Hi Holly, I have GAD with a specific focus on health anxiety since the pandemic began, and I went to the GP today because I felt a lump in my breast. I hoped to be told it was a cyst and sent on my way, but unfortunately I've been referred to the breast clinic, and obviously I am thinking the worst too. I wasn't experiencing any pain but since examination both my breasts have felt heavy and tender, I think that's mainly psychological, maybe a little because of the poking and prodding today. So I totally understand. 

Hi Aimee Lou,

Sorry to hear that you're in that situation, but fingers crossed it is a cyst after all.

It's so strange how the mind works like that! I reckon health anxiety must be playing a huge role in that for both of us. Definitely glad it's not just me experiencing this, too.

Have you found anything that helps the pain? I find that paracetamol does very little (maybe because it's psychological) but that ice packs work very well.

I haven't tried taking anything yet, my breasts just feel heavy and tender and I feel more aware of them, and like I don't want to touch them incase I feel something else, like you said. It's very odd. Literally had no pain before, just felt the lump the other evening. I hope you find some relief for the pain! I used ice packs for a groin injury, my daughter prefers hot packs for her sore knees (Osgood Schlatters Disease). Do you have a date for your clinic appointment yet? 

Yeah absolutely! I eventually managed to have a shower after I posted the original and just avoided the breast with the lump. I feel like I've developed a fear of my left breast! 

No, not yet. GP said they would call within 2 weeks but nothing so far. Hoping they'll get in touch soon but it's only been 3 days. Have you?

No it's literally been 6 hours since my GP appointment, haha! Patience is not my strong point, thanks to anxiety! I hope you hear from them soon, and you manage to find ways to distract yourself in the meantime. X 

Hi Holly & AimeeLou

I have just been referred to the breast clinic too (on the 9th) so I can identify with the worrying feelings while we wait. It's hard not to think of the worst but I'm trying to tell myself that there's no point in worrying until I know if there's something to worry about! 
Try and distract yourselves with something you enjoy like a hobby or watch Netflix! I know it's easier said than done but this is going to be a looooong 2 weeks (or maybe longer ‍♀️) if we stress about it constantly. 
 

sending hugs,

K x

Hi K, you're absolutely right! I kinda flip between severe anxiety to "hey, sod it, what will be will be and I can't control it". I prefer the latter phases. Glad you are staying positive and keeping yourself occupied! Hopefully we'll all get our appointment dates soon! X 

Hi K, you're absolutely right! I kinda flip between severe anxiety to "hey, sod it, what will be will be and I can't control it". I prefer the latter phases. Glad you are staying positive and keeping yourself occupied! Hopefully we'll all get our appointment dates soon! X 

It's only natural to have these feelings.
I keep catching myself looking up information about it all and I don't know if it's better or worse that I can't seem to find anyone who has the similar thing that I'm feeling as I don't have a lump (not that I can feel!)- It's more like a string under the skin from the side of my armpit down to my nipple & which forms an indented line when I raise my arm - it's only visible and palpable when I raise my arm. 
The dr doesn't seem to think it is anything sinister which is reassuring however in the same breath, she had said it's not normal so it's worth checking it out. 
I just want to know when my appointment is already so I can focus on getting there! Would you believe I'm usually a patient person?! :laugh:

K x

Absolutely, I had to have ultrasounds last month due to ongoing abdominal and pelvic pain and the wait for the appointment was horrible, I spent the time constantly googling and reading the worst things, I know not to do that this time. Even my dr today said don't Google things. But just having the date gives you something to focus on, to work towards. My dr today said the lump "felt like" fibroadenoma, but again in the same breath said she'd refer me for further testing but "not to worry". I would never have found this lump if I wasn't going through a puberty book with my daughter which had a section on checking your breasts, realised I never do that, so I had a go! 

I've definitely been trying to stay away from all the information booklets at the moment! Even though it's very likely a cyst I just know the stress reading anything else would cause me... 

I always find it worse at night when there's nothing else to think about, but my partner's very understanding which has been really helpful. I'm also a student so actually sitting down and doing my work has been productive and distracting! Although, quite a lot of it involves reading about cancer treatments which doesn't help :laugh:

Still no appointment date yet but hoping to hear this week. 

What about you? Are you managing well?

I'm glad you're staying busy and distracted! I actually got a call this afternoon, my appointment is on Friday, which feels very quick as my referral was last Thursday. I feel a mix of relief that I don't have to wait much longer, but also worry that it'll only be a few more days until I know whether it is or isn't bad news. I hope you get your appointment soon! 

Great that you've got your appointment date! I understand it's definitely mixed feelings. At least then you'll know what's going on rather than all of the "what ifs" of waiting.

Fingers crossed it's good news :)

Hi there,

Hope you don't mind me asking, but how did it go? Not too stressful or uncomfortable I hope :happy:

I'm assuming you haven't got any results yet, but do you know when you'll hear back?

Turns out my appointment's been booked for this coming Thursday so I'm glad to finally have a date.

(Obviously, if you're not comfortable talking about it or just not yet, then please don't feel you have to reply)

Hello! Actually I got my results there and then, just an examination, the doctor located the lump, and then did an ultrasound where she told me there and then that it was just a mass of a tissue (which I assume is a fibroadenoma like the gp suspected?) and said it was absolutely nothing to worry about! I felt super weirded out afterwards as I had convinced myself of the worst. It was actually really quick, once I got seen as the clinic was running 40 minutes late which didn't help my anxiety! Please let me know how you get on on Thursday! Hope you are doing OK with the wait. X 

That's great news, you must be so relieved! Glad it's nothing serious. So good that you were able to find out there and then too.

I'm just looking forward to getting it done and out of the way now! :laugh: Hoping that I get to find out there as well to minimise any worrying.

Hi AimeeLou,

Glad to see you received good news! I had my appointment today. I had an ultrasound and a biopsy. They found a fibroadenoma but they also saw a lump deeper down which they hadn't felt so they decided to take a biopsy. They think it may be a cyst as it appeared to deflate a bit after the biopsy but they've sent it off to pathology anyway to be sure. Now it's just the agonising wait for the results! 
I'm somewhat reassured by what they said but I dont think I'll sleep properly until I've been given the all clear - plus the fact my boob is rather tender  

Good luck for your appointment Holly x