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

I'm sorry to hear that you have it too and are also on the hunt for pics! I hope tomorrow goes quickly and you get some answers on Monday, please let us know how it went xxx

I am not convinced mine isn't severe stretch marks despite being told they aren't. Maybe the Doc just hasn't seen quite a deflated pair as mine! I am trying to stay positive as the odds are more in favour of it being ok but it's hard when my family seemed convinced it isn't ok. They are a weird bunch!

Monday is nearly here so wishing you all the best! I hope you get a positive outcome :) xx

The weather is pretty rainy down here too!  That's good to keep busy and it won't be long now until you see someone and hopefully put your mind at rest :)

I've made a massive slow cooker stew so I can batch it up for something quick and easy. I haven't had much of an appetite for the last couple of months and my ribs are getting beyond sticking out! At least if something is ready, I can bung it in the microwave and make sure that I eat!

It's the 28th isn't it, your appointment? Not too much longer xxx I am so grateful for this forum. I feel like I can't talk about my worries with my family as they get all weird about it. Thank you all for being here xxx

Ladies 

wishing you all the luck in the world just letting you no I’m here to chat or help if I. Can my diagnosis was some time ago july  22 fully back to crazy life but happy to help in anyway I can xx big hugs Lara xx 

Thank you Laraj xxx

I go in the morning and am so eager to find out what it is looking like. This week has been really difficult.

One thing that this week has made me decide is that from now on, I am not putting off going to the Dr. I have had bladder issues for a while so once this appointment is out of the way (and it is benign, hopefully), I am going to make an appointment for that.

My weight is still dropping and that is worrying me. I only have to look at a sausage roll usually and gain half a stone.

Still, will know more tomorrow. I hope everyone is doing ok and staying warm!

Sending love xxx

Hi Ivy,

I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and I sincerely hope that all goes well. I am also glad to hear that this has been the nudge you needed to see your GP, about your bladder issues and I hope that s/he can find a solution for you.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Good luck for tomorrow I hope everything goes ok for you, keep us updated and we’re here if you need us xx

Morning Ivy! Just sending you my best for your appointment today - I shall be thinking of you. I hope all goes smoothly. Do let us know how you get on and glad to hear you will be seeking an appointment with your GP for your other issues.

lots of love,

Sandpiper x

Thank you so much for all the well wishes xx It really means a lot and thank you for the support xx

I had the mammogram and Ultrasound and they aren't concerned. Where I have lost so much weight in a short time, my boob fat around the tissue has gone and left this with lumpy mass which is normal tissue. The puckering, which the GP told me WASN'T stretch marks, was (as I had thought) stretch marks and puckered due to that. I am to go back to the Dr about my weight and the bladder issues that I have had so I think it's back to the drawing board for me.

Thank you so much for the support. I am a little annoyed that the Dr told me it wasn't stretch marks, as I think that is what really set my mind into a tailspin but I guess we all make mistakes. 

Sending you all loads of love and thank you again. Hopefully I won't be moving over to the bladder forum! This has definitely made me more determined to go to the Dr with the health issues that I have been having. 

Thank you for being here xxx

Hi Ivy76, 

that’s fab news really pleased you’ve had a good result, at least you can now visit the GO about the other issues and not have the worry of this one anymore.

wishing you all the best :) xx

Yes really glad to hear you got good news Ivy! Xx

Yes really glad to hear you got good news Ivy! Xx