Hello Ruperta

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently been referred to the breast clinic after finding a lump in your armpit. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious ahead of your appointment. 

It might help to keep in mind that the large majority of people who are seen by breast specialists are not diagnosed with cancer. There could be any number of reasons for this lump that's been felt, but the important thing is to get it checked, so hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your appointment. 

In the meantime, if it would help to talk things through with one of our nurses, then you're welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Do keep in touch Ruperta and let us know how you get on. We're here for you. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi Ruperta,

I am sorry to hear about your anxiety following your referral to the breast clinic. Nearly all referrals are sent under the 'urgent' pathway. This is nothing to worry about and is as you said, 'normal procedure'. It is impossible to predict what the outcome will be, as this will depend on the results of any tests carried out on the day. It is good to hear that you had a mammogram in March, so if this is anything untoward, you will have caught it early.

As our moderator, Jenn, has said not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign. In fact only 20% of those who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. The first thing I would advise you to do is to stop Googling. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and only aimed at the more spectacular cases, which will only increase your anxiety.

I do hope that your appointment comes through quickly and that all will turn out well. Please keep in contact and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you both for coming back to me.  I have calmed down a bit since the initial shock and am pleased I won’t need to wait long for the check up.   It’s so true that Google is not good to spend too much time pouring over.   Once I get my results I will let you know.  Thanks again .  

Good Luck at your appointment Ruperta. I’m going through the same thing and have a breast Ultrasound in a little over a week. I have two lumps under my armpit on the left side. When I went into the doctor I thought there was just one but I felt another one today that is more sensitive. Hopefully they will all come back benign. Waiting is hard…

Thinking of you too.   It’s so hard - the waiting and uncertainty.   I don’t think we’re designed for it!  I’m still waiting for my appointment date but it will be soon.  Fingers crossed for you next week.  Xx

Hi Elizabeth,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you are in this unenvious position too. I sincerely hope that your ultrasound goes well and that nothing untoward is found.

Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

I had my appointment yesterday and a lovely nurse did a thorough check up and reassured me it was a cyst.  She is giving me an ultrasound next week - just to reconfirm her thoughts - but I’m very relieved.  Thanks for being there when I needed support and good luck to everyone.  Xx

Hi Ruperta,

Many thanks for the update. I'm delighted to hear that it is a  cyst and I hope that the ultrasound confirms this next week.

Do please let us know.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

HI Elizabeth,

I'm glad to hear that you don't have much longer to wait for your appointment and I am glad to hear that your second lump has already disappeared. Here's hoping that the remaining one turns out to be benign.

Please let us know how you get on - I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx