Hi Ladies,

I couldn't help posting as I feel the same!

Four weeks ago I had a twinge under my armpit, which then spread across to my left boob. This boob is already the bigger one of the two. I went to the walk in centre and he said it might be nerve inflammation but worth self examining my breasts. I couldn't feel anything but got my friends and family to have a feel to which they couldn't feel anything either. I went back to my GP and he did a full examination and he couldn't feel anything or see anything untoward. he was certain it was axillary nerve inflammation and prescribed me medication. The pain hasn't subsided but triggered my anxiety and now my left breast is so sensitive, (my right is a little but not half as bad) I cant carry my daughter on the left side of my body (shes adopted so Its nothing pregnancy related) but I'm convinced something more sinister is going on. Sometimes it feels so sore round my nipple. I've done everything, squeezed my nipple, poked around and I just cant feel anything but I know somethings nothing right. I keep crying randomly, having panic attacks, I dont want to be alone and will call my mum all the time. I cannot stop googling symptoms which ultimately lead me here but everything breast pain related links to cancer sites and it's just freaking me out. I'm only 30, my daughter is almost 2 and was only placed with me last year, I cant imagine leaving her and the thought terrifies me.

My doctor has referred me to the breast clinic next friday (6th december) but it's going to kill me waiting another 10 days

Hi I just saw your post and just wanted to let you know there's plenty of support here. I understand how difficult the wait is and how hard it is to stay off Google. I had breast clinic appointment a week ago and a biopsy last Friday, so I have a week to wait for results. Be encouraged by 9 out if 10 breast lumps being benign and there are several reasons for breast lumps/tenderness/pain. The clinic nurse said BC more often than not doesn't present as painful. I fully understand 'the wait' being a weight. Good luck and keep us posted 

Hi,

Welcome to the forum,

MiniMum is quite correct - breast cancer is seldom associated with pain. we all become very anxious and tearful when there is the possibility of a cancer diagnosis and our emotions are all over the place. Much of this is due to fear of the unknown. If it is of any consolation to you, we tend to settle down once we get a definite diagnosis and start and surgery or treatment, if it is necessary.

We also tend to keep feeling the affected area and, this only serves too make the area sorer. We also tend to think that we will have the worst case scenario. Fortunately, this seldom turns out to be the case.

Please try to avoid Dr Google at all costs. It will only serve to scare you. There are several different types of breast cancer. There are also different grades of the disease. If you do turn out to have it, treatment has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of decades. My mum had it 21 years ago and I have had 2 bouts in the past 10 years. There is just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare that I have received and that which she experienced.

I can fully appreciate your worry about leaving your daughter, but breast cancer is no longer the death sentence that it used to be. Many people now live with it instead of dying with it. You are fortunate to still have your mum to hand at the end of a telephone line to help boost your spirits.

Waiting 10 days at this stage feels like a lifetime, but it will pass. Try to keep yourself as busy as you can, to help detract from the wait. Most of us wait up to 2 weeks to be seen at the breast clinic, some wait even longer, so you're not doing too badly.

The pain in your breasts could be due to an infection, which can be painful, but usually clears up with antibiotics. I sincerely hope that there is a simpler solution than you are imagining.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi ladies,

I just wanted to update you from my breast screening this morning Incase anyone else wants some reassurance.

I had a full poke around by the breast consultant. She said theres was nothing present to suggest anything concerning and I'm suffering from hormonal changes and non cyclical breast pain. Self medication and care should subside the pain until it eventually goes away.

Even though I am extremely lucky for now, I'm sending lots of love to others on the forum xxx

Hi Gem,

This is fantastic news and, I'm sure that you feel mightily relieved.

Don't forget to check yourself regularly regardless and, I sincerely hope that you will never have this worry again.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi, 

I have been reading this thread as I am going through similar worry. I am 39 and recently developed a small spot on my nipple. The doctor examined it and said it was only an infection and prescribed antibiotics. I’m worried because I have felt and aching/tingling in the same breast for a while now, along with it occasionally feeling itchy. It doesn’t look different in shape although slightly bigger than the right breast and I don’t have any lumps or rashes but I have convinced myself it is something serious. I have been constantly googling symptoms and I know it’s not helping. I have booked to see a female doctor this week who will probably do a more thorough check. I just wondered if anyone has any advice for me regarding the anxiety I’m feeling. 

Hi Ange,

If it helps I have lots of spots on both nipples. My doctor said they are Montgomery glands. If I squeeze them then I get a white discharge?

Breast pain isn't usually a sign of breast cancer as I found out from the lovely ladies on here as well as the breast consultant I saw. 

Could be similar thing to me and hormonal changes?

My breast pain has gone now after 3 months thankfully. But I've got constant headaches now due to the stress of constantly worrying all the time. It's so hard to give advice on anxiety as whatever anyone says its still so hard to stop your mind racing. But if you dont have any other signs or symptoms then I'm confident your fine.

Try evening primrose oil for the pain. It doesnt work straight away but it should calm the breast pain x

Thanks Gem, 

I think you’re right about the anxiety and looking at other events in my life recently I can see why I am feeling very stressed about my own health. A family member has had breast cancer and my sister had a scare. I also accompanied my best friend to hospital for a mammogram. I also learned of two girls I went to school with who are a few years younger than me had cancer. I think social media is great but also reminds you just how much worry others are coping with, perhaps ten years ago I would never have heard. 

I will I’ll go to my appointment and explain fully why I am worried, I felt a little rushed after seeing the doctor last week. 

Thank you for your reply, it does help to know others understand your fears and anxiety. 

I completely understand where your coming from.

My friends mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. Thankfully it was non aggressive and even at stage 3 they've taken it out and blasted her with chemo and radiotherapy and shes in remission now. But she said to us girls, make sure you check your boobs! Then all of a sudden I got this breast pain! It's almost like being more aware of it now has triggered off these pains for some odd reason. 

I completely agree that as you get older you start to realise and see what other people of a similar age are going through. A girl who was a couple of years above me at school has just been told her cancer has spread and theres nothing more they can do. That scares me so much and my anxiety has hit the roof. Yet in my 20s I'd never of thought twice about this kinda thing.

All we can do is just live life to the fullest and cherish every day we have good health.

Good luck at your appointment but I'm sure you'll be fine x