Cancer Research UK main site

Obsessed over right breast/pain

Maria1991
Offline

I found a breast lump late last year which disappeared by the time I attended the breast clinic. They did a very thorough ultrasound of the right side of the right breast and found cystic lumps, blocked nodules etc but no cause for concern.

I experience cyclical breast pain (heavy/lumpy breasts, occasional twinges etc) which I generally feel more in the right breast/side. 

The past 10 days have been usual for my cycle, with some arm/back pain, twinges in both breasts although more of a focus on the right side. Havent felt any noticeable unusual lumps in either breast. 

However my anxiety got out of control and I had a telephone appointment with my doctor who was very reassuring, explaining my results again from the ultrasound, referred/chest wall pain and the normality of occasional aches and pains. 

These pains have now gone but I've now become obsessed with "additional symptoms" mainly focusing on lymph nodes. I've prodded, poked, pinched and pushed on my armpits and neck glands etc. Now the fatty bit of skin between the right breast and armpit hurts, feels like a strained muscle. The other side aches a bit but not as much. I feel hyper aware of the right side of my body and have been scouring the internet and worrying myself sick that there is a cancerous lump deep in the breast (I'm obsessed with the idea that it is on the front part of the breast which they did not ultrasound) and has spread. 

I'm 28 and have found a few stories of women of similar age and with similar symptoms. I'll call the doctor again next week but I'm fighting a losing battle keeping the thoughts under control. 

 

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine,

    Thank you for your reply. 

    Throat lump still seems to be there although I'm hyper aware of it now as I keep swallowing to see if I can feel it. 

    Panic and anxiety became overwhelming so I went to a&e. They did a thorough check of both breasts, armpits, the fatty tissue bit between breast/armpit, all glands on upper body etc. Checked my ears too and said aches and pains are generally muscular etc. They couldn't feel any lumps and said ears were clear.

    So I did feel reassured for a while but of course the fear has returned, so much so that I've booked a private clinic appointment. I'm just obsessed with the idea that all these symptoms are connected (lump when swallowing, occasional blocked ear, occasional sensations in the fatty bits by armpits). 

    Didn't realise how much I was struggling mentally so I'm waiting for a GP call to discuss throat and sort out anxiety medication. 

  • Offline in reply to Maria1991

    Hi Maria,

    I'm glad to hear that you had a good check over when you went to A & E. This should have reassured you, but it obviously hasn't.  

    When did you get your private clinic appointment for? I hope that you don't have long to wait.  Did your GP phone you back today and, has he sorted your medication? It is always so difficult to believe that everything is ok when you are so obsessed that it's not. Still, you know your own body best, so you are as well to pursue this, then hopefully you'll be able to set your mind to rest.

    Do please tell us how you get on with your private consultation. In the meantime, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi,

    I'm currently sitting in the waiting room after a breast consultation. The doctor did a breast exam and checked glands, underarms etc and all seemed fine. He identified a few lumpy bits on the right breast and I then had an ultrasound. Results were: normal breast tissue. Dense and lumpy but normal. 

    I've cried so much I've got mascara on my blimmin face mask. 

    I've also arranged for counselling for health anxiety/OCD and I've been prescribed anti anxiety tablets. 

    Thank you Jolamine, and others who have provided kind insight and words. Thank you xx

  • Offline in reply to Maria1991

     

    Hi Maria,

    This is really great news. I'm delighted for you. I hope that you can believe that you are clear now and, you can get on with your life. A number of ladies have naturally lumpy breasts and, I'm sure that your consultant will have already told you that.

    I'm glad to hear that you have managed to arrange counselling as well and, that you have some anti-anxiety tablets to tide you over meanwhile.

    You were lucky that the consultant told you your results today - saves another week or two of panic.

    With all this good news, it's almost worth ruining a face mask for!

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Maria, 

    I am so so glad that you have gotten the all clear and that you are getting help with your aniexty :)

    Your post has made me call my GP and she is happy for me to come in for an examination on Tuesday afternoon so hopefully that will put my mind at ease and I go back to normal.. if you can call 2020 normal lol. 

    x

     

     

  • Offline in reply to S.ripley

     

    Hi S.ripley,

    I am glad to hear that you have a face to face appointment with your GP on Tuesday and, hope that she can give you the reassurance that you need.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

     

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.