Only a few days but it feels like forever! I found the breast lump first and saw the GP for that and then found a small oval bump in my armpit after - so that has panicked me a lot!

Thanks so much, this forum has been so amazing already x

Hi SallyNew,

Time does seem to stand still when you are waiting. Try to distract yourself from the wait by keeping busy and, stay away from Dr Google. This will not serve you well at this stage.

You will find this forum a tremendous support. It is always good to talk to people who know exactly what you are going through. This can be more helpful than worrying family and friends who have no knowledge of cancer.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you [@Jolamine]‍ for all your support - you are one of the angels on here who, despite going through treatment and so much worry yourselves, have given up so much of your time to helping others - if there's one positive to come from this experience, it's realising how many amazing women there are out there who are kicking cancer's backsides! I'm making a donation to CRUK on pay day - in your name and the name of the two CRUK nurses on here who also helped answer my (rather erratic!) questions. Wishing you all the happines for the future - and please know what a difference your kind words in people's darkest hours make. 

I had my appointment at the Breast Cancer Care unit today - after all that worry it turned out to be just a simple cyst underneath glandular breast tissue which made it feel hard and fixed to the breast wall. The nurse did a physical examination and then an ultrasound - I couldn't bare to look at the screen for ages but there it was, clear as day, a black circle (about 5mm). So strange as it definitely felt long and oval (my GP noted it down as 2cms), and not like any descriptions I had read online. It wasn't soft, round or what I would have described as moveable - although the nurse said she thought it was moveable in her terms. 

She said I didn't need anything else and sent me off home. I'm pretty sure, now I've looked into cysts (I had ruled them out a couple of weeks ago) it was caused by going on a higher oestrogen pill for 3 months. 

For anyone who has found a similar lump and is desperately trying to get info, mine is in my upper inner quadrant of my right breast. It doesn't roll around under the skin (at least how I would describe that) and it feels quite large and firm - and oval shaped, like a firm ridge. My right breast has always been bigger than my left but I could have sworn the difference had got bigger too. And after finding the lump, I discovered my lymph node under my right armpit was bigger than my left. But it was just a small cyst in the end, and a whole lot of panic and Googling. And my lymph nodes were normal - she struggled to even find them for a while.

Wishing anyone else going through this lots of luck and sending calm, positive thoughts your way xxx

Hi SallyNew,

I feel touched and very humbled by your post, especially when you said that you are going to make a donation to CRUK on pay day in my name and that of the two nurses who helped you. I have found this site so useful and reassuring for people who have been affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly. I personally appreciated the support that I received in the early days of my diagnosis and, this prompted me to try and help others in a similar situation.

You are donating to a very worthwhile cause. This forum was my haven in the storm, as it is for many. The research that CRUK carries out has advanced diagnosis, treatment and after care tremendously and, continues to do so. The information and advice on the CRUK website is factual and accurate and invaluable to many of us.

I am delighted to hear that your worries were unfounded and that your final diagnosis was a simple cyst.

It is always heartwarming to hear good news. Don’t forget to check yourself regularly and, I sincerely hope that you will have no further problems.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Your story resonates so much with me.

ive had breast pain in my left side for over a year now. 3 breast screens have come back as 'lumpy breasts' but im convinced ive got breast cancer. I know im driving my family mad. My anxiety doesnt help either. I found a lump under my left armpit yesterday that has started to get sore, im hoping its a cyst. I have a feeling behind my left breast that somethings stuck which freaks me out & more recently have been feeling a burning sensation in my back on the left side. I had a hysterectomy after having cancer cells on my cervix & my consultant done bloods a couple of months ago which possibly would have shown something, who knows.

im at the doctors on 8th Jan where hopefully I can get something done instead of being sent home with another course of naproxen for the pain.

jOlamine 

just wanted to wish you a very happy new year and hope this is a better one for us all. Thank you for all your advice xxx 

Hi JJrj,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms. If you have already been diagnosed with lumpy breasts there's a strong chance that this is what you have. However, you know your own body best, so do have a discussion about it with your GP. It is perfectly understadable that you are anxious having had your hysterectomy.

I sincerely hope that it turns out well for you again. Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hope your well. How was xmAs ? We hAd a very quiet one and told my son. He was shocked but my rock too. X. 

Had mammogram and ct scan.  Notthing showed up in them both tomo pet scan. Great fun on New Year’s Eve. 

Then a plan I guess. I’m dreading loosing hair and chemo it’s like life’s over. No holidays abroad. No fun 

xx. Thank you for your support and hope 2020 is better for all of us xx happy new year x 

Hi Babita,

I am glad that your son now knows. He was bound to be shocked but I'm sure that he will want to support you in every way that he can. It is good news that nothing showed up on your Mammogram and CT scan. Good luck with the PET scan tomorrow - just the pastime for New Year's Eve!

You are looking far too far ahead. Instead of worrying about losing your hair and chemo, try to deal with just one day at a time. The holidays abroad can start again after you get your treatment behind you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx