removed when I was 27, so I'm generally quite calm about the process as I've been through it before. 

My GP seemed pretty relaxed about this one and doesn't think it's anything sinister, so I'm focusing on that! Our local clinic arranges appointments via telephone, so for me that's the worst part at the moment as I haven't got a date for the clinic yet. 

From what I've read and experienced, Fibroadenoma and cysts are really common, so everything crossed for you that it is something like that which is relatively simple to resolve. 

I have found that telling a trusted friend really helps, but that's a personal choice.

Have you got a date for the breast clinic yet? More than happy to share my experience if you'd like, but completely understand if you'd rather I didn't. 

How're you feeling in yourself? It can't be easy with all of this worry and perimenopause symptoms too. Sending lots of positivity your way xx

Hi Dottie,

Hopefully you will receive an appointment date sooner rather than later. I can definitely understand how even though you've been through this before, all of the waiting and worry probably don't get any easier.

My breast clinic appointment is next week on Tuesday. I've been trying to stay off Google and the forums in the last few days (hence why I've been slow in replying), but I must admit I'm feeling rather overwhelmed with stress.

When I found my lump, it was so hard and obvious, and my boob looked ... really nice and pillowy :silly: like I was about to have my period. The firm pillowy look and feel have subsided now but the lump is definitely still there. I've strictly limited myself to touching it only in the mornings showering to try and minimise the panic.

As I said in my original post, I've been down this road before with melanoma. It was caught really early and I didn't have to have treatment beyond surgical removal of the cancer. As far as cancers go, physically, it was a walk in the park. But mentally, it was a bit of a disaster for me. I've learnt to recognise when I'm about to spiral though, so I'm hoping I'll be more equipped this time around. But I keep wondering... is this the last carefree week I'm going to have in a long time?

Hi Lucky.
 

How're you feeling? Thanks for replying.
 

Your appointment has come through really quickly, although it must feel like an eternity waiting for it. I saw my GP on 30th March and still heard nothing, despite it being 2ww.

I can see why you would want to avoid the forums and google as whilst this forum is incredibly supportive, it's also nice not to think about it all for a while! I'm a bit of a control freak and I know I'll feel better when I know when my appointment is, so just hanging on for that now. 
 

I've been a bit more relaxed this week as I've been back to work after the Easter break, which has been fab to take my mind off everything. Fingers crossed that this week passes really quickly for you. I completely understand you limiting yourself with checking your lump as it's hard not to be obsessive about it! I sometimes think I've imagined it, then have to check whether it's there or not. It's very bizarre! 
 

Your melanoma journey must have been so tough mentally. I'm glad to hear that physically it was resolved quickly, but I know that it must leave you with health anxiety for a long time afterwards. My sister has non Hodgkin's lymphoma and is very anxious about her own health and that of others around her. It's great that you recognise when your anxiety is peaking though. I hope that you have lots of support around you, but always happy to message if you need anything. 
 

Fingers crossed that by this time next week you will know more and it will be a positive outcome so that you can celebrate many more carefree weeks xx