Hi there everyone. A few weeks ago I found a lump in my left breast and the whole left breast just felt different from my right. So I waited a few weeks then found another lump on the same side. I went to the dr and she felt a hard pea size lump. She referred me to the breast clinic but as non urgent. I’ve received my appointment and it’s 16th December so not too far away. But today I’ve found another hard lump in the right breast. I’ve noticed over the past couple of weeks my appetite isn’t the same, my bowel habits have changed (more loose) and I just feel rubbish. Should I call the dr and explain this and see if I can get seen sooner or is it best to just wait? My anxiety is through the roof at the minute. I also have an urgent gynaecologist referral I’m waiting on but that’s nearly a year wait supposedly.
If I have an ultrasound do they usually tell you there and then what it looks like?
I’m only 30, I have 3 kids (youngest is 1) I’m terrified.
Oh @94jo such a difficult time for you, from recent experience the waiting is the worst and is going to send you into a tailspin of anxiety - which could be one thing that is affecting your bowels . It’s totally natural to feel that way , if there have been additional changes then there is no harm in telling the Gp that. It’s and anxious time and your brain will go to the worst place sometimes but try not to think too far ahead and take pleasure in the little things - but also don’t beat yourself up if you are feeling bad that’s totally natural we have all cried , screamed , worried and also laughed at loud when we’ve needed to - there are some absolutely lovely people on here who can support you, I’m crossing my fingers for you xx
Hello and welcome
Sorry you find yourself here, its stressful and as you already know the waiting is mentally exhausting. We all understand your worries and will offer whatever support we can.
I know the 16th feels a long time to wait, but that seems to be most people’s experience. There’s certainly no harm in asking your doctor or contacting the clinic directly - you may get a cancellation slot.
When you go to the breast clinic, they will most likely do a mammogram, ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. Although they have a very keen eye for detail there are some breast conditions that can not be diagnosed by image or touch, so the biopsy is used to get definite answer. Unfortunately the biopsy has to be sent to the labs, and normally takes 2 weeks. You may need to go back 2 weeks later for results. Which is also a daunting wait.
It doesn’t necessarily mean it will be cancerous but it’s good to get it all checked. If the news isn’t so good, you will see things move along quickly to get treatment started.
Regarding your other symptoms, I can’t say I experienced any other issues, apart from finding a lump but definitely pass that information on to the medical team when you see them.
I wish you well. X
Hi 94jo
Sorry to hear you are experiencing all the worries regarding the lumps you’ve found.
As the other ladies have said it’s good that you haven’t got to wait too long before your referral date.
It’s an idea to tell your doctor re the extra issues you’re experiencing. Don’t forget you’re probably extremely stressed and I don’t know about you but I find any stress goes straight to my bowels!
But again it’s worth checking these things out.
You could always ring the breast clinic and mention about the lump on the other side as well. They may be able to get you a cancellation
Also if they are pea sized it could be cysts. So try not to overthink things and as a previous lady mentioned try and occupy your mind as much as you can.
Wishing you all the luck
Keep us posted
Lynn x
Thanks everyone for your messages, I’m trying to keep myself busy and my mind occupied. This morning I actually thought it’s not too long to wait considering how long I need to wait for another appointment! Here’s hoping it’s nothing. I’ll update after I’ve been to my appointment x
Hi 94jo
Sorry you have found yourself here. As already said the waiting is the worst. If you are sent for a mammogram etc then ask questions. I found them very helpful.
Praying everything is fine for you. Please let us know how you get on, we are rooting for you x
Not sure if it would be anything to worry about… but my lymph nodes in my left breast are swollen. Feeling generally unwell and think I’ve a cold on the way so it could be that. Appetite has been up and down. Think I’m more commenting on here to keep track of everything.
Hi @94jo hope your not getting a cold on top of everything else but as you say may be the reason why your lymph nodes feel swollen, you are going to second guess everything until you have had your tests and results. My appetite was all over the place so that’s normal , I want to send you a big hug , nothing can make it easier right now but we are here is you need us x
Thank you, I’m definitely second guessing everything! Here’s hoping the 16th is here soon!
Not sure if it’s anything, but I randomly have been having a slight “letdown” feeling like when your milk is coming in. Has anyone else had this before? Still only a little bit of liquid comes out of right nipple.
Also went to drs 2 days ago and had bloods taken and had to give 2 types of stool samples as I said my bowel habits had changed recently and felt sick/ indigestion quite often. I also mentioned around a year ago when I had my youngest, I had managed to lose 3 ish stone while pregnant. Even though I’ve now gained that back she still wanted to cover all basis. Hopefully will hear about bloods soon.
Have breast clinic appointment on Monday and a bit more relaxed about it but still worried.
Well I had my appointment at the breast clinic. The dr had a quick feel while I was lying down and circled one area to be scanned. I said when I have a feel I’m sitting up and can feel the lumps, but she still didn’t feel when I was sitting up. Had the ultrasound on the one area I was least concerned about and was told it’s just dense breast tissue and that I just have lumpy boobs.
I’m glad that they said that but part of me feels like I should have been scanned in those other areas. I’ll be keeping an eye on them anyway and if they get bigger or can feel them when the skin is lightly touched when lying down I’ll go back to the dr again.
That is good news, and quite right to keep checking you never be too vigilant.
Hope you can relax now and enjoy Christmas x