Hello

I am sure most will agree with me that it is understandable for any person to fear the worst when finding lumps, bumps and all sorts.  The good thing is that you noticed it and have been referred quickly.  Early intervention is a plus. 

Previous to my cancer diagnosis, i suffered from breast cysts which always felt hard and not painful.  I found lumps every 18 months to 2 years, so off i would go to the GP, referred to the hospital and then have the mammogram and ultrasound followed by thankfully then needle aspiration.  

I would imagine that despite any comments made to your post it will not stop you worrying, take a close relative or friend with you to your appointment and try to be positive.  

All the best, stay strong. x

Sounds like you think to expect the worst too :(

I’m going to the appointment on my own I am a single mum to a 2 year old and have no childcare sadly 

I am sorry you thought i was thinking the worst for you, truly i was not. I was just letting you know that it could just be a breast cyst and i really do hope that it is.

I was hoping that taking someone with you would give you support.

The breast clinics are very busy, you may be waiting a while to be seen and i did not want you to feel more anxious on your own. x

Thank you x

maybe I miss read when you wrote before your cancer diagnosis… 

what cancer did you have and what were your symptoms? I don’t have night sweats or fatigue or losing weight etc..

hope you’re keeping well xx

My symptom of the cancer was totally different to my previous cyst symptoms.  As before i found yet another lump about 2 years after my previous cyst.  As usual, i went to GP, referred to breast clinic.  Mammogram and ultrasound carried out.  I was told i had a cluster of small cysts that on this occasion they could not be aspirated as they were too small.  I was discharged.

A couple of months later i noticed the side of my breast had slightly deflated.  I thought that the cyst must have got bigger so was not worried.  It was not until a month after that as there was no change that i returned to the GP.  Again referred back to the hospital.  This time a mass was found behind the cyst, closer to my chest wall, this was biopsied and i received my cancer diagnosis.

Apart from the deflation i had no other symptoms.  I was very well before diagnosis.

I had a series of procedures prior to surgery of which i am 12 weeks post and am now having radiotherapy. 

I am not going to lie, i was beside myself and it was a very emotional time, i still get emotional now but i am feeling loads better, more like myself.  Cannot wait to get back to work and live life again.  

I contacted Macmillan when i needed to speak to someone.  Friends and family kept telling me that i was strong and i will get through it, sometimes you just need someone to understand how you are feeling and know exactly where you are at that moment in time.

I really do hope your appointment on Tuesday goes well for you.  Feel free to let me know how it goes xxx

Hi Livingfortoday,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry that you find yourself in this worrying situation. Most of us would agree that this is the worst part of our cancer journey. As a you have already discovered, it is never wise to consult "Dr Google", until you know exactly what you are dealing with. It hones in on the more spectacular cases and only serves to scare us further.

I am glad to see that you have your breast clinic appointment on Tuesday, so don't have much longer to wait. Are you aware that not all lumps are cancerous? Out of every 10 people who attend the clinic, only 2 will get a cancer diagnosis. Many lumps turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma. Even a cancer diagnosis is not the end, I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 14 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

I am hoping and praying that all will turn out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine. 

I know now all are cancerous and I am the type of person to always fear the worst. I just worry for my 2 year old and not being around for her, silly I know.

The GP said she wouldn’t immediately think the lump in my breast was cancer yet to be sure it would be an urgent referral. The text she sent me with a document about the urgent 2 week referral opens with the title “suspected cancer referral” and now I’m worried there was something she wasn’t telling me. She felt my breasts and found no other lumps. I have obviously since been prodding and poking and realised the axillary on the right is larger than the left and then made me think the worst has spread.

then with the englarged glands on my neck which I’ve had 37 years just get dismissed when I tell the dr they ache sometimes because I’ve had them so long but then when I google it says they can turn cancerous.

my mum had NHL 20 years ago so I am worried.

I am just having a really rough time, I miscarried 5 weeks ago at 10 weeks and now this, I just feel like it’s it for me. :(

I’m grateful I don’t have to wait too long for my breast clinic appointment but on the flip side I’m petrified to go as I don’t want to be told what I’m expecting.

thank you for your comments. X

Hi Livingfortoday,

We all tend to give rein to out over-active imaginations at this stage and nearly always end up in dark places. GPs don't have the necessary equipment to test for breast cancer, so, even if there is the slightest doubt, they tend to refer us all on the 2 week urgent pathway.  I know that this is scary, especially when you see the words "suspected cancer referral", but it is a fact that 8 people out of every 10, will still walk away without a cancer diagnosis. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, so I know just how hard it must be for you. I am so sorry to hear about your mum's NHL.

I lost my mum 26 years ago. One thing that I have discovered is that diagnosis, treatment and after care have come a long way since then and there was just no comparison between the experience that mum and I had. You will find that the staff at these clinics are top class. They are very understanding, supportive and professional in all that they do.

It sounds as if you are having a terrible time at the moment. I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage and can appreciate how this extra worry is just the icing on the cake for you. It is only natural to worry about your 2 year old - I did the same about my 2 children, who were young teenagers at the time. Since then I have seen them leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and provide me with 2 wonderful granddaughters. You are looking too far ahead and delving into the unknown - which may never happen. Try to take things one day at a time. If the worst should come to pass - and I sincerely hope that it won't, I'm sure that you'll be able to make provision for your wee one.

You know that you have done the right thing in getting this investigated. Irrespective of the outcome, you will find it easier to cope once you know what you are dealing with.

I shall be thinking of you on Tuesday and keeping my fingers crossed.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your kind words. I worry so much for my daughter I literally have no one and I can’t even begin to think about not being here for her. I also want more children.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother you are so positive and an inspiration.

I’ll let you know how Tuesday goes, I have everything crossed but I am not optimistic.

x