Breast lump & Armpit swelling - waiting for breast clinic appointment. Wanting to talk to someone who understands the worry and can make me feel better

Hello, im just looking for some support/advice i guess.

I had a pain in my right breast about 4 weeks ago so had a feel and noticed a lump and a thickening. My period was due within the week so i thought it must be due to that. After my period it was still there but as life is busy (mum of 5) i forgot about it until about another week later when i checked again and was sure there was definitely a different area on my breast. I saw the gp who said she could feel it and would refer me to the breast clinic and the appointment would be within 2 weeks.

2 days later i got the appointment for another 2 weeks time (so 16 days from the gp referral). Whilst on the app viewing my appointment i saw the referral letter and it said suspected breast cancer due to my age (43) and a new lump. I panicked at that a little but thought that must be what they write for the 2 week appointments.

Anyway several days have passed and last night i noticed quite a large swelling in my armpit on the same side. Its definitely different to the other armpit and is visible aswel as feel-able. This had made me panic even more and im just wanting to talk to anybody who understands the worry and can make me feel better in any way so i dont spend the next 11 days worrying excessively. Should i make the gp aware of the new symptom with the armpit swelling or just wait for the breast clinic appointment?

Thanks in advance for any replies x

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat forum Jane, although I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms and the anxious wait you now have for your breast clinic appointment.

    Our members know how scary and stressful this time can be, so you are not alone Jane, and hopefully you will receive some words of reassurance, and advice, from the community soon.

    You can also have a quick chat with one of our cancer nurses if you like. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040 and they will do all they can to answer your questions and put your mind at ease whilst you wait to be seen.

    I hope this guide we have on how to cope with the wait will help to settle your nerves as well, but in the meantime we're sending you our support and wishing you all the best at the breast clinic. We'll have our fingers crossed everything will be o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator