Lengthy one

Apologies as this is a long one…
Okay, so two years ago during an appointment for back ache, my doctor examined my breasts. I was sent to the “non emergency” department within the hospital for a scan. They found a lump but because it was so small, they told me not to worry. 2 years have passed and I’ve never even thought about it - until a march this year. My breast had two large dents in it (same one as the lump), and the shape began to change. I ignored it. I noticed a lot more pain and now my breast has dropped (even the nipple) and has changed to a square shape with even bigger dents. Went to the doctor and the usually chatty nurse asked me how long had I known about these obvious changes, I told her a month and she put her fingers to my head like a gun and shook her head whilst saying my name. The room went uncomfortably silent. I looked for an explanation as to why it was different - one I wanted to hear. Doctor says “unfortunately, your breast is significantly different to the other and looks like someone has taken an iron to it!” The doctor referred me to see a specialist urgently within 2 weeks.

So April came and I went for my scan and I was more worried in April than I was in March. The man said that yes my breast is different - yes it’s puckered and squared - yes I have a marble sized lump but go back in 6 months. The assistant said “shouldn’t we send her for a mammogram?” And he said “she’s not 30 yet I don’t want to put her through that!” He spent less than 10mins examining me and sent me on my way.

Six months arrived a few weeks ago, no appointment came and I had to chase it. After 2 weeks chasing it, I was finally seen on the 4th October. I was laid on the bed for 35minutes with the scanner attached to my breast. 

The dents are deeper and being pulled in more. I’m having pain in my armpit, a lot in my breast and collar bone plus the skin is peeling around my nipple. Specialist found a clumping of calcium beneath the puckered skin and told me I’m very young but I need a mammogram. He also said theres “something going on with two lymphnodes”. My breast was still bruised 5 days on. I’m so exhausted, I’m always usually on the go but the last few months have been such a drain on me. I’m popping energy supplements and drinks left right and centre and still feel like s&*t. Ive no appetite and its strange as im usually a big eater! I don’t sit thinking I have “IT” but I know something is not right.

My mammogram is Thursday and I was wondering will I have a biopsy the same day?

My mum had breast cancer 3 years ago and lost both breasts. Her sister, mum and dad died of cancer too. Horrible time all this waiting.

kayleigh

 

wow what an awful lot you have been through no wonder you are shattered.

 

Well it is good that you have been referred to the breast clinic.  It is possible that will do an ultrasound as well as the mammogram and if they want to check anything out they may well do a biopsy so it is best to be prepared for all that.

 

Let us know how you get on and we will all be thinking of you.

 

Helena xxx

Hi Kayleigh, 

You have been treated with a less serious approach due to your age by the sounds of things, clearly something is going on and should have been fully investigated 2 years ago, not to frighten you but women in their 20’s get breast cancer too, a mammogram may not have shown up anything due to your age and having dense breast tissue but that doesn’t excuse the lack of concern you appear to have been given! 

All the best for Thursday and hopefully you leave with some answers at last Xx Jo 

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, I know women can get it in their 20s and with it being in the family, I’m annoyed at how the specialist in April was more concerned with my gallbladder removal scars that he created in me 8 days prior to the appointment. He was quite aggressive and very blunt, saying there’s nothing to worry about…but it alarmed me that I needed a 6 month follow up!

I’m sat here on my mobile typing and my breast is throbbing. Any slight touch or move of my arm is horrible. I’m dreading needing a biopsy as I was holding mum’s hand 3 years ago, when she had hers!

Sorry to rant but I’ve nobody else to chat to, despite three older sisters living opposite me and me still at home with mum, dad and my older nephew and his expectant girlfriend. My dad’s like my best mate, but because of his mental health I feel I can’t say too much as it will upset him. My sister’s have busy lives (I’m an aunty to 14) and generally think that nothing bad will happen to me “because I’m only 30”, so I can’t really talk to them either.

X

Had the mammo today, bloody painful but only lasted a short while. More waiting for results now…