I am 11 weeks postpartum, exclusively breastfeeding and noticed a lump in my right armpit a couple of weeks ago. Went to the gp, was told it was probably due to breastfeeding but I have been suffering with health anxiety ocd (Im having cbt therapy for) since giving birth so was referred for reassurance.
Had my appointment at the breast clinic today, they sent me for an ultrasound of both breasts & armpits. I have a lump in my left breast, have had it for about 8 years and it was scanned when it was noticed at the time 8 years ago & I was told it was benign and nothing to worry about.
In a twist of events, I ended up having a biopsy on the lump in the left breast which I didn’t even go in for. The sonographer said he is 95% certain its innocent but just wants to be 100% sure.
Now my health anxiety is spiralling out of control that I this is the thing I should have been worried about. That the results 8 years ago were wrong. To me its smaller than it was originally but I can’t find notes from the initial scan I had/ remember exactly when it was. Everyone keeps telling me that its likely nothing, given its been there all this time and was checked previously. However, I’m struggling so much with the anxiety at the moment that I am terrified of the results. I have a 2 year and 11 week old and am completely stressed and upset. I dont understand how they were 100% confident previously with no biopsy and now only 95% confident. Had I not had the lump in my armpit which they have said is no concern, I wouldn’t have gone anywhere about the existing one as it was checked before. They said they have a 2-3 week wait for results and will give me an initial app for the afternoon of the 10th December as they have their meeting in the morning. Might get pushed back a week as they have a bit of a back log. I was already distraught for the 2 weeks waiting for this appointment, I don’t think I can cope for another 2 potentially 3 weeks again.
Hi @embers22. We are so sorry to hear this. It must be such a worrying time for you.
It’s totally normal and valid to feel consumed by this, and to keep considering the worst case scenario. I would really recommend reaching out to our nurses if you are feeling overwhelmed, or if you have any questions. Sometimes it can just be helpful to talk things through. You can reach them on our free helpline 0808 800 6000, and you can call them as many times as you want or need.
I truly hope you are able to get some answers soon, and that you are able to find comfort and support in the meantime.
Goodness @embers22 certainly not what you need with your 2 babies by your side.
I’m so sorry you are struggling right now
There isnt anything I can say to make things better before you get those results because anxiety is literally the fear of the unknown. What helps is to focus on what you do know for sure. The lump you found, is nothing to worry about. Thats wonderful news. The lump you found 8 years ago was nothing and you’ve had no other symptoms since to suggest anything to worry about. And they’ve told you they are 95% sure everything is fine. Those are some pretty good odds! All things considered thats a lot of positive news so far
What you can control whilst you wait…. Keeping things normal for your babies that I imagine will not accept anything less than your full attention haha
Keeping your body calm, you could try some breathing exercises and meditation. There’s so much to find online.
Eating well.
Resting.
Listening to your favourite music.
Watching your favourite movies.
Maybe some big walks in the fresh air.
Lots of self care.
Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend going through the same thing.
Thank you @foxgem! I’m going to try and keep as positive as I can. The health anxiety has really done a number on me over the last 11 weeks. I’ve worried about a variety of different things for myself and the rest of my family. Now this has come completely unexpected because I didn’t even go in for the lump that side, its really thrown me. Im just going to focus on the fact that I had the exact same lump checked before and it was nothing and hope that they are just being overly cautious. The 2 week wait just feels like torture when the health anxiety in my brain is telling me its going to be the worst case scenario.
