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Lump on breast and ache in armpit

soph1993
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Hi everyone, just thought I'd come on here as I'm in a major panic. I've had a small lump on my right breast for a couple of years now. I know it sounds ridiculous that I didn't get it checked out earlier, but I was breastfeeding at the time and was certain it was a milk duct as my breasts were super lumpy while I was breastfeeding anyway. It hasn't gotten bigger or changed in anyway in this time, however three days ago I noticed a slight aching sensation in my armpit, more towards my chest rather than under the armpit. I went to the doctor yesterday who confirmed there was a breast lump. However, she could not feel any lumps in my armpit or any lymph nodes up. She believed that the armpit pain was muscular and not linked to the lump. She referred me for a two week breast referral and I am waiting for this now. She did say it wes very reassuring that i had had the lump for over a year without having any other changes or symptoms. But I can't help but feel totally panicked. Has anyone else had similar experiences with positive outcomes? I'm going mad with worry and don't want to leave my daughter behind :(

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    Hello soph1993 and a big welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    You've come to the right place to talk to other ladies who have had a similar experience and have also been referred to the breast clinic after finding a lump on their breast. It's normal to feel really anxious while you are waiting to be seen but try not to expect the worst as there are so many other things it could be. It does sound like your doctor is not overly concerned and that she found it reassuring that the lump hadn't changed in a year and you experienced no other symptoms. Try and keep away from Dr Google while you are waiting for your breast clinic appointment. You can find in depth information about what to expect from your breast clinic appointment which I hope will help you prepare ahead of your appointment and which will answer some of the questions you may have. 

    Sending you positive vibes and I hope that everything goes well at your appointment and that it turns out to be nothing concerning.

    I will now let our other members come and say hello and share their individual stories with you.  

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Soph,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I agree totally with what our moderator Lucie has said. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts or fibrous changes. You could also have hormonal changes related to your breastfeeding. As someone who has had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years, I can assure you that how you are feeling is perfectly normal. We all feel over emotional, cry a lot, are very short tempered and, give reign to our imaginations, which lead us to all sorts of dark places.

    What makes this worse is when we decide to consult 'Dr Google'. This sets our panic into overdrive, as much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases, so please steer clear. Your GP doesn't seem too concerned, but she is doing the right thing in getting it checked out.

    I do so hope that you don't have long to wait for your appointment and, that all turns out well. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for your comforting response :)

    I have definitely made the mistake of diagnosing myself through Dr Google. I find myself on my phone constantly flicking through different signs, symptoms, and stories. I'm going to make a conscious effort to stop now, as it's only causing me more anxiety and stopping me from doing other day to day activities! I'm sorry to hear that you gone through two bouts of cancer, that must have been a terribly difficult time and I can barely begin to imagine, based solely on how I'm feeling during this uncertain time.   
     

    Im going to try and remain positive, as I know it could be many other benign conditions causing the lump, it's just very easy to let your mind get carried away and instantly go to the worst outcome. 
     

    wishing you health and happiness!

    Soph :)

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you for your response :)

    This is a fantastic forum and it's really helpful being able to speak to other people with similar experiences. It definitely makes you feel less alone!

    I'll try to remain positive, as I know that there are many other benign conditions that could be causing the lump. The waiting game is gruelling however!

    Thank you,

    Sophia :)

  • Offline in reply to soph1993

     

    Hi Sophia,

    You might find it helpful to read the thread 'Waiting on breast biopsy results'. This is under the heading  'Introduce yourself'. This has a number of ladies who are all either awaiting diagnosis, or waiting to be seen at the breast clinic. You might find it useful to be able to speak to others who are or have recently gone through this process.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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