I went to the doctor today with a lump that I have had for some time. The doc confirmed that I have a lump and found another lump in the same breast and also found a swelling under my arm on the same side. I am worried sick. My Mum had a mastectomy in January this year. This is her second episode of cancer as she had a lumpectomy in 2003. I am 38. The thing is I have been so busy with my mum’s problems and with my family (I am married with an 11 year old) that I kind of pushed my own health aside. I feel so stupid now and am terrified that my lumps will be cancer and that the cancer will have spread as I have had terrible pains in my hips and knees over the last few months but, again, I put this down to being a wee bit overweight. My doc has put forward an urgent referral but I just have a big black cloud hanging over me…sorry to sound so negative…pam x
Dear Pam, perhaps the first thing to say, however difficult it might be, is to try not to give yourself a hard time for not going to the GPs sooner - the point is you have obviously been preoccupied with your mother’s wellbeing as well as having to manage your own family too. It is not easy going to the GP when you have concerns about your own health at the best of times - it took me several months and numerous prompts by a very good friend before I finally made an appointment to see a doctor - and even then I hesitated when I was in the car park outside - but you have made that important first visit now. You will know through your own experience with your mum but you should normally be seen within two weeks of being referred. You will probably go through the triple assessment of mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy and you will probably have to wait a week for the results, although I am aware that some places provide the results on the same day. Once the results have been considered by a multidisciplinary team if necessary you will be advised of any proposed treatment plan.
I do sincerely hope that the lumps are not malignant. And as for being negative, it is perfectly understandable. In the meantime, try to take one step at a time and not think too far ahead, again however difficult it might be not to.
Let us know how you get on.
All the best
Naz
Pam, wev’e all experienced that black cloud! You have gone to the Drs now and the process begins, don’t beat yourself up, sounds like you’ve had a lot on your plate!
Hopefully all will be ok, but moan and groan on here, its helped me so much! love Debs xxx
Thanks for all your comments.
I am trying to keep positive. My mum has contacted her BCN and she has been keeping an eye out for my referral from the doctor. Hopefully I should have an appointment for the breast clinic on weds or thurs of next week. I have noticed today that my underarm is very swollen. I shall let you all know how I get on. Thanks again though for your nice comments and support. Pamx
Pam - hope you hear soon about your appointment - the waiting is one of the worst things… good that you already know the bcn and she is keeping an eye out for you…
Theresa
I have my appointment for a mammogram tomorrow and then the breast clinic on thurs this week. This has been the longest 10 days of my life! I am not sleeping very well and I am longing to get this over with…thanks to all for your support, Pamx
Pam - good luck with your appointment tomorrow. I know it’s difficult but try to take each day as it comes, deal with what you have to deal with & try not to over-worry. We’ve all been there & know how difficult it is. And don’t give yourself a hard time about delaying going to the doctor. You’ve gone now and hopefully you won’t have to wait too long to find out what it is (hopefully good news)
Phili x
Thanks Phili
I am keeping everything crossed!
Pam
x
Well I went to the Breast Clinic today and left feeling worse than when I arrived! The consultant couldn’t tell me anything about my lump until I had a ultrasound as nothing showed up in the mammogram (my GP had already said that this would probably be the case due to younger womens breast tissue being thicker making lumps less visible on mammograms)
He then examined my lump and then said he couldn’t/wouldn’t do a biopsy until he had seen the results of the ultrasound. He wouldn’t speculate on whether cyst etc which I can appreciate as he doesn’t want to get it wrong.
I then went to the x-ray dept to make an app for the ultrasound but couldn’t get one until the 28 May. So I have another 3 week wait. I came home feeling so frustrated.
I have decided to go via BUPA as they can see me on the 14th, and it is a one-stop-shop clinic and I will get all the necessary tests etc in the one appointment. I just feel sorry for people who do not have this as an alternative. The waiting sucks! So only another week of sleepless nights and worry!
Pam
x
Pam, masses of luck for today honey. Let us know how you get on.
Kaz x
hope all goes well for you today! Sending positive vibes! love Debs x
Thinking of you today…
Theresa
Hi everyone
Thanks for all your comments for Thursday, unfortunately, thursday got cancelled by the consultant as he decided to go on a last minute holiday! (believe it or not!)
Got another appointment for Saturday 16th and got the all clear! my right breast is very lumpy, however, the consultant confirmed that this is thickening of the glandular breast tissue and this is due to hormonal changes. He will keep an eye on this and I have to go back in 8 weeks.
I am sooooooo relieved. Thanks to you all for your support, patience and thoughts through all of this. Don’t think I could have done it without you all. I will be hanging around to see how everyone else gets on.
Lots of love to you all
Pam
x
Pam - glad to hear that you got the all clear…
Theresa