During my recent period I found what felt like a fairly distinct lump in my left breast, wasn’t really sure as my breasts always have a certain lumpy quality to them and to be honest I’m a bit squeamish about checking them.
As soon as my period ended and the lump still seemed to be there I went to see the doctor. They weren’t taking any appointments till August but as soon as I mentioned a lump the receptionist squeezed me in the very same morning. In an instant I went from feeling pretty blasé and certain it wasn’t really anything - or at most probably related to wild perimenopausal hormones - to thinking ‘ruh roh’.
The GP confirmed that there was definitely something there and that it felt firm. As I always believe knowledge is power, I asked the sixty four thousand dollar question - which of the various lump options did she think it was? I already knew from Dr Google that some of them are more likely in younger women. I’m 50. Without any sugar coating she said she thought it was breast cancer. Could she really tell that just from having a quick prod or is she making that assumption based on my age??
It’s a fairly bleak, rain-sodden Sunday night and I’ve gone from stoic to being unable to concentrate on anything else. Am trying not to google symptoms and outcomes but have to confess I did succumb to googling ‘cashing in your pension early’. Yes, I’ve possibly gone over to the Bad Place.
Any advice/words of comfort or distraction much appreciated…
Hi Cherry,
First of all, have you been referred to the breast clinic.
It is unfortunate the GP said this, as only the breast clinic can give you the correct diagnosis. It’s not possible for the GP to know what it is by just feeling it, however, it is usual practice for the GP to refer to the breast clinic under the 2 week rule, was your GP referring to this?
If you have been referred, then you should get the appointment shortly. You will be seen by the dr & an ultrasound & possibly a mammogram will be done. If its clear what it is you will get the all clear then. If not, then a biopsy will be performed, in which case, you will have another week or 2 before you get the results.
Honestly, of all the things it can be, bc is the Least likely, for the vast majority of women there is a benign reason for the breast change.
Even of it is bc, then treatment is excellent now, with some of the best outcomes out there, so there is no need to ‘cash in the pension’ just yet!
Do keep away from google, it only leads to a whole load of unnecessary anxiety, which changes nothing, as inevitably, any search will lead to bc, when the chances are its not.
Do ring the helpline above if you need to talk things through & let is know how you get on of you want to.
ann x
Hi Cherry, It’s a horrible time waiting in limbo and your mind will be wandering all over the place! It’s impossible not to Google but you won’t find any definite answers there, any mention of a breast lump will always flag up cancer but as Ann rightly says that’s the least likely outcome! Can your GP know just from feeling it ? I guess they can have an idea but the one thing I’ve learned over the past few years is never to assume anything, many ladies have had biopsies and been told they were certain it would come back as BC only to get the all clear, it presents its self in so many ways there is no one size fits all!
Try and keep occupied until your appointment , I know how hard that is but it really will help the time pass quicker ? Something to remember is I like hundreds of other ladies here have had breast cancer and we are doing just fine, I’m over two years on now and am happy and healthy! Xx
Hi Cherry the waiting is really ,really hard ,you just want to get on and deal with it don’t you not hang around getting yourself more and more anxious .I really don’t think your GP can be sure it is cancer ,even the Consultants don’t know that without the help of mammogram and biopsy all they can say is that on examination some lumps are more suspicious than others .Jill.
Sooo, I was hoping that I’d be able to post a reassuring update, saying that GPs don’t know everything and that my mammogram was clear and it was just a simple cyst…
Unfortunately they were sufficiently worried (3-4cm solid lump and calcifications) to do a biopsy and manage my expectations by saying I should probably bring someone along next time, as if I need treatment there’s a lot of information to take on board. I’m guessing the surgeon is fairly sure it’s cancer, as obviously some of the benign options have now been ruled out, but can’t be certain till the biopsy results come back.
And AnnieJ was right, I have another interminable wait to get through, although they hope to be be able to call me back next Wednesday but it could take 10 days. Feeling strangely calm though and sending good vibes to anyone else on here who is also waiting for results.
Hi Cherry B
I’m in a similar place. I was recalled back after routine mammogram - optimistically hoping it was just ageing breasts!! (I’m 50) I had ultrasound and biopsy on both breasts. They found a lump 13mm in my left and calcifications in my right. The consultant radiographer said although it’s impossible to tell until the biopsy results she is pretty certain the lump is cancer. I’ve got an appointment with the surgeon next Thursday. Like you I’ve gone from optimistic to today sorting out all my paperwork to make sure everything is “in place”. Solidarity with you and everyone else here xxxx
Mandy
Hello Cherry and Mandy. I’m sorry you’re going through such a worrying time but you have come to the right place for support. My GP used to do a weekly breast clinic and operating list so when I saw him and he said he would be flabbergasted if it was anything sinister I was very reassured. However at the one stop clinic they did a scan of my armpit and when she said she also needed to biopsy there as one of my nodes was enlarged I just knew. 2 weeks later the results were in and it was cancer with spread to lymph nodes. I wish I had been told either nothing by my GP or that it looked like cancer.
However I am now 17 months down the line of therapeutic mammoplasty, chemo and radiotherapy. 4 weeks ago I had my matching op on the other side. I have 10 years (now 9) of anastrazole and I’m on the add aspirin trial. The one thing that I took from the forum was the worst time is waiting for your initial results. Once you get a treatment plan in place the time flies. It’s not an experience anyone would choose but equally the fear is way worse that the practice. Good luck to you both xxxx
Cherry certainly don’t blame yourself, super health conscious people still get cancer! My mum for one, she never drank or smoked, cooked all meals from scratch and walked everywhere as she didn’t drive but she still died from breast cancer sadly, we don’t bring this on ourselves but it’s natural to feel as you do right now, don’t give yourself a hard time thinking it’s your fault because it isn’t! Xx Jo
Gosh, this forum is magnificent!! Ann, Jo and Patriciamay - thank you for your hugely helpful and calming responses. The replies I’ve received on this forum really have been more reassuring than anything else I’ve found after hours of reading and research.
I may even allow myself a medicinal glass of Merlot!! Wishing everyone a lovely weekend xx
Hi all
I’ve just drunk half a bottle of Rioja too! It’s always been heart disease in my family - so I told myself it’d be that would get me! I never expected this one! I run - in fact I am due to do the Cardiff half marathon on 1st October.
After my biopsy on Tuesday I asked the BC nurse “can I run?”
she said to probably wait a few days. I asked can I drink?" - she said “God, YES!”
Patricia don’t worry about others today,just look after you.I know the posts you are talking about and I’m sure things will work out ok in the end ,time and space needed for the person concerned.xx
Patricia, just to echo what Jill has said, btw, I thought your responses were excellent, factual, concise & needed.
As this is an open forum, we are all responsible for we put out there & must consider the impact of this on others & what they are going through, as you pointed out.
After all, we’re all dealing with some serious s*** & respectful challenge is ok.
hugs
ann x
Not sure why my recent post posted twice. Just wanted to state for the record (since I’m surrounded by medics) that it was because I got an error message the first time. It’s not cos I’m taking the Friday night wine club to extremes!!!
Hi Patriciamay. As one of the newbies I’ve really appreciated your honesty (and the support of everyone on here). And I’m liking the idea of a Friday wine club ?(Despite all the self blame I’ve had thatvmy weekly Rioja must have led to this!!) I get very upset when people criticise our wonderful NHS. I work in children’s mental health - so we’ve taken a particular bashing this week!!! My experience of the bc service so far (and it’s really early days) has been fantastic. I have complete trust in the doctors, radiologists and nurses that will be responsible for care.
