Hi,

I’ve been experiencing pain in my right breast on and off for a few years now, and I’ve also had a firm area (upper right side) that feels like a knot or a cluster that can also be really painful. The pain settles and the firm area appears to soften for months at a time before becoming painful again. I had been regularly checking for changes, however, I put on 2 stone during covid and my bra size went from a 34D to a 34GG… so it’s been really hard to recognise if there are differences as my breasts are so much lumpier overall! 

My older sister recently found a lump in her breast and she is currently being checked, our mum has also decided to get checked for peace of mind and has prompted me to get checked. I had previously tried to rationalise all my concerns as being hormonal changes, I also have anxiety so it’s hard to know when I’m being anxious for no reason or when it’s justified. I feel like I’ve suddenly allowed the concerns to creep into my head and I’ve managed to get myself so worked up that I haven’t been able to eat or sleep properly for days, I have been constantly checking my chest and cannot get it off my mind.

I have private health insurance through my work, so I thought I’d just give them a call today to see if I could get an appointment at a breast clinic. I’ve been given an appointment in 10 days time (without a referral, just explained that I had breast pain and a firmness/thickening on one side). I am so unbelievably grateful, however, as I didn’t need a referral or for anyone to confirm my concerns are legitimate, I am now second guessing my own judgement and suddenly feel like the firmness/thickening isn’t that bad, and what if I’m wasting their time or taking a slot from someone else if it does end up being nothing.. 

Just wondered if anyone else had experienced these anxious thoughts before their appointment? I’m concerned I’ll talk them out of checking properly! Apologies for the ramble!