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Breast lump - awaiting screening

Lyn2203
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Hi everyone,

 I went to the doctors last week as I was experiencing tenderness/soreness on my left side under my arm and they found a lump in the upper quadrant of my left breast. They said it's soft and moveable which is a good sign and I have my screening appointment next week. I'm just finding it hard not to overthink it and to distract myself. My mind keeps wandering and to the worst case scenario.
I've been reading some posts on this forum and everyone is so kind I  was wondering if anyone has tips on how to keep positive.
 

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    Hi Lyn2203, 

    I am sorry to hear of your situation at the minute. 

    I agree, it is hard to stay positive. I have a cyst on my tonsil and I was reffered to the 2 week urgent suspecvted cancer waitway. I was so stressed, crying and worried sick at the thought of a worst case scenario. 

    To help calm me I was reading about what may happen at the appointment to calm me and also keeping myself busy. 

    Over 9 out of 10 people that get refered are not diognoised with cancer. This is what kept me positive. 

    I also spoke to my loved ones about how I was feeling and opening up to them. It feels good to get it off your chest. 

    I went to my appointment and I was told it was just a benign cyst. They did a biopsy to be 100% but I am feeling much better now. 

    The drs have told you it is a good sign that it is soft and moveable and remember, over 9 out of 10 people reffered on the 2WW are not diognoised with cancer. 

    Keep ypurself busy and do not be scared to ask the drs any questions or cencerns you may have.

    Sending my best wishes. 

  • Offline in reply to Abbo121

    Thank you Abbo121 for your kind words, it helps to know people feel the same in similar situations.
    I'm glad you received positive news. 

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    Hi Lyn,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I want to say first of all, that I am not a doctor. Most cancerous breast lumps tend to be hard and have jagged edges, so to have a soft moveable one, sounds hopeful. Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma. Abbo is right, for every 10 people who attend the breast clinic, only 2 will receive a cancer diagnosis. 

    I don't know what age you are, but most breast cancer occur in those who are over 55, although sadly, it is still possible to get it at an earlier age. Diagnosis, treatment and aftercare have all improved tremendously in the past few years. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her brain, bone, liver and lungs. I have since had 2 bouts myself and there is just no comparison between the experience which we both had. I am still here 13 years on and living a busy and fulfilling life.

    We all tend to overthink things at this stage, yet no amount of worry will change the outcome. Try to keep busy. This doesn't always have to be work related. Have you a pasttime that you could get more involved in? Getting out and about, going to the cinema or theatre. Getting involved in jigsaw making, or on-line games or playing board games or cards can all help. Take yourself off for a swim, a walk or a trip to the gym. Visit a friend or have friends to dinner. You will find that friends and relatives will cope better too, if you can be as positive as possible about your outlook.

    I hope that all goes well with your screening appointment. If you have to have a biopsy, make sure to ask when you ae likely to get the results, before you leave your appointment.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hello. Really sorry to hear your worries and I know how difficult it is. 
     

    i'm a bit further ahead with my upper inner quadrant and under arm soreness.  They were absolutely lovely at screening and did a biopsy. I was a bit surprised by biopsy but they said its quite normal given it didn't show up last time so is a new thing.  Now waiting for result. That is really not easy and Dr Google is easy but I reckon plays tricks in our minds because we don't know! I really feel for you. 
     

    Big but ..  is that everyone on this forum is great and supportive, so you're not alone, the nurses are brilliant and the system - I'm NHS - so far works as quickly as possible. Its not great waiting but know we are in the best hands.  I went to work today and that totally took my mind off things. So staying busy really helps. I found so many things to talk about other than my mind wandering.  
     

    hope that helps a little but and I'm keeping fingers crossed for your screening. 

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    Hello @Lyn2203 I am really in that headspace with you. It’s hard not to let your mind go to the worse case scenarios and I’ve spent many (unhelpful) hours on Google looking at statistics, survival rates etc. My lump is firm but moveable  and around 4cm. I’m scared as we all are I suppose. 

  • Offline in reply to Chelbel

    Hi Chelbel, sorry for the delayed reply. Thankfully my lump turned out to be a prominent lymph node. I went through all the necessary examinations and scans and it was all clear, such a huge relief. The two weeks of waiting and wondering was horrendous.


    how are you? Do you have any update? 

    I also spent time on Google which in hindsight is probably not a good idea, at the time though it’s hard not to. The mind wanders, the forum definitely helped though. 
    x

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