Hi! I am 56 and have had a small lump in my breast for a couple of years - I was referred to a Breast Clinic for mammogram/ultrasound and was told it was just normal changes - I was pre-menopausal then.
This week whislt drying my hair after my shower I noticed an oval shape on the same breast - when I pressed on it it was sore and felt different! I thought it may be hormonal as I am now menopausal with loads of symptoms (oh the joys of hot flushes, forgetfulness, sleep problems, etc.)
After fretting for a few days I went to see my GP today - she agreed that my current lump did not appear to have grown and that there was a difference between my breasts in the new area and a definite thickening where it is sore.
She has referred me to the Breast Clinic once more! I am trying to be logical and not worry too much but I am much more worried than the last time I was referred. The Bank Holiday weekend will obviously slow down the appointment which doesn’t help!
I would normally talk to my daughter - we are very close - but she is in Florida for 2 weeks visiting Mickey Mouse! Obviously I will not tell her before sh comes home. Also I had a TIA 15 months ago and my children still worry if I am late getting home (or forget to take my mobile with me and they cannot contact me) - I don’t want them to worry unless there is something to worry about.
Hiyer Ali,
Your doctor sounds great, and really on the ball, AND you have done exactly the right thing in being vigilant and in reporting changes.This is all good news as it means that IF there were to be a malignant change, then you have spotted it early. Earlier treatment, if needed, can be less invasive and more effective. You’ll know the drill having been to the clinic once before, a manual examination, a mammo and ultrasound…following that possibly a biopsy if they are unable to establish with absolute certainty that it is benign. If you do end up having a biospy, it still doesn’t mean that they are sure you have a form of breast cancer, it could just mean that they want to be absolutely certain as the images aren’t providing them the clarity they would like… and only in gaining cells can they be sure.
Of course, remember, the breast clinic isn’t called a ‘breast cancer clinic’, its there to diagnose and treat benign conditions a majority of the time. Of course, they also find the forms of bc, but thats positive as it means that it is found and can be treated. Treatment nowadays is so effective and individual, even for late stages of bc, that you need not panic even if you did get a diagnosis. Women on here are all testament to the fact that after treatment, you can get on with your life and might never get another brush with those nasty cells.
I realise its going to be hard to keep things to yourself, with your daughter away, for the next couple of weeks. Your mind will work overtime, and fear, especially at night can take you by surprise. The waiting game is a very hard one, psychologically, but its the not knowing that is hard…it could be benign and you will have worried away for 2 weeks for nothing. Easy to say I know, but all the anxiety in the world won’t make any difference to this being benign or bc. Come on here and talk to us, we have all ‘been there’, waiting for results and are happy to listen to your fears. (Infact I am waiting myself for my first mammogram results after treatment, I was diagnosed in March last year.) Be careful about reading, or googling about your symptoms (even on this forum), honestly it really won’t provide you with an answer only the clinic appointment will do that.
X
Hi Ali
i had an inverted nipple for a while and was keeping an eye on it but two weeks ago noticed a defined lump. My Dr saw me within two hours of phoning for an appt and she was honest and didn’t think it was a cyst so I am fearing the worst. Like you, I was terrified that bank holiday would delay my appt but I now have it Tuesday. I hope you get your date through soon. I just wanted to say that I’m on the same page as you and it’s terrifying. I’ve told a couple of friends who have been great but I just want to lie low until I know a diagnosis. Terrifying. Best of luck with it all.
It’s going to be at least another 11 days before I get an appointment at the Breast Clinic. Still hadn’t heard anything so have just rung the clinic. All clinics are fully booked next week, even with 2 extra clinics. It ‘might be’ the following week but it may be longer - I wasn’t even asked for my details - just told someone would be in touch. Feeling frustrated and tearful!