Hi, I’m new to forum.
I have been referred by my GP after feeling a new lump in my right breast.
I have a long history of breast issues having had fibroadenomas removed in my late teens and multiple appointments in the last 10 years due to fibrocystic issues. I have been on the early screening programme since I was 40 (now 47) due to a family history of breast cancer, my mum had x2 primary breast cancer (49 and 55 - she is still really well with no recurrence/metastases) plus other maternal aunts at an older age.
For some reason this time I am convinced that I will receive the news that I have bc, I feel the lump is ‘different’ than before and I am really anxious. I am a District Nurse and have the privilege of caring for bc patients in their homes so perhaps a little knowledge is too much?!?
Just wanted to let of some steam as I know that there is no way of knowing at this point, my appointment is on the 27th Jan which feels so long away. I have only told my husband as my family go into panic mode and I don’t want to worry them so just needed to write it down to try and offload a little.
Jen
Hi Jen, welcome to the forum.
Just read your post and thought I’d send a hug. You’re right, a little knowledge can be unhelpful as you imagine all sorts of things in the time before you know what you are dealing with.
I’m almost six years on from my diagnosis (Stage 2, ER+, nodes clear - lumpectomy & rads and later reconstruction to ‘even me up’) but remember well those early days after finding a lump, the wait is terrible. It feels as though your world is suddenly flung off its axis! Like you, initially I only included my husband who was amazingly supportive throughout it all. At the time we hugged a lot, cried a lot and tried as best we could to keep going. In my case, I felt a lot better once we knew and I’d got a plan.
I’m not sure that I have many words of wisdom except to try to focus on the ‘now’ rather than thinking weeks into the future, take little steps - the wait is bad enough without the ‘what ifs’, remember you are not alone (the forum is a great support for anything from a hug to detailed information), and when you get to the 27th Jan appointment have husband and notebook at the ready. If it is bc, the information overload is hard to take in when you are still reeling from the news and you’re likely to have options to discuss and decisions to make, if it isn’t bc, the relief can be overwhelming too. Both of us were wrecks after a scare following a mammogram last year - all okay, just a benign fatty lump but I was convinced it was bc back again!
Sending lots of love and hoping it is just another breast ‘issue’ rather than your worst fears. It is a scary process to get through but, remember, you are not alone. Good luck - I’ll keep fingers crossed.
Love & hugs, x.
Sending lots of hugs to both of you. Good luck.
xxx