Still worried as hell, have only had 1 reply, it's genuine!

Hi, I felt a lump in my right breast about 3 months ago. Because of the lockdown I just thought it's probably nothing and I didn't want to put extra pressure on the NHS. I kept checking the lump and it was more like a ridge on the inside (closer to the middle of my chest and not in the main breast tissue) I eventually went to my GP who examined me and referred me to the breast clinic, which was last Tuesday. There, I had a mammogram (I already had a routine one at the age of 48, another at 51 and both were clear), an ultrasound scan and double core biopsy. The consultant who first examined me said my lump was "cause for concern" and paid an awful lot of attention to my right armpit. I left the hospital thinking all kinds of things. Since then I've been on the internet and have convinced myself I've got weeks to live (I've never been a hypochondriac). My results appointment at the hospital is in 2 days time and I'm terrified. Since my appointment last Tuesday, I've had pain under both armpits as well as the place of the biopsy (which I expected). I've also had a pain in the back of my neck and shooting pains in my legs. I've also had quite nasty unexplained bruising on my left upper arm which I didn't mention during examination. Is this my brain messing with me, should I call 999? I don't know anyone who has had breast cancer, so I just don't know what to do other than wait 2 days to find out. How soon will I get treatment if I do have it, will I be on a waiting list for treatment? I'm 54 next week and really not ready to throw in the towel. Helllllppppppp 

  • Hi there ..

    Firstly take deep breaths ... I think you've gone into panic mode ... we all were worried but sounds like your thinking worse case sinario before you even know ... and no matter what it won't change the outcome ..

    Now remember 8.5 out of ten lumps are benign... and even those of us that got a positive ... mine after 4 call backs over the years that were o.k ... but last one was positive.. but breast cancer has come a long way .. I came on here 3 years ago and chatted to 5/6 others who were diagnosed to .. all different stages and treatments... three years down the line, wer all still here, with the others going back to their life post cancer... 

    So fingers crossed your be clear .. but if not , you'll find others here that will help you through .. I had a grade three breast cancer... but still here talking to you .. so keep busy, you only have two days till you know ... Chrissie....

  • Thanks Chrissie, I keep telling myself it's going to be fine, but the devil on my shoulder tells me to get real!! So to my mantra, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I don't think I'll be getting much sleep tonight, but tomorrow I hope to be jumping for joy. Thanks again, Jo

  •  

    Hi Honeybunch,

    Waiting for test results is always a scary time and most of us convince ourselves that we're facing the worst case scenario without going anywhere near the internet. It is impossible to tell what you are facing until you get those results tomorrrow, so try to steer clear of 'Dr Google' in the meanwhile.

    It is normal to have pain post-biopsy and this can take quite a few weeks to settle completely.

    It's amazing how anxiety can take over our lives and, it sounds as if might be happening to you at the moment. Many of us find all sorts of aches and pains, but these usually settle down once you get a definite diagnosis. Besides, it is unusual to get pain with a breast cancer diagnosis.

    Your mantra is a good one, as you are always best to be prepared, but I sincerely hope that it doesn't come to this and, that you are jumping for joy tomorrow. As Chrissie says, the chances are pretty good for you.

    Do please keep in touch and let us know how tomorrow goes. We are always here for you.

    Hoping that you get favouable news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx