how does breast cancer feel?....

Hi everyone.

i really, really hope im not wasting anyones time, im sure im being paranoid…

im 36 and think ive found a breast lump. Well…possibly 2.

i have a strong family history of breast cancer - my mother, her only 2 sisters and my grandmother.

ive always been quite hot on keeping a check on my breasts because of the history and they are both naturally quite lumpy. A few days ago, i found a new lump, about the size of a pea and then a few days later,possibly (i just dont feel sure, as silly as that sounds) one lower down closer to the nipple about the size of a grape. My gp was great and got me straight into the breast clinic next friday, but as im sure you all u drstand, im going crazy. A few months ago,  the breast that has the lump, dropped about 5 cm lower than the other and the nipple has started pointing downward. When i run my finger over the breast skin, it feels like theres a long shaped lump that has also appeared on the surface, kind of like a large vein. Its hard to tell if theres any other change to the skin because my breasts have stretch marks on, but this vein type feeling is a bit pronounced and feels like a small mass that is a bit thicker than the rest of the breast. To feel the two lumps, i have to press, theyre not pronounced in any way. One day a few weeks ago, i had a small bit of discharge, one little pin prick was white abd one next to it was clear, but it was very little.

what shape or feeling would i have if it was cancer? Would it be more obvious than to have to press to feel it? Would the long vein shaped bit be present? My mother has nothing to do with me and i feel so loneky. Although i only have a few days to wait,it feels like weeks away right now…i just wish i knew the little bits…the bits that thise who have suffered know about, not just the bits i learn online.

i hope so so much i havent been insensitive. I have 3 children and a wonderful husband, but feel so alone right now…

my love and best wishes to you all.

i hope someone can help  …

Hi Jo, I’m sorry you are in this situation and I wish I could give you a clear answer but my lump wasn’t palpable and only found on ultrasound, there are many descriptions of what cancer may feel like but no hard and fast rule as everyone is different, getting it checked out is all you can do at this stage and try not to convince yourself it will be the worst outcome, try and keep busy even if your just going through the motions, I know how hard it is but you will get through this next week Xx 

Hi Jo… Sorry to hear your concerns and worries. I know exactly what your going through. I have found this site and for me… At this time … Is the best thing that could of happened. So many wonderful women with words of advice and comfort. I am in a similar position to you…i am 37, 2 young children and a hubby. I happened to notice my lump by chance…it didn’t feel like a lump… Felt long and hard. I was certain it had moved a little over the few days I first found…i think I prodded n poked that much!! I went to see consultant last wed… And even he described it as a ridge! After ultrasound, mammo and aspiration, I am now waiting for results and have to go back on Thurs. I cant tell you how it feels Jo…other than its complete **bleep** (excuse my language)…and you feel like someone has taken over your body and mind with the worry. You are doing the right thing by getting checked as soon as possible. I’m sorry to hear your story xx do not google…i did and it’s the worse thing to do, I learnt the hard way. Xx