24yr old with lump

Offline jane96 over 5 years ago

Hi everyone,

so I had a bit of pain in my left breast the other week and felt around, I could feel a lump and I went to the GP and she confirmed she could feel a lump and has referred me to the breast clinic. My appointment is on Tuesday and I'm terrified. All I can think about is this lump being there. She said I had no swollen lymph nodes but since my GP appointment, I can feel another painful part in my breast, I don't want to say it's a lump because I'm honestly not sure, I feel like my paranoia is in overdrive and I'm just thinking the worst.

anyway, I'm terrified. I'm so scared I'm going to have cancer and eventually my son will lose his mum like I lost mine (aged 11 (not breast cancer)) he'll have nobody left and since I lost my parents I know that pain. His dad died last March and I don't want history to repeat itself. Because of this, I've always been terrified of cancer, it's been a huge fear so this waiting to find out what my lump is, well it's a nightmare.

I guess I'm posting in here to share my story, and also get advice and kind words, and to be around people who know how this feels. My sister diminished my very real fears and made me feel like I was worrying for nothing. Everyone's telling me not to worry but what if I'm the 1 in 8 that gets diagnosed at the clinic? God, I'm probably rambling. I'm sorry. I'm shaking whilst typing this. Like I said I'm just so scared. My anxiety has skyrocketed and I don't know what to do.

if anyone in a similar age group with similar circumstances could tell me a little about their experience at the breast clinic and what to expect and how long they had to wait for results etc. Could share? That would be a huge help. Honestly I just want to have somebody's hand to hold through this I guess. I'm trying to not worry and be strong for my son whilst also wishing I could throw my duvet over my head and cry for days...

thank you for reading. X

Moderator Jenn over 5 years ago

Hello Jane96
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so anxious about things at the moment. It's understandable given everything you've been through that you are feeling worried.
It might help you to know that the large majority of women referred to breast clinic are not diagnosed with breast cancer. It's not uncommon for younger women to have lumpy breasts and it's very possible that your lump may be a cyst or fibroadenoma (non cancerous lump).
Whn you go to clinic it's likely that the Consultant will examine both your breasts and they may request an ultrasound. Typically women under 40 don't have mammograms because of the density of their breast tissue.
The Consultant should be able to answer some of your questions when you go to clinic on Tuesday and I'm sure that they will be able to give you some reassurance about things.
If it would help to have a chat with one of our nurses before you go then do give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.
I hope the appointment goes smoothly. Do let us know how you get on.
Best wishes,
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator
Cancel
Join to reply Sign in to reply

Cancel
Offline Jolamine over 5 years ago

Oh Jane,
What a pickle you're in and, it's no wonder. It sounds as if you have been through a lot already and, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. As Jenn says, many lumps are not cancerous, but it is not unusual for us to expect the worst whilst we're waiting for tests. Fortunately, this seldom happens.
I am considerably older than you, but have had more than my fair share of examinations at the breast clinic, so thought that I would give you the heads up.
When you arrive at the breast clinic you will see the consultant, who will discuss your symptoms and, then examine your breasts. You will then have an ultrasound. This is the same as you probably had when you were expecting your son. It is totally painless. Depending upon what is found on ultrasound, you may then have a biopsy. This is carried out under local analgesia. Here they take a sample from your lump and that is sent away for analysis. This will determine whether your lump is cancerous or benign. This means that you are unlikely to get any results at your first appointment, unless there is obviously nothing to worry about.
It usually takes 1-2 weeks for your results to come back. As soon as your consultant receives them s/he will discuss your case at the next MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting. This means that if the lump is cancerous, s/he will already be able to advise you of the best way forward. If the lump is benign, in most cases you will be discharged, but occasionally they decide to remove benign lumps for various reasons.
I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer 22 years ago and have had 2 bouts myself in the past 11 years. Treatments have advanced so much in the interim. There is just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and after care which we have both experienced. Instead of dying with cancer, many people are now living with it.
The staff at the breast clinics are usually very pleasant and do their best to put you at your ease. I always write down a list of questions for my consultant before any appointment, as this ensures that I don't forget to ask anything important. Many of us do this, so your consultant will not be at all surprised if you do the same.
I shall be thinking of you on Tuesday and, hope that all goes well. Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
Kind regards,
Jolamine xx
Cancel
Join to reply Sign in to reply

Cancel

All Categories

24yr old with lump

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us