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Breast lump referral

Louise_333
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Hi everyone. Just looking for advice based on people's real life experiences. I guess to know what to expect as best as possible. Over a week ago I found a lump in my breast. It is near my nipple, more central to my chest and slightly above the areola. It is painless and rock hard. It feels bumpy but the gp said it feels smooth. It is about 4-5cm and seems to be getting bigger or harder. Not sure which. It's extremely obvious and now I think I can see my areala slightly changing shape. I have also had an enlarged gland in my neck on the same side for about three weeks or so. I have had the worst fatigue especially the last week and ache everywhere if on my feet for long. Gp referred for urgent assessment and said she is a little concerned. I have had cysts many times and this feels remarkably different. I have an appointment October 2nd but I am absolutely terrified that this is going to be bad and don't know how I'm going to wait til then.

Any advice would be appreciated. And anyones experience similar to mine. 

Thank you. 

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    Hi Louise,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you are waiting to be seen at the breast clinic. You have done the right thing by getting this investigated. It is impossible to tell whether this is anything untoward or not until you have had some tests. On your first visit to the clinic you will usually have a mammogram, ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. If you need a biopsy, it can take from 1-3 weeks to get your results. I know that you said that this is unlike any of your previous cysts, but I do hope that this is what it is again. Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for the warm welcome and your reply. Since last night I have been losing my mind. 

  • Offline in reply to Louise_333

    Hi Louise,

    Waiting to get a result is one of the hardest times of any cancer journey. Most of us tend to become over emotional, cry a lot and let our over active imaginations take us to all sorts of dark places. It may seem hard to believe, but irrespective of the outcome, you will feel much better once you know what you are dealing with. Try if possible, to distract yourself with hobbies or pastimes until your appointment comes through. You could go out with friends or colleagues - a meal, cinema or theatre might take your mind off this for a while.

    Always here for you.

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline

    Hi, I've just read this. It sounds so similar to my situation. What was the result for you? I'm waiting for my breast clinic appointment and finding the wait difficult.

  • Offline in reply to NikkiAP

    Hi NikkiAP,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you find yourself in the same situation.

    The advice I gave to Louise, also stands good for you, This wait is always stressful and you may have a further wait of about 2 weeks to get the results of any tests. All we can do is to remain patient and avoid consulting "Dr Google" in the meantime. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This won't give you any answers and will only serve to scare you further. 

    I hope that you get your appointment soon and that nothing untoward is found. It is a fact that only 20% of those referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for your kind reply. The waiting is very tough x

  • Offline in reply to NikkiAP

    HI Nikki,

    Waiting is one of the toughest parts of our cancer journey,

    Jolamine xx

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