Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate your help as I’m concerned about something I just couldn’t ask my GP (silly me…) I went yesterday morning with a lump (I can see it - very obvious in left breast) and wasn’t overly concerned as I had a fibro (over 20 years ago) and thought it might just be another one. The GP said he didn’t think it was anything, but he was going to treat it as if it was - kind of mixed message there! He then went on to add ‘dots’ on a diagram of my breast - one for the lump, then 3 others, one under my left armpit and a further 2 around my breast bone. These additional dots have rung alarm bells - was he showing enlarged lymph nodes? He noted that it was a fixed, hard lump and has made me an appointment for this Tuesday. It’s all a bit sudden and I just don’t know what to think. Sorry, this has rambled on. Please could anyone tell me what those extra ‘dots’ could be? Many thanks!!! xxx
Hi,
first of all welcome here, and I really feel for how worried you are,urgent referal, all those extra dots must be sending you crazy.
Well the urgent refal happens a lot nowadays and lots of things tick th boxes–age, previous, conditions, visible changes to the breast.
The dots may well be enlarged lymph nodes, but that does not necesserily mean you have a cancer that has spread, I had enlarged nodes and after the biopsy they said that at this stage it looked like re-active glands ie no cancer in them, just doing their job and reacting to something strange in the breast.
It is good that your doctor said he did not think it was anything, I understand nowadays they are not supposed to give false re-assurances, or is that just at the clinic? But it is so good that you are getting it checked so quickly–i think i saw you on the post of the lady who’s doctor did not think it was anything and asked her to come back in 4 weeks.
Tuesday–must seem like a year away, but the time will pass. Had you thought about if you want to take someone with you?? some people like to go it alone, but lots find they need someone else there for support and a second pair of ears.
Do drop in here and ask questions, no matter how small. Sort out a nice compfy bra or sports bra to wear in bed afterwards,in case they do a biopsy–my lacy inderwired jobs were useless, and then i found an old tea shirt bra that had stretched and that was great. Treat yourself to a new book, or some new music for you iplayer–or a new iplayer to occupy you at the clinic(unless you are very lucky they always seem to run late, they do not know how long they are going to have to talk to each patient).
or pop on just to say how you are feeling, not everyone can express themselves to friends and partners, and the thing about this site is that everyone has been where you are before and feels for you.
Hope it all turns out well and thinking of you
Hi Miss T,
it’s normal to get an urgent referral to the breast clinic, so don’t worry about that. As for the dots, I don’t know. Remember that 4/5 lumps are nothing.
The best thing for you would be to call the helpline asap, they’ll be able to talk to you about all of it. Let us know how you get on,
hugs
xx
Thank you so much for getting back. I feel a lot more reassured today and spoke to a good friend who had a similar experience and all was well.
I’m digging out the comfy bra as I type! The doc did say he wanted a biopsy, so as you say I’ll want to be comfortable - think I’ve got an old maternity one here somewhere.
My husband (and mum) have offered to come along - think I might take hubby as I know I’m not good at asking the right questions, and he always concentrates on the positive comments.
Thank you again for taking the time to answer. I will definately keep you informed of the outcome, and maybe one day I can offer support to someone facing the same fears and uncertainties. xxx
So pleased you feel much better
All the best Miss T yes do keep us posted
Mekala x
Hi missT all the advice youve had on here is great, glad your feeling a little better about it. i too am in the same boat as you, i have my appointment at the breast clinic on tuesday, its hard not too worry but one way or the other we will know whats a head of us on tuesday, i will be thinking about you, good luck.
karen x
Thank you Karen, and sorry to hear you’re having to deal with all this too…
All the best for Tuesday - please let me know how you get on. x
Hi Miss T i keep checking in to see if your back with good news, im just about to set off for my appointment and dont mind telling you im shaking like a leaf. ill check in with you when im back x
karen x
Hi Karen,
So sorry, I couldn’t get online sooner. I had terrific news! The mammogram wasn’t particularly pleasant as although I’m 41 my breast tissue is still very dense. I saw the lump on the ultrasound and knew straightaway it was nothing to worry about. It was a big black hole - a cyst! Okay, it was big, but it wasn’t anything nasty. They drained it there and then and then. I so hope your news is equally good. I will log on this evening to see how you got on. Thank you for thinking of me. I’m aware that you’re going through this all now, so thoughts are with you right now xxx
Hi Mrs Worried,
So sorry, I couldn’t get online sooner. I had terrific news! The mammogram wasn’t particularly pleasant as although I’m 41 my breast tissue is still very dense. I saw the lump on the ultrasound and knew straightaway it was nothing to worry about. It was a big black hole - a cyst! Okay, it was big, but it wasn’t anything nasty. They drained it there and then and then. I so hope your news is equally good. I will log on this evening to see how you got on. Thank you for thinking of me. I’m aware that you’re going through this all now, so thoughts are with you right now xxx
Hi Mrs Worried,
So sorry, I couldn’t get online sooner. I had terrific news! The mammogram wasn’t particularly pleasant as although I’m 41 my breast tissue is still very dense. I saw the lump on the ultrasound and knew straightaway it was nothing to worry about. It was a big black hole - a cyst! Okay, it was big, but it wasn’t anything nasty. They drained it there and then and then. I so hope your news is equally good. I will log on this evening to see how you got on. Thank you for thinking of me. I’m aware that you’re going through this all now, so thoughts are with you right now xxx
Apologies Karen - for some reason I’ve had trouble with the forum today and it’s posted the same message 3 times…
great news Miss T, im also 41 and my news was equally as good, nothing showed up on mamogram or ultrasound, examination resulted in me having mastalgia, so after almost 2 weeks of sleepless nights im going to have the best sleep ever x
Well done both of you, I’m absolutely delighted. Thanks for coming back to tell us, you can bet the people who are most delighted are those of us who didn’t get such good news.
I hope you are both celebrating, and that you have a very good night’s sleep tonight. 