I’ll just get straight to the point because I don’t really know what else to say.
I’m 24 years old and 2 weeks ago I found a hard lump, about the size of 20pence, at the bottom of my left breast, close to the rib cage. I went to the GP two days later, he felt it but (I presume because of my age) he told me to come back at the end of the month (31st Aug) and go from there, because it may be related to my menstrual cycle.
I’ve been checking it everyday. It hasn’t changed at all in size or shape but today for the first time it is moveable. Before it almost felt like it could have been part of my rib cage it was so stuck to the spot, but now it wiggles a little and it doesn’t feel smooth now, it feels rough/dotty.
I am really worried, I don’t know what this means really but all I remember is the GP saying to come back sooner if it changed at all.
My question(s) really is do I try and get an appointment tomorrow or do I wait till the 31st? Would a week really make the difference? If the GP says it is something to be concerned about what will happen next, and will going to that stage a week earlier make a difference?
Hi
If you have had you period this month then I would def go back earlier. If your period is due now it might be worth hanging on until after. However if you are really anxious then go back anyway and see if your gp can feel the difference too. Really hope it turns out to be something benign . Good luck dx
Thank you midge for your comment. I have a problem though, I’m on Cerazette contraception, which I means I don’t have periods any more and I’ve completely lost track of when I should have them.
I spent the whole night reading things online about it. Seems that before, when it was very hard and didn’t move, it was more likely to be cancerous. But now, now that it’s moveable, it is less likely to be. So, I’m going to take that as good news and just wait for the check up on the 31st. Hopefully by then it’s gone.
Go back and ask for further investigation. You could ask to be referred to the breast clinic for a check up.I don’t know where in the country you are but here in Coventry we have a one stop clinic which does ultrasound, mammogram and you get to see a specialist at the same time. all painless procedures.It will put your mind at rest.
x sarah
Whether you wait or don’t until 31st August, I agree with Sarah that you should ask to see a specialist. If you aren’t having a menstrual cycle as such I’m not entirely sure what the waiting will do. I’d also want to be finding out whether it could be related to taking Cerazette.Although hopefully it will be benign you need to know what is causing it, whether it will go, how to monitor it and what type of changes mean you should visit the doctor etc. Otherwise you’re going to keep worrying about. If the GP seems a bit reluctant ask him if he can categorically tell you what the lump is and what’s causing it.
As most of us on this site have been diagnosed with cancer (and I expect many like me never thought we would be) I strongly advocate better safe than sorry.
I’m going to try and get my appointment brought forward, just because waiting is making me fear the worst. My mind keeps changing, one moment I think all is fine it’s nothing to worry about, the next I think the worst.
Once I see the GP, if he doesn’t refer me to a clinic for further tests and he doesn’t have an answer to what it is, then I’ll ask to be referred.
I mean hopefully, and statistically (I read so much last night online about it)it is probably nothing to worry about. But, (as I’ve read so much) I know that it is best to sort these things out as soon as possible.
Wise decision given how worried you are. It’s so hard being firm about these things when you go to the GP so may I suggest planning what you’ll say. Sounds silly but I do that now before every appointment with GP or consultant or I find my worries aren’t always alleviated once I leave the consulting room.
You could for example say you need to know 100% it isn’t cancer.
So I saw the GP, much more friendlier doctor, and she is sending me to a clinic to do tests.
She said it is good news that it now moves and is hopefully just a ‘breast mouse’, but best to be sure.
I asked what will happen at the clinic, she said they’ll do a ultrasound, they won’t do a mammogram as my breast tissue will be too dense because of my age. And, if they think it is necessary they jab a bloody needle in me and take a sample (I say bloody because I’m terrified TERRIFIED of needles).
So, hopefully in a couple of weeks I’ll know what is going on. I already feel better though knowing I’ll be seeing someone who is specialised in this. I am even less snappy now LOL.
The biopsy is not a problem, remember that they do these every day and the procedure is very quick. I hate needles too and honestly it wasn’t that bad.Plan a nice treat for yourself after you have been to the clinic, it makes it a bit easier to have something nice to look forward to
x sarah
I’m so pleased that you had a friendlier doctor and also one who wants proper confirmation. If you need a biopsy it is a bit uncomfortable and you’ll probably get some bruising. However, think about how much you’ve been worrying and what it will be worth to get this checked fully (if it’s needed). They may be able to see with just the ultrasound.
Be a good idea to take someone with you and as Sarah says arrange for a treat of some sort after.
Hi Girls
A breast mouse is usually called a fibrodenoma -theres info about it on this site as well as loads on google.Its what I had about 9 years ago, but have been told no link to BC dx.
Hope this helps
Cathie