Breast and back pain - terrified

Hello all

I am new here but have been revisiting the C word in my mind for months. I am 33 and am breastfeeding my 9 month old son (breastfed my daughter until almost 18 months). Since pregancy this time around I have had a pain in my right breast, towards the edge so more towards my armpit. I first noticed it when applying deo during pregnancy. It has been on and off, but I first went to GP with it in April. Despite the breast surgeon thinking she found a small nodule, the ultrasound showed nothing. Ignored for a few months as it came and went. Referred myself back again to private clinic for a second US recently due to the pain becoming more constant. Same thing, Dr felt something but US showed nothing. She wants to do an FNA (fine needle aspiration) just to 'draw a line under it' but is going to send me a letter first and then I book in for it. 

During this time I have had other odd symptoms which come and go, which GPs tend to put down to post partum or muscular pain. These include right shin pain, random shivers/skin crawling, 'fizzy' or 'stuck together' feeling in my spine and more recently, shoulder, whole breast and back pain which radiates, and upon excertion I become breathless and it feels like someone is clenching my ribs. I have been referred, after a waiting period of 2 weeks to see if it went away, to a chest x ray for this. 

Basically, I am convinced of the worst. I just can't compute how all these symptoms can just be 'one of those things'. I try and carry on as normal and enjoy Christmas but the pain is making some tasks difficult now and I look at my babies and can't stop thinking that this could be my last few months with them.

I am not sure what I am after posting here. Maybe just some solidarity as my husband, bless him, can't entirely understand why I am so upset. Or maybe someone has had similar symptoms and it turned out to be something, well, not life threatening. 

Please help or send reassurance or virtual hugs. My heart is breaking already.

Thank you so much for reading x

  • Hello Inmyarms

    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with these health concerns especially at a time when you should be able to enjoy being with your babies. It sounds as if it's been difficult for you. 

    I'm glad to hear that the tests and your assessment by the breast consultant haven't shown any initial problems. It sounds from your post as if the most recent Consultant is referring you for the FNA to be certain that there is nothing to be concerned about.

    It's easy to let your mind run away with thinking the worst when you don't have answers. It's not easy but try not too look too far ahead. Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your appointment and some answers and reassurance about things. 
    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator