A week ago i had a bad pain in my right breast.I had a quick feel around but didn’t feel anything then yesterday i was getting into the bath and i looked down and noticed that half my breast was very badly bruised.It is literally half yellow and black.I examined myself and found a small lump in my armpit.I went to see my doctor today.She examined me and said there was definitely a thickened area in my breast and is sending me for an ultrasound scan.To my recollection i have not bumped or banged my breast in any way for it to bruise like it has.I’ve been sitting here tonight feeling for myself and there is most definitely an almost flat area of something that feels quite solid and quite large.I have minor aching too.I should get an appointment in the next 2 to 3 weeks.Naturally i’m assuming the worst and i’m terrified but other things are also concerning me.Since i was 17 i have suffered from agoraphobia and panic attacks.I also have a terrible phobia of vomiting.The thought of chemotherapy seems,at the moment,out of the question.I’m also hoping that i can get up enough courage to get to the scan appointment.If anyone has had similar symptoms or any advice i would be most grateful.Many thanks x
Hi dita1973
You may find our publication helpful to read, it’s called ‘Referral to a breast clinic’, this can be read via the following link:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/referral_07_0.pdf
Please feel free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 and speak to one of our specialist nurses in confidence for further support and information if you feel you need it, you can just talk through how you are feeling and this sometimes can help. The line is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi Dita
Im sorry you are having to go through this. I havent had your symptoms but my symptoms are different from most of the women on here and took that as a positive. Its a scarey time for you especially with your other problems but try not to jump ahead if possible. The waiting as you probably know from these threads is a terrible time and all sorts of things go through our heads.
You should get your appointment within 2 weeks, try to take somebody with you and talk to your gp about your fears see if they can help.
Good luck with everything let us know how you get on.
Yvonne xx
Dear Yvonne and Lucy,Thank you for your posts.I recieved a letter from the hospital today asking me to make an appointment within 7 days.Unfortunately they’re only open Monday to Friday.Now i’m worrying that the letter has come through only 2 days after visiting the doctor so i’m thinking that they must think it’s an urgent case.I’m automatically assuming the worst as i’m a very negative person.Like all the women in this forum i really can’t believe i’m here.It’s an old cliche but i literally never thought this would happen to me.I have no idea how i’m going to cope with the tests or the results.I’ve read most of the posts in here and i am amazed by all the people who suffer from this disease and their incredible courage and optimistic outlook.If my news is bad i know i’m going to be the worst patient.Sorry for ranting on.I always have been one of those people who feels sorry for themselves on a regular basis.My daughters,who are 14 and 11,are very worried.My husband is one of those who worries when there’s something to worry about.He is constantly saying ‘you’re going to be fine,nothing to worry about’.I don’t know if he’s being sensible or just burying his head in the sand.His Mum had breast cancer 12 years ago.She had a mastectomy and a course of radiotherapy and,thank God,she’s fine but i’m thinking to myself that it doesn’t always turn out that way.Told you i’m a major pessimist!Anyway i will keep you posted and thank you for reading.So much love to you all x
Hi Dita
Try to look on the good side, it is quite normal to be seen within 2 weeks whether it is anything to seriously worry about or not. It is a good thing that you dont have to wait too long to find out whats happening. Dont worry about ranting it goes on alot here. It is not necessarily a bad sign, remember if it is good news you will find out sooner, and if its not so good you will be able to get things going quicker, and you will have us to talk to in the meantime.
Yvonne xx
Dear Yvonne,Thank you for replying to my post again.I’m driving myself crazy.I’m constantly on the internet looking up cancer symptoms,etc.Not only have i convinced myself that i probably have breast cancer but that i have it in other places too.I’m so worried that i’m making myself feel physically ill.I really don’t know how i’m going to manage getting to the hospital let alone having the tests without having a panic attack.I just don’t think i can cope with all this.I’m a neurotic panicky mess all the time as it is and have been for the last 17 years but this is the first time i’ve had something genuine to panic about and it’s a nightmare.I have to ring the breast surgery clinic from 9am tomorrow and i’m worrying about that.If they get me in quickly i’ll be scared and if it takes a while then i’ll be scared about that too.I’m taking tranquillisers as i’m just so anxious which are making me sleep and then when i start to wake up,i don’t want to.I’m doing nothing but wallowing in self pity.I tell myself that if i assume the worst then anything else is a bonus.I think i’m just generally freaking out and don’t know how to get a grip.Thanks for reading and apologies again x
Hi Dita
You dont have to keep apologising hun. Its all very hard to cope with anyway without having your problems. Its always worse when you are waiting and I cant help you with that without going to the hospital and kicking them in the butt (I dont think thats allowed) Try to take some time out have a little pamper, relaxing music etc. Let me know how you get on tomorrow I will be looking out for you.
Yvonne xx
Thank you so much Yvonne for all your support x
Hi Dita sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. I know how you feel. I suffer from anxiety and depression too. (I have been perscribe vallium this weekend to get me to Friday) My lump came back inconclusive, but probably benign, but they have told me the only way they will know for sure is to take the damn thing out. My operation is on Friday and I am counting the days down until that day, but then will have to wait another two weeks to find out whether its cancer or not. I never thought I would cope with the waiting, but from my first referral to friday will be six weeks. I have surprised myself in that you do cope, you just have to, you find a strength within. It feels like the longest wait ever, but people keep telling me that actally its all happened very quickly! It does not feel quick, but I have managed, and so will you hun, you will find the strength. Ladies on here will give you amazing support!
J xxxxxx
Thank you Jules and if i don’t speak to you before i wish lots of luck for your operation.I really hope all goes well and i think you’re amazing.Thanks for sending me a message and for your encouragement.Wishing and sending you much love and huge hugs x
Hi Dita
Sorry to hear you’ve found a lump 
I’m sure something like 85% of lumps found are benign so try and stay positive, if you’re down it’ll bring your body down and right now you need to be strong.
I too found a lump a few weeks back, and imagine my horror at being told by gp that i can only get a ‘non urgent referral’ as i don’t ‘tick any boxes’ being only 25 and still breastfeeding my baby…Went private only to find i have bc…Anyway point i’m making is you have had a quick referral and things are in the right hands now, so whatever this lump is will be checked and treated in the correct way. Keep your chin up hun…Lots of love to you…Lauren.x.x.x.
Dear Lauren,Thank you for your reply.I’m so sorry that your news was not what you hoped.You sound like a very positive person and i’m sure you’ll kick it’s backside! I called the hospital this morning and got an appointment for 29th May.The bruising on my breast is starting to fade but there’s still some kind of thickening there and i get the odd pain.I am not too worried about the scan but the needle biopsy.How long will it take?Will it hurt?Will it bleed much?etc.Anyway i send you so much love and many hugs X
Hi dita
Same day as me the 29th. Not too long to wait. I dont think fnas hurt much Im not sure cos I didnt have one. Core biopsies are a bit uncomfortable but they gave me a local first so it wasnt too bad. I had 6 or 7 though cos mine was quite deep.
Good luck keep in touch.
Yvonne xx
Hello everyone,I’m still terrified.What’s weird is the area the doctor is concerned about seems to be changing.The bruising is fading but there is a definite thick,lumpy area that appears to be getting firmer.It’s almost like a big ridge in my breast and feels quite hard.I really don’t know what to think.One minute i’m convinced it’s BC and the next i convince myself it’s nothing.Very confused.Lots of love to you all x
dear dita
there’s an anxiety state called catastrophising where you can work yourself up in a state thinking the worst. Until you have tests what you have is a lumpy area which looked bruised. I had lumpy breasts before diagnosis, they were nothing to do with breast cancer fortunately. The lump I had felt different from the lumpy areas as it was rubbery, and it distorted the contour of my breast It was also completely painless. I was over forty five when I found it so it was suspicious to me. Most hard lumps in younger age groups are fibroadenomas, but after forty five you are more likely to get cysts. These disperse when a fine needle is put in them. Mine didn’t disperse so i did worry. Mind you once i knew what I had I felt a lot less anxious in some ways as at least I knew the treatment I’d get. By the way I didn’t have chemo, I had an operation and radiotherapy and I am here five years later.
Good luck
Mole
Appointment’s getting closer now and i’m making myself feel physically unwell through anxiety.I’m terrified that i won’t make it to the hospital on the day.I almost feel like i don’t want to know.I’m trying to think positive without much success.
How long until your appointment. You will get there hunny, and you will cope I promise you that. I am the biggest worrier ever and I have got through surgery! and am now waiting my results, if I can do it anyone can, trust me anxiety is my middle name, you are stronger than you think.
Love J xxx
It is a very confusing time, I remember having to physically stop myself from keep touching the area of my breast before I went to the clinic. You have had to wait a long time and theres still more you are bound to be stressed. Have you tried pampering, give yourself a head to toe. as a treat, take some time out for yourself. Try to keep busy, visit people, go cinema, shopping try to use up the time, make it go faster.
We are here when you need to talk.
Yvonne xx
Thank you Jules and Yvonne.Well done for getting through your surgery Jules and i really hope all is well with the results.Lots of love x
Thank you so much Dita. I admit now I am starting to feel better after the surgery, the niggling worries about what the result will be are starting, but its a week this Weds till I find out, so not that much longer. Also I have to have faith in what the consultant said when he thinks it will be ok, ok yes I have read on here sometimes they are wrong, but lots of times they are right.
How are you feeling today Dita?
xxx