Don't know where to turn - breast lump referral

Hi everyone,

I don't know where to start to be honest but I'm going out of my mind and really trying not to.

I found a lump in my right breast on the inner side inbetween the breast bone and nipple about 8 weeks ago now. I read up and decided to go through my cycle as I know some lumps can disappear. This hasn't and I'm fairly sure it's grown too.

It took me two weeks to get a gp appointment which was middle of last week and I've had a call today to say my breast screening appointment will be next Tuesday. I'm considering going private but can't really afford too, it's just that the worry is getting the better of me. 

I wouldn't feel so concerned but I've not really felt well for a few months in myself. I've had ongoing problems with my chest and a persistent pain in my right shoulder when I breathe in which is now in my breast too. I've had a chest x-rayast last week so atleast that's done but i am really struggling with the wait. I'm sure I'm not the only one though.

I hadn't told anyone about the lump either until the day I saw the gp when I thought I should tell my husband. We've also told his mum too. 

Have/did you all tell family and friends when you were just waiting and it could still be nothing?

I'm toying between telling people and not telling anyone. It's a total head messer isn't it x

No idea whether I'm posting this in the right place sorry. 

  • Morning

    I'm sure things will settle down soon and in the meantime it's just a case of carry on.....

    Our Daughter is 36 and our Son 33.  Like you, once we got the diagnosis we took a bit of time to talk together and made sure we could talk sensibly and without the initial shock emotion as we didn't want them to over worry (I hope that makes sense).

    It is a horrible time.  I'll be honest, I've been great throughout in the sense that I've just gone along with everything, accepted everything and waited to be told things rather than ask.  However, last Friday it all hit me like a ton of rock and I did break down and have a cry (the first one since being diagnosed). In fact I cried 4 times during that day, my husband was amazing and didn't bat an eyelid but was there every moment.  I feel much better for it and am now back to just getting on with things - it's how I deal with things and whilst my MT find it strange that I am so unemotional, it's just I don't like people to see how I feel, especially with the children.  I think if I can be strong in front of them it will help them to worry less.  Maybe I'm just mad but you might understand.

    Let me know how your results are today! x

     

  • Hi

    I'm in Wigan, thought we might of been sat in the same waiting room on Tuesday and not know. How are you today?

    Vixy

  • Hi all, I thought I'd replied but don't think it's worked. I found a lump 30th, was referred that day but was a 3 week wait so had my appointment this morning. I was pretty sure it was a cyst, my Dr suspected so also.

    Nope! So had 2 biopsies, get results on the 4th. I cried at the thought of waiting another 2 weeks. First time in my life I've had panic attacks the last 3 weeks.

    I haven't told many people, I have 2 adult children, told 1 as she's a Dr. I don't want to worry my son at uni. I also have a 7 year old, I need to be around to bring her up. The thought of me not being here for her freaks me out. 

    Obviously we have no choice, but the waiting is so hard.

    Much love to you all

  • Hi

    Sorry to here about your panic attacks. Did the biopsies hurt afterwards I've got to work the day after. The waiting is such a worry, but today I've been ok. I think it's best to keep busy and don't look beyond today, take one day at a time. and don't Google! 

    Take care. Xx

  • I'm like that Rosie, I don't like anyone to see I'm upset either but it's good that you had a bit of a release having a good cry. I know how upside down I feel just waiting to find out what this lump is so can't imagine how you must be feeling. I understand what you mean about your children too, I wouldn't want mine to see me upset either.

    I've edited as I forgot to say my chest x-ray is clear so that's good. 

    Has your day been ok? X

  • I had wondered too. Do let me know how your appointment goes though, hopefully it will be good news. 

    I'm ok today thank you, feeling more postive that it will be fine. I've had my chest x-ray results and they were clear so that's good news too.

    How's your day been? X

  • No, it's not too sore. I have kept topped up on ibuprofen though. The leaflet they gave me says to not do anything strenuous for 24 hours. 

    Will be thinking of you Tues morning, can accompany you in thought.

    Oddsockmum, great news on your chest xray x

  • Sorry you've needed two biopsies and that you're having panic attacks, I've struggled with those at times at they're not nice at all. Have you got a date to go back for your results? 2 weeks feels like such a long time dosent it, hopefully the results will be ok though.

    My youngest is nearly 7 too and I totally understand that worry about the future. I know treatments are great in many cases though when they're needed.

    Is your lump soft? Is that why the gp suspected a cyst? My gp didn't give me any idea at all but mine feels hard.

    Hope you're ok x

  • I'm not working until the night after as I work nights. Thanks I'm trying to get someone to go with me. 

     

    Yes oddsocksmum great news about the x-ray. I've been quite relaxed today, probably because I'm working tonight, hope it takes my mind off it all.

     

    Xx

  • Oddsockmum, it really does feel exactly like a small grape. It's very defined and moveable, so that made me think a cyst. Dr was even going to give me antibiotics but then decided to refer me instead. It's deep inside, so resting on my chest wall so to speak. Yes, weds 4th I go back 

    Rosie80, just been reading your story. What an emotional time you're having. I hope you're not in too much pain xx