Petrified as the Dr found a lump in my breast

After noticing a lump on my breast last week I went for as Dr appointment, to be told that it definitely was a lump and needed checking out. I have a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy all booked for 10th March. To say I'm petrified is an understatement... I can't eat, sleep or think of anything else. I have a 7 year old girl and a 14 year old boy and I am so scared for them.... 

Its the waiting that is so awful I guess. I just need to know what I'm dealing with... My lump is quite painful. I'm noticing it more and more and it's hurting/aching feeling heavy most of the time.  What I wanted to ask was if anyone else has experienced this? My husband keeps telling me that it's a good sign if it's painful but it's hard to be convinced! 
 

Any advice would be gratefully received. I am really not dealing with this very well at the moment! X 
 

  • Hi Cocobob,

    Firstly, and it's easy to say, try not to panic. Keep yourself busy and don't Google symptoms. The waiting is the hardest bit, and your head can fall off if you let it.

    Be assured that you are on an investigative pathway now, so if it is something, you will have a treatment plan and be able to focus on that.  I was diagnosed with early stage Invasive Lobular Carcinoma on 29th January and am awaiting surgery. In that first week after the biopsy, the waiting was awful. Just surround yourself with lots of distraction and positivity.  

    Don't let your mind run away. I remember on the day of discussing the results with the consultant, I was shocked but once that had worn off, I felt calm because I knew what I was dealing with.

    Right now, you are where you are. Don't give yourself nightmares. Look after yourself emotionally.

     

    Bev

     

  • Hi Cocobob, the wait is horrible, but its great that youve reached out to this site, if you do need to ask anything, the nurses on here may be able to help with accurate info so that you dont hit Doctor google and frighten yourself witless. When I was waiting for my first appointment, mammogram etc, I went into panic mode, I guess many of us do, for reasons like you said. I asked GP for some sleeping tablets and to sign me off work as I couldnt function in the office on no sleep and I stopped eating, GP told me to go home and max out on carbs as I couldnt stop shaking - she said its how a body tries to warm you up when you go into shock. Ive been through surgery and am now recovering, gently as occupational health say its too early to return. and theyve finally sorted me some sick pay. I didnt need chemo, and am on medication, I know I can ring the Haven unit which looked after me pre and post op if I need any info or advice, and again, its accurate up to date stuff.  wish you all best for 10th, and hope you get good answers, but dont be scared to come back here even if you just need to check in and seek support, all very best wishes to you and yours;

     

  • Hi Cocobob

    I know what it's like, just been through it, dont panic yet though, could be a cyst they are very common, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December and had a mastectomy on the 19th and got the all clear on the 13th Feb, I dont need to have chemo/radiotherapy so I was glad about that.

    Dont feel alone, I only found this site the other day so I am new here too.

    Along with the cancer I was struggling with stomach problems which were and are still being investigated my next appointment is 20th March, it was because of the stomach that the breast cancer was found.

    Let us know how your appointment goes and I know its difficult but try and be strong and stay positive keep in touch

    Limey

  • Cocobob, I went through a breast cancer scare last Summer, like you my anxiety overwhelmed me, I had all the tests that you mentioned, all turned out to be ok, phew.  However, seven months on, I have an urgent referral to see a Consultant about  possible rare nasal cancer tomorrow  Anxiety has hit the roof, I cannot function, not eating, shaking, feeling sick, enjoing nothing in life, I wish that I could be different.  Anyway,  if its any comfort to  you are not alone in your reaction to your anxiety.   I would agree with your husband, if it is painful it is probably benign but your GP is being cautious.  All the best for the  10th. xxx

  • Hi, sorry to jump in on this, I just want to ask what your symptoms were with the nasal problem? I know chemo can make your nose sore, but I have had scabs and raw skin in my nose for months and months now? 

    X x x x x

  • Hey Cocobob!

    BE POSITIVE! .... think, if it is cancer then I need to clear my head and focus on feeling good regardless, I know it’s scary, but you MUST be strong headed, especially for your children, they cant see you depressed and upset! 

    ive had two different breast cancers within 2 years, I had chemo, I had radiotherapy, I’ve had a double mastectomy.... look at my profile picture, I’m a biker that had long pink hair but lost it all, but ya know what, my hair will grow back, I am still here and I am living life to the full by staying positive, DONT let that s#!t get the better of you!.

    good Luck! 

  • Hi PinkElf, nasal congestion, one sided for many weeks and recently nosebleeds.  I had an urgent pathway referral,  I saw the Consultant today, had a biopsy and now have to wait for the results.  He said that I may have to have a scan, but whatever is luriking up there I will need surgery to remove it.

     

  • Hi Limey, 

    Sorry I haven't replied sooner but I've been so overwhelmed this past week I haven't really been thinking straight. I've been able to work from home thank god as I couldn't cope with commuting up to London last week... I was thinking positively until I got some blood test results back saying my vitamin d was severely low. I was joking around with the Dr saying I obviously needed a nice exotic holiday etc. It was only when I got off the phone that I thought - why on earth would my vitamin  d be so low as I have such a healthy varied diet.  So if course - my brain going wild I Googled 'breast  cancer and low vitamin d'... I shouldn't have done that. Turns out there is a big link. 3/4's of people with breast cancer have low vitamin d. This sent my anxiety through the roof and I have been walking round in a bit of a daze ever since... I'm convinced now that it's cancer - just now worried how far on it is and if it's spread.... My lump and surrounding area is actually quite painful. I'm not sure if it's a good sign or not. I keep getting shooting pains in the lump too. I have my app tomorrow at 3.10 and I'm absolutely dreading it. I hope I can get some answers but feel that it's going to be the beginning of another long wait. Not sure if an ultrasound or mammogram can confirm cancer or if you definitely need a biopsy to confirm it?

    Anyway- I hope ups are feeling ok? This is just all such a horrible experience isn't it 

  • Hi,

    im so sorry your worried, I'm in the same situation,read your post and I've read loads, it does say if it hurts it's probably not cancerous, so your husband is right try not to worry I got my appointment on thurs, don't know where you are but don't you have the 2 week rule that you have to be seen by then.

    your the same as me I just wanna know if it Is cancer so I can deal with it.

     

     

  • Hey- sorry to hear you're in the same boat too... it's not a great feeling is it I have my mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy booked in for tomorrow afternoon. The NHS have been amazing actually. So fast. I only went to the dr last Friday with the lump and it's all been moved along so fast. I just want some answers as the thoughts that are going on in my head are driving me mad.... Hopefully I will know more tomorrow and you will know more on Thursday. Hoping it's good news for us both Good luck and keep in touch. Amanda x