Two weeks ago, I found a large, smooth lump behind my right nipple that was tender and achy.
I dismissed it initially, thinking that if I told my husband he’d think I was worrying unnecessarily, but after a week, I blurted it out. He thought it was my rib, though it obviously wasn’t.
Two days ago, I went to the doctor and saw a female locum. She palpated my breasts and confirmed there was a definite lump and has referred me with an urgent two week referral.
I’m just so worried! I have four young children, aged 11, twins of 10 and a son of 6 who has Asperger’s and ADHD.
The doc says it could possibly be a blocked milk duct or a cyst, but having access to google has proved to be a nightmare! I keep telling myself I’m young (38), I breastfed all my kids, there’s no history of any type of cancer in my family, but still I’m worrying. It’s all I seem to think about.
Is there anyone else in, or has been in, a similar situation? Thanks for any advice.
Please do also remember that the BCC’s freephone Helpline offers information and support, tel 0808 800 6000 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm
You have done he right thing by going to GP and getting a referral. None of us can tell you what it is but 80% of lumps are benign. Its always better to get an urgent referral, as otherwise you’ll just sit and panic; 2 weeks is long enough!
We’ve all been there so know just how worrying it is. We are all in this together.
Google is terrible if you are worried about something, as you always find the worst case scenerios, and tell yourself the worst, when I told my dr I had googled she rolled her eyes and said google is bad"
I also had a 2 week referral, and I think that is standard in some areas (I know it is here)
I know its hard not to worry, and it does consume you, but try to hold on to the fact 80% of lumps are benign as Julia has already said.
hi, I’m 36 with no family history of any cancer and found a lump just under my right nipple 8 weeks ago, i went to the docs the next day and was referred in just over 2 weeks. Initially I thought the worst but when i did the same as a lot of us and googled it I was relieved when i read the stats. Try to stay positive as it’s a bit of a waiting game and I hope everything turns out ok for you. X
Thanks for your replies. And the pdf leaflet was very helpful and clear. The doc says I will be having a mammogram and ultrasound for sure. Guess I’ll have to wait and see about the others.
Staying positive is hard, but my husband is being an absolute rock. I’m blessed to have such a supportive family.
I’ll keep you all updated. Thanks again for all your kind words. Best of luck to all of you, too.