Hi, hope it’s ok to drop on this post. 

I found a large lump in my upper left breast, usually when I’m due on my period a couple of days before I get really sore boobs that are tender to touch and it hurts even to wash them. I do get lumps every month however the one I found last week was bigger and really hard. After deliberating with my fiancé, I decided to go the walk in centre as he was really panicking and doing my head in if I’m honest! I was happy to wait till after my period had landed as they usually go back to normal as soon as I come on. 

We went and the nurse did some checks and then asked if she could get the senior nurse to check also, which started to panick me then.... they then decided to send me to the breast clinic I believe it is an urgent referral which means around 2 weeks. I now cannot stop thinking about it. I’m checking my lump every day hoping it goes down and gives me a good sign it’s not possibly cancer, everything I read though is telling me to prepare for the worst...just waiting for an appointment date now.

I’m 32 with no children. I’m very fit and go the gym 4 times a week. Not sure what to do or who to talk to? Fiancé really isn’t dealing with it very well, so I kind of feel a bit alone as don’t want to discuss it in case his anxiety flairs up again

x

Hi,

I am sorry to hear that you have found a lump in your breast. However, you are doing the best thing you can by being referred to the beast clinic. Don't let the words 'urgent referral' upset you. We nearly all get referred this way, as it can be a benefit to catch it early if it is cancer.

I know that it is difficult not to keep feeling your lump, but try not to do this, as it will make your breast become tender. It is early days yet for both you and your fiancé to come to terms with this. There are so many unknowns and uncertainties. Once you get a proper diagnosis you will find that it gets easier to deal with emotionally.

Almost everyone on this site has or has had cancer, or is caring for someone who has. It is a good place to come to, as we all know exactly how you feel at all the different stages. It can be difficult for a loved one to come to terms with all of this, but I hope that you can eventually get him to open up and talk aout his feelings. You will both find this much easier to cope with if you can talk about everything to do with this openly and honestly.

Some people find counselling a help. You can access this via a Maggies Centre or MacMillan. Your Gp may be able to refer you to other centres. You can just walk in to any aggies centre for a chat and a cuppa, or you can make an appointment to talk to someone.

I am still hoping that nothing untoward will be found at the breast clinic. Of every 10 people referred, only 1 will have cancer, so the odds are in your favour. If it does turn out to be breast cancer, chances are that it is quite treatable - I have had 2 bouts of it in the past 10 years.

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi thanks for your lovely message. Today I came on my period and the lump has shrunken massively however I can still feel a small hard lump that can’t be moved. I always get lumpy sore breasts in the lead up to my period so maybe that’s why the area was big? 

Hi Spammie,

I am glad to hear that your lump is reducing now that your period is here. However, I hope that you still intend to keep your appointment at the breast clinic, just to get everything checked out.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi yes I definitely do as it’s still there and prominent just has gotten smaller x

HI Catt,

Welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear about your worries and, the fact that you haven't really got anyone to  talk to about this. Try not to keep feeling your lump, as this will only make it more tender.

Many people have naturally lumpy breasts, but no cancer. Here's hoping that you are one of them.

It is ok to shield your son at this stage, but if you do get a positive diagnosis, it is best to tell him then. At 13 he is nearly an adult and, certainly old enough to suspect that something is not right. Children also have big ears and you don't want him overhearing something that he  shouldn't. The more positive you are when telling him, the better he is likely to cope with this.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years and, have had a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy. I had 2 teenage children at the time of diagnosis and, it was so much easier once I told them and we could all discuss our fears openly.

I hope that your referral comes through soon. This is always a worrying time. You are likely to have another week's wait after your first clinic appointment, before you get a diagnosis, as they have to wait for test results to come back first.

Don't forget to mention the lump down below too. You may have to be referred elsewhere for this, because, as far as I know, the breast clinic only deals with breasts.

I do hope that it all turns out well for you and that nothing untoward is found.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you for your response and your kind words, if I need to I will tell him but at the moment like you say until I know anything there is no point. 

There maybe some slight confusion as the lumpyness and lumy I'm referring to is in my breast nowhere else.

You seem to have really gone through it and I hope you are now all ok.

I'm a bit of a worry wart anyway I've always been the same.

Lets hope the appointment comes through quickly and all is ok 

Aurita xx

Hi Catt,

Sorry, I misread your previous post and am glad to see that it is just your breast that is lumpy. Most people defer telling family until they have a positive diagnosis, so I'm still hoping that you won't have to tell him.

It is always a worry at this stage whether or not you are a worry wart. We tend to find that our emotions are all over the place and we cry copiously for the slightest thing.

I have my fingers crossed for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

This is exactly what has happened with me this morning. The go said the lump was regular sharp which was positive but very hard which isn’t? How did you get on?