Breast lump

Just wanted to offload I've recently found a lump in my right  breast on the outer lower section. I'm waiting for referral to the breast clinic in my area.

I just wanted to really share a post in the hope someone can understand my worries. I'm trying so hard to be rational and I know most breast lumps are nothing to worry about but in the last month my aunt has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and we've received the news that the specialist believe she's potentially carrying the gene. This means my mum is potential carrier and if so me. The gene is a common cause for breast and ovarian cancer. I haven't told my family about the lump but since finding out this news about my aunt I'm so panic stricken and I'm struggling to think positively. I'm so desperate to be seen now and just get it looked at. Please tell me that on the two week referral pathway I shouldn't wait much longer. Been just short of a week and haven't heard anything from the hospital as of yet. Upon going to the GP I didn't know my aunt was potentially carrier of the gene so they don't know this information. 

I'm just so scared I keep trying to so hard to forget about it and tell myself not to worry until I know for sure. I keep telling myself how most breast lumps are harmless but my stomach feels so sick and I keep crying. 

I'm really sorry to offload I know everyone on this page is going through an incredibly tough time. It's all just about much at once for me and I just needed someone to turn to. 

  • Hi, 

    Sorry to hear you are struggling. I have been referred to the breast clinic a few times before as I too suffer with health anxiety and find it hard to determine what’s a lump and what’s lumpiness, both times I was seen within 2 weeks but I did call to chase both times after the 1 week mark. I know it’s hard but try not to worry, mine have luckily always been glandular tissue which can feel very lumpy or a fibroadenoma which is a common benign lump. They are usually very thorough and talk you through each step, you will feel better once you spoken to someone who deals with this day in day out! 

    xx

  • Thank you so much for the reply. I've got an appointment tomorrow. 

    Ive felt much better since receiving the appointment although feeling a little worried tonight which is understandable. 

    They have sent me a leaflet detailing the appointment and said the appointment can take a while as they are very thorough and will do any tests and scans at the appointment. Hopefully will come away with good news tomorrow. 

  • That’s good that it’s so close now, but yes nerve wracking too which is completely normal. Yes in my experience all scans and biopsies are done there but with the biopsy results you have to wait but usually by biopsy point they may be able to give you some indication of what they believe it is. Keep us updated with how you get on. Fingers crossed for you 

  • Hi Clum,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I feel sure that everyone on this site, who has had a cancer diagnosis , can identify with how you feel at present. Most of us would agree that this is one of the hardest times of our cancer journey. I am delighted to hear that you now have an appointment for tomorrow. You will find that the staff at the clinic are usually very helpful and will understand your anxiety. You will be seen by the consultant, who will discuss your symptoms, before examining your breasts. You will possibly then be sent for a mammogram (depending on your age), an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. Waiting your turn in some of these departments, can take time, which is why many clinics advise you to leave up to 4 hours for your appointment, although most of us are finished in less time than this. You will then usually go back to chat to your consultant, who should give you an indication of how long it will take to get your results back - if they don't tell you, don't forget to ask. It usually takes from 1-2 weeks, but it can be a little longer in a busy hospital.

    Don't worry about all the crying you're doing - this is a good stress reliever and those tears will settle, once you know what you are dealing with. I am sorry to hear about your aunt. Has she been tested for the gene yet? Don't forget to mention this when you're speaking with your consultant. You are bound to be more anxious tonight, as your appointment draws closer.

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and I hope that it goes well. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx