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Awaiting Emergency Referral

Scouser85
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I'm 35, no kids and generally healthy apart from mental health problems.

Found a lump in my left breast whilst showering a while ago but thought nothing of it. The past 4 weeks maybe, I've had pain under my armpit and down the side of my breast. The lump which was pea sized now feels a lot bigger and my breast is swollen at the top and side nearest my arm. I have upper back pain particularly shoulder blades and collar bone area and feel exceptionally run down and tired all of the time.

I've been scared but bit the bullet and went to see my GP yesterday. I thought she would say I had a pulled muscle but she could feel exactly what I felt. I am now awaiting an emergency referral to go to hospital for tests. Best case scenario is that it's a cyst but what if its something more serious 

 

My mum had a scare a few years ago in her right breast which turned out to be calcium growth. She is very supportive but has her own health issues so I don't want to burden her with my fears and upset.

 

I thought by joining this group I could get a bit of information about people's experiences and get some advice.

I guess I'm fearing the worst I know but can't help but worry can you? 

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    Hello, 

    I've been to the Breast clinic today as I was referred by my GP following finding a lump in my right breast. So i know how you're feeling. 

    From looking at this site myself it can be anything- so many different conditions. It's easier said than done but try not to worry.

    At the breast clinic today I was examined by a consultant, then sent for an ultrasound where they then followed up with a biopsy. I didnt have a mammogram because I'm under 40. But the examination, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy all form the assessments to find out the cause. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have based on my experience today.

    After the ultrasound the consultant has said she thinks it's a cluster of fibroadenoma's but wanted the biopsy to be sure. So I'll now have a 2 week wait for the results.

    Also, I've not told anybody. Don't want to worry anyone at this stage. Not sure thats the right thing to do to be honest but I just don't want to deal with others getting emotional when I'm trying to hold myself together.

    Wish you all the best. I've found this forum very helpful xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Syl85

    Hi Syl hope you're having a good evening

    Thanks for your reply, what was the biopsy like? Did you have anyone to accompany you to your appointment? 

    I'm hoping for the best for us both results wise but you can't help worrying can you. Try to stay positive I'm still a bit in shock about having to go to the breast clinic got a million and one fears going round my head

     

    Thanks

    K x

  • Offline in reply to Scouser85

    Hello, sorry to hear you are going through this. 
     

    I have also been referred to the breast clinic for a pea size lump under my nipple, not painful, found almost 3 weeks ago and terrified. Although I say not painful these last 2 days I have had lots of pain come and go in both breasts! I always do a week or so before my period, which is why I am holding out until next week, but this is a different type of pain! 
     

    I hope you get your appointment soon so that you can be checked out and hopefully ease your mind. 
     

    good luck xx

  • Offline in reply to Scouser85

    Hi, that's OK. Yes thank you, hope you are too but I know you'll be worried.

    The biopsy was ok, they use a local anaesthetic which stings as its injected but after that didn't feel a thing. The biopsy thing makes a click, but like a staple gun I suppose and the doctor that performed it pre-warned me which was nice. If anything I found the ultrasound more uncomfortable as they press it hard against the skin. Honestly doesn't hurt at all. Bit tender now though. 

    Yes try to stay positive, its a very worrying time and I think its instinct to assume the worst. Oh bless you, it's a lot to take in. I, stupidly had the lump for a little while before seeing GP so knew I'd be referrered to the breast clinic when I got around to reporting it. I think I was in denial if I'm honest. 

    No I went alone. Had a lovely nurse come into the biopsy and talked to me throughout to reassure and distract me. 

    Hope you get your appointment through soon. Try to take it one step at a time. Let me know how you get on xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Mumma123

    Hi Mumma123,

    My lump feels bigger than pea sized and the area surrounding it is really tender including under my armpit and down side of breast

    I also get swollen and painful breasts during my period, like most women I guess but like you said it's a different kind of pain and has been present before my period. 

    Good luck 

    K xx

     

    Hope you will be OK too and get sorted soon 

  • Offline

    Hi, sorry to hear you are going through the waiting and worry. I too am waiting for a 2 week referral, which is now 3 weeks, and have been told it could be a few weeks yet because of covid. I have had 2 other referrals In the past which did come through within 2 weeks, and thankfully were false alarms. 

    I have found watching a good film takes my mind off it for a short while as does knitting and crochet. My worst times are the early hours but otherwise I am quite calm :happy:  

    we wouldn't be human if we didn't worry but try to carry on with your daily routine, it helps for me.

    I have also found telling my husband, son and friends about it has helped too. It kind of clears my mind of it for a while.

    I hope you get seen soon and wish you well.

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