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Very scared - found lump under nipple

Gemmalou
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Hello,

I don’t really know why I have now chosen to post here, but I am so scared of having cancer. This is something that has always scared me due to a number of friends of all ages getting diagnosed.

Because of my fear, I thought that I was very good at noticing changes in my body much to my doctor’s annoyance and even to the point that this year I was referred to counselling.

But just over 2 weeks ago, my left nipple was really sore and just thought I’m not going to worry about it because it’s probably just a normal hormonal breast pain. But then it hurt more so I decided to feel my nipple. I check my breasts once a month for any changes, but I didn’t actually think of checking my nipple for lumps too. This is when I felt a lump under my nipple that hurt when I touched it. Also my left armpit had been a little bit sore, but again I thought that this is normal because I did have a spot like thing come up in the same armpit a few weeks before which made my armpit hurt.

The next day, I went to my doctor and said I’m not worrying about it too much as I know you say that I’m very anxious and I didn’t want to go into the new year being the same. I was hoping that she was going to say yep it’s an infection, but she felt me and said that she was going to refer me to the breast clinic and she didn’t say what it could be. This scared me but it didn’t scare me as much as picking up the referral letter that says ‘suspected breast cancer’. My nipple doesn’t hurt anymore but the lump is still there and my armpit still hurts and feels like there’s something there that shouldn’t be but I can’t feel a lump in my armpit and the pain travels down the inner side of my arm and my whole left side of my chest just feels a little achy.

I’ve just turned 27 and I’ve never had children and am quite healthy on the whole. How can this be happening to me? Why didn’t I check my nipple area when I did my monthly checks? 

I have my breast clinic appointment on Monday and I just want to know what is wrong with me. 

I think I just needed to post on here to let it out even if I don’t get a reply.

Gemma 

  • Offline in reply to Gemmalou

    That's fantastic news Gemmalou, so pleased for you.

    Now go easy on yourself, you might find you suddenly notice how tiring the strain has been, pamper yourself and have a little celebration.

    LJx

  • Offline in reply to Gemmalou

    That's great news Gemmalou. :-)

    I'm delighted for you.

  • Offline

    Dear Gemma,

    I have just found out through mammagram results the same thing this morning, i feel sick. Am waiting to hear when my ultra sound scan and needle test is due.

    I really hope that your fears where unfounded and i really understand why you posted. I've only just found this site.

    Sending good thoughts your way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     

  • Offline in reply to METOO

    Dear Gemma,

     

    now that i'm getting used to using this site i realise that you've had your 'results' , i'm really happy for you that all turned out well !!!! Fingers crossed it will for me too.

  • Offline in reply to METOO

     

    Hi Metoo,

    I am sorry to hear that your mammogram looked slightly suspect this morning and, that you are now waiting to have an ultrasound and a biopsy.

    It depends on who has referred you for these as to how long you'll have to wait for them, but you usually get an appointment through within about 2 weeks.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years and know only too well how scary it can be at this stage. Try to distract yourself by keeping busy meanwhile and stay away from 'Dr Google'. Much of his information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed att the spectacular cases. This will only upset you further.

    I do hope that you appointment comes through soon and, that it is good news.
    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks for the sound advice Jolamine! I'll stay well clear of that. Today I feel a bit numb and am finding it hard to reallly concentrate on anything, I suppose it's the shock, I had a mammogram only 2 years ago which was clear so was expecting this one to be too. My mind keeps drifiting to all those 'what if's. So I'm digging out all the dresses I've been meaning to alter for this summer and am going to give my sewing machine a good run for it's money in an effort to clear my mind. Thanks once again!!.  

     

  • Offline in reply to METOO

     

    Hi Metoo,

    It's not surprising that you are finding it hard to concentrate on anything. There will be so many unknowns whirring aroundin your head, as well as anger, denial, shock, etc, etc.

    I'm glad to hear that you have a project to concentrate on  over the weekend.  Nothing better than taking it out on your poor old sewing machine.  Not only that but you'll benefit by having all your summer dresses ready for summer - assuming we get one this year.

    We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

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