I am 29 and I have had pains in my left breast for many months and stupidly did nothing about it until last week as it was getting too much. I went to the doctors on Wednesday last week. She examined me and stated she could feel a couple of lumps and my nipple was making all sorts of funny shapes. My aunt has just got the all clear after having breast cancer for a few years. The doctor said if she was me she would be worrying and would expect the worst!!
The doctor booked me an urgent appointment at the breast clinic. I haven’t told anyone what is going on as I don’t want to worry them but I can’t sleep and thinking straight has gone completely out of the window!
I go to the clinic tomorrow and am shaking with nerves already…whats going to happen??
I am trying to be realistic and know 9 out of 10 cases are OK but just can’t help thinking the worst!
When you get to the clinic, you will be examined by a doctor, have a mammogram and maybe an ultrasound and what they call a fine needle aspiration, where some fluid is drawn off the lump, it the lump is thought to contain fluid. This is nowhere near as bad as it sounds - I had it done and it is virtually painfree. Depending on your hospital, you may the results there and then or you may have to wait. I think the worst time possible is the waiting and not knowing. Once you know what is going on, whatever the outcome, you can then get your head round it and deal with it. It is likely to be something harmless, but even if you do have cancer, its not as bleak as you may think. Many, many women survive BC, like your aunt and your doctor has acted quickly. Try not to look too far ahead as your imagination will go mad. Focus on tomorrow and take it from there.
Of course you are worried,anyone would be.When you go to the clinic you will probably have a mammogram,an ultrasound and a fine needle biopsy These will give the doctors a lot of information about your breasts.The mammo is an Xray where your breast is between two metal plates and the take two picturse,one horizontal and one vertical.The ultrasound is where you lie down,the radiograppher spreads a gel on your breast and moves a camera over your breas to pick up anything unusual.The fine needle biopsy is where they put a needle[doesnt hurt honest]into the lump and take some fluid or cells for analysis.If it is a one stop clinic you may get the results the same day.In any case a doctor and probably a breast care nurse will talk to you and explain exactly what they can see so far.They may want you to have a core biopsy which is where they take a little bit of the lump.You get a local anaesthetic for that.This all sounds terrifying I know and it is very possible that all is benign.If it isnt then there are so many new and proven treatments This site is wonderful you can ring the helpline and someone will talk to you about any concerns.They also have an excellent information pack which they will send you.You will find so many women here who will support you through.May I suggest you take someone with you to the clinic and get them to write down any crucial information.You might also want to take a list of questions to ask as you may forget something in the stress of the situation.I would like to wish you kuck and send you love.Do let us know how you get on.Love Valxx
As Horace has kindly suggested, please do call the helpline if you feel it would help to talk things through with someone in confidence, the line is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm on 0808 800 6000.
Cathy is right, the waiting and the unknown is the most terrifying part in all this. Once you know one way or the other, you can set your stall out and deal with it, when you dont know what you are dealing with, then thats a different story.
I’ve had 3 lumpectomy operations (3 biopsies first) and all 3 have been benign. Like you I got pain in the left breast, and discharge from the nipple, but it wasn’t BC! I had Fibroadenoma, a non cancerous tumour. I have another lump in my left breast (had 2 in right, and now 2 in left) I’m fairly confident its the same thing, here’s hoping.
I wish you the very best of luck at the clinic. In Yorkshire where I live, you see the consultant, they examine you, send you for ultrasound (depending on your breast tissue, maybe mammogram but you may be too young for that, firm tissue doesn’t really show much up) then you go back up to the consultant. he may order you have a biopsy depending on what your scan shows up. I’ve had this each time I’ve been and its really nothing to worry about, a little unconfortable, but thats all. Then I had to wait around 2 weeks for the results… thats the hard part!!
We are all here for you, please feel free to ask away, vent your frustrations or whatever it is you want to do. My advice is dont research too much, not until you have a diagnosis, you will only make it worse for yourself. You will worry yourself sick.
Take care, keep in touch and let us all know how you are doing. Everything crossed hun.
Cheekylou,
please take someone with you. This is much too big to do alone, you need support, some company while waiting and also I don’t think you will be safe to drive if anxious. On a practical note you won’t remember anything much they say, someone else will remember more
Big hug
Lily x
Hi there, I’ve just this minute joined the forums although I’ve been reading posts over the weekend. 2 years ago I found a small mobile lump and was referred to the breast clinic. It turned out to be a benign cyst and was drained during the ultrasound. I recently thought I had another lump but because of the last one being OK, I wasn’t 100% sure and kept a watch. Then I got distracted by preparing my daughter leaving for university and all the emotional turmoil that brought. On Wed evening I went for a swim (first time in months) and whilst showering was totally blown away by the large hard lump that suddenly appeared from nowhere. Saw my GP on Friday and she’s referring me to the breast clinic as an urgent referral. She said this one is different to the last one as it’s large and hard, told me not to worry (as they do) and that I’ll be seen within 2 weeks. Even though I’ve been through it all before and know 90% of lumps are benign I’m still very worried but trying to keep positive but that’s easier said than done. I just hope the appt comes through quickly so I can get it sorted or at least know what I’m dealing with. I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis 2.5 years ago and have been through enough with that and coming to terms with it, I really don’t need this too. It’s wierd how I feel, obviously terrified if it is BC but if it is not (hopefully it won’t be) I feel angry that it’s come along and what a waste of emotions that brings you. Sorry for those of you with BC that must sound so trivial and reading these posts I admire each and everyone of you for your courage and the support you give to everyone else when you’re going through so much yourselves.
Fingers crossed for you today,I hope you have someone to take with you as Lily says.
Come back and let us know how you get on,we will be here for you whatever!
Hugs,
Dot
SueEllen,
Fingers crossed for you too,I hope you get an appointment soon,the waiting is the worst.
We are here for you too,
Dot
x
Thank you Dot. I got a call from the hospital today (only saw my GP on Friday) and they’ve given me an appointment for Thursday morning. Even though I’m glad I don’t have to wait long it’s freaked me out that it’s all happening so fast. Last time I got a letter 10 days after seeing the GP and an appointment a couple of weeks later. I’m not used to the NHS moving so fast it’s scaring me a bit. Still keeping in my head most lumps are nothing to worry about, well trying to anyway.
SueEllen,
I understand how you feel but try not to panic about the speed of your referral,they may have had a cancellation or something.Plus they can’t tell from your referal letter if you have BC or not.
By the way theres nothing trivial about your worries,we have all been where you are now and we understand the terror.
I will be crossing my fingers that you are OK on Thursday ,but remember we will be here for you if its bad news and you will cope.
Keep us informed!
Hugs
Dot
xx
I’m happy to say I’m one of the lucky ones. It looks like a cyst with borderline changes, they took as much away as they could with the biospy needle and sent off to the lab but my gut feeling is all will be OK. Not like the last one where the liquid was quickly drained and I went straight back to work, this one hurt like hell and I took the rest of the day off and have felt totally worn out all day, maybe post-shock combined with relief. My breast and armpit are still throbbing but any pain is fine as I know just how lucky I am form reading these forums over the last few days. Thank you for all your support and I’m just so grateful to be one of the lucky ones. You have all inspired me. You’re all so brave and I wish you all the luck in the world in your fight against this terrible disease. I’ll check in now and again and offer support to future frightened ladies who are going through the waiting game. I lost my father to bowell cancer and also a very dear friend last year who was only 36 so it’s very close to my heart. Love and best of luck to you all. xxx