Hello guys, I’m feeling very very stressed and would love to talk to people who have been through similar :( I keep feeling the lump and it’s definitely there 

I'm really sorry for how much stress this is causing Kitkit22. It's never nice to be in this position, even more so when you have health anxiety to contend with as well, but you've done the right thing by booking an appointment with your GP as they will be able to check you over and provide you with those much needed answers and peace of mind you're seeking at this time.

Hopefully some of our members who have been in this position will offer their thoughts and advice to you soon but in the meantime, try to distract yourself if you can and take your mind off this for a little bit. Easier said than done, I know, but if you are able to keep busy it will really help and Friday will be here before you know it.

I'm not sure if you came across this guide we have on how to cope with waiting for news, but I really hope some of the tips and advice we have in there will help to steady your nerves, and your mind, until you know more.

If it would help to talk any of this through with someone, then do give one of our cancer nurses a call. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to help.

We're sending you all our support Kitkit22 and wishing you all the best for Friday.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Kitkit,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear about your lump and the anxiety that this is causing. This is always a worrying time, but I'm glad to hear that you have finally mustered up the courage to get this investigated. We nearly all tend to fear the worst at this stage, but not all lumps are cancerous. Some people have naturally lumpy breasts and others have benign cysts, fibroadenoma, etc. 

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and have had a lumpectomy and then a double mastectomy. That was all 16 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. Treatment can be a challenge, but it's all "doable" so hang on in there and hopefully you'll get good news on Friday. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for this message, it’s just so so hard to not think of the worst!! I’m really hoping and praying that it is benign. I find myself constantly prodding at the lump which is so silly, and I get so anxious about it at times during work that I have to quickly go to the toilet for a cry. 

I’m so happy to hear you beat it!! That must be such a lovely feeling. Can I please ask what your initial symptoms were please? Xx

Hi Kitkit,

I was having a shower one day when I found a lump in my breast. I had a lumpectomy for that, then discovered a lump in the other breast, less than six months later. This was pre-cancerous. Almost a year to the day of my first surgery, I found another lump in the original breast and this was a second cancer. I then had a double mastectomy. I do feel very fortunate to have beaten it so far, but there is always that niggle in the back of my mind that it could return.

Try not to keep feeling the lump, as this can make the breast tender. I shall be thinking of you on FRiday and I hope that all goes well

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Was it a very obvious feeling lump? I can only imagine that the anxiety does stay with you after you go through it.

I’m really not coping well. I hate that my mind is convincing me of the worst case scenario!! I’m so nervous for my docs appointment tomorrow xx

Hi Kitkit,

Yes the lump was very obvious when I felt it. It was firm and had jagged edges.

I'm not surprised that you are having difficulty coping. I did too. We all tend to dwell on the worst case scenario, which can help our over-active imaginations to take us to all sorts of dark places. Your GP may refer you to the breast clinic to get the lump checked out. It usually takes about 2 weeks to get an appointment, but they can carry out tests to conform whether or not there is any cancer present. At your age, this is unlikely, though sadly, not impossible.

I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and I sincerely hope that all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Kitkit22,

Thank you for the update. This sounds positive, but your GP has done the right thing for your own peace of mind. If he hadn't referred you, you would begin to question the voracity of his decision after a few weeks. This way you will get the advice of breast care specialists, just to make sure that he is correct. Your GP is correct, appointments are usually sent out to patients within 2 weeks of receiving the referral, but the actual appointment can take a little longer.

I hope that your GP has managed to ease some of your anxiety and that your breast clinic appointment comes through quickly. I know how frustrating the extra waiting time is, but you are better to make certain!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for your reply. 

I’m going to really try to just forget about it until the time for my appointment. I know it’s easier said than done, but I’m relieved I’m on the correct pathway and will eventually be seen, but I’ve just got it in mind that stressing is not going to change the outcome. 

I hope you have a lovely weekend and will update once I hear from the clinic and after my next appointment xx