Urgent breast and dermatology referral

Hi guys,

About 6 weeks ago I felt a small pea sized lump at the base of my armpit. I instantly panicked and turned to google (as you do) and google said armpit lumps are usually nothing to worry about and should go on their own within a few weeks, so I left it and forgot about it. I remembered it again last week and to my horror, it had gotten bigger. It was no longer a round pea shape, more of a misshapen lump and the whole base of my armpit/top of my breast felt hard and different, especially when compared to my other armpit which is soft and squishy. 

I booked an appointment at the GP and he too said he could feel a difference between the two and spent a while going back and forth between both breasts and armpits before saying he was going to make an urgent referral. To make matters worse though, he spotted a mole on my arm and asked if he could take a look at it, before then saying he would make an urgent referral for the mole too. 

I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. I can't sleep and my mind is working overtime with worry to be hit with not 1 but 2 referrals. I have appointments booked for both already, so whilst I'm grateful I got them so quickly I am absolutely beside myself with stress. I cant help but reach for my lump every other minute of the day and googling the possible links between melanoma and breast cancer, which never comes off well. Has anyone had a similar experience with 2 referrals at once?

For reference, I'm 29 years old. I know I'm young but I have a family history of breast cancer and it sadly took my aunties life at the age of 42 so I'm extra panicked.

Thanks in advance you lovely people xx

  • Hi londonlife94,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand your concerns and I know this kind of uncertainty and waiting for answers is never easy.

    You've done the right thing by seeing your GP, and it's good that they have referred you and been thorough with their checks. Although the referrals can be worrying, it will mean you get the information you need before too long.

    Try to avoid touching the areas as this will tend to make the worries worse, as well as possibly making the area sore. Likewise Googling things is rarely helpful and will often increase worries too. Instead, try to keep busy while you wait to help keep your mind off things.

    Try not to assume anything, and hopefully you'll get your appointment soon to find out more.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator