Hi.  I haven't been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I read your post and can empathise.  I have been for triple assessment twice before but have never been worried like I am this time.  My appointment is on Friday.  I have some twinges/aching in my left breast, a palpable axillary node and a markedly increased volume in the left breast that was probably unmasked by weight loss - basically I lost weight everywhere else, not dieting, it's just what happens to me every spring... but the left breast didn't shrink.  It became noticeable because my arm was rubbing against it, then to my horror examined and found a lumpy area and the axillary node.

The stakes are so high when we have children... I don't want my kids (girls aged 16 and 18) to lose me, and I don't want to not see them continue to grow into the wonderful women they are becoming.  It's impossible not to catastrophise, understand where you are, sending you love and hugs xx