Hello, I'm new here, I read through this entire thread yesterday before deciding I should maybe post. Sorry to hear about those of you who have had bad news the last couple of months. I had an appointment at at the GP (although I think I saw a "Physician's Assistant" rather than a GP) on Tuesday as I found a lump on my left breast. Well I say on the breast, it is in a weird place, basically right underneath in the crease, where the breast joins to my chest. It feels firm and I can't tell if it moves or not really, the skin over the top obviously moves and I can't really work out if the lump is moving too. PA said she didn't think it felt like anything nasty but for reassurance has done the urgent referral thing anyway. I had a text Wednesday morning confirming they'd be in touch but as yet, no phone call and I'm feeling so jittery about it all. Trying to keep busy etc but I would just like to know really. I'm 35, and have two young kids. My husband is being good, although is sort of relentlessly positive which I am finding a bit annoying although I know he is just trying to stop me panicking. I haven't told my mum even though I normally tell her everything. I just don't want to worry her unnecessarily. She has lost a lot of people to breast cancer and also is a retired GP so will know more than I do. Anyway, any tips on how to cope with this waiting....? Sorry for long post.

Hi Mamabird,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry that this is causing you. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, or due to fibrous or hormonal changes. It is a fact that only 20% of the people who attend the breast clinic, will receive a cancer diagnosis. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in my right breast. Both of these lumps were on the underside and near the mid-line of my breast. These occurred within a year of one another. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her liver, lungs, bone and brain, so I was naturally terrified when I was diagnosed. I also had 2 young teenage children and I worried about their future. 

Cancer treatments have made great advances since my mum's day and there was just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and after care, which we both experienced. Instead of dying with cancer, many people are now living with it. I am 14 years cancer free and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

You should normally get your appointment within 2 weeks from the date of referral. Most of us get annoyed by our partner's positivity at this stage, but I'm sure that it is well-meant. 

I see that you have been given some excellent advice from Sandpiper, about coping strategies. I would also add to steer clear of consulting "Dr Google". Much of the information here is aimed at the more spectacular cases, which are not applicable to you and will only serve to scare you further, without giving you any answers.

I do hope that your appointment comes through soon and that nothing untoward is found.

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 and Lebell, nice to know there are people who get it! I spoke to my mum this evening in the end. She said she remembered having a similar thing around my age so hopefully it's the same thing. I'll keep you guys posted... xxx

Hi Mumabird,

I am glad to hear that you have now spoken to your mum and I'm sure that she will be a great support for you. I'm sure that it will also be very helpful having a retired GP in your corner, as you travel this journey. Here's hoping that your have the same problem as your mum had all those years ago and that it's nothing to be concerned about.

Do please keep us posted.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Mumabird,

I am glad to hear that you have now spoken to your mum and I'm sure that she will be a great support for you. I'm sure that it will also be very helpful having a retired GP in your corner, as you travel this journey. Here's hoping that your have the same problem as your mum had all those years ago and that it's nothing to be concerned about.

Do please keep us posted.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx