I’m new to the forum. On Saturday evening I found a large hard lump at the top of my left breast. And I am petrified.
I have seen my gp today and she is referring me to the rapid access clinic. She said she thinks it is a cyst, as by today it had gotten smaller. But was sending me to be sure.
I suffer with anxiety and I am currently off work at the moment because of it. So I feel mentally I am not able to cope with this. My head will not switch off, and the only conclusion I have is it is cancer. I am sending myself crazy! I just keep thinking about how I’m going to tell my family especially my 5yr old daughter.
I can’t stop feeling it, in the hope that it magically disappears. Can anyone offer any advice?
My first piece of advice is to listen to your clinicians. At this point, the opinion is positive and they do know what to look for by feel. So far, so good. You have grounds for optimism but you have several days to get through and it will feel like a lifetime unless you keep things in perspective. Remember, most breast lumps are NOT cancer (over 80%).
I’ve spent my whole adult life suffering from anxiety and panic disorder so I know what I’m talking about here. If you can’t adopt the strategy of ‘I can’t do anything about this so I’ll worry when I have to,’ then you must employ all the strategies you have in your armoury that helps you live with your anxiety. The fact that you’re off work with anxiety already would suggest you are working with your GP at least. Go back, or ring, for some urgent advice. See if there’s a local support group. Try yoga or meditation or practise mindfulness.
What got me through my treatments was a range of videos on YouTube. I listened to them several times a day and something must have got through because I managed everything from chemo to blood transfusions panic-free (and for some inexplicable reason, I haven’t had a panic attack for well over a year - miracle). My favourite is Progressive Hypnosis’s Manifest Healing but there’s a range, linked to aspects of anxiety, by Michael Sealey and I also like Good Vibes.
The worry won’t magically disappear until you get your clear diagnosis but you will cope. We all do. It’s a question of how we cope and people like us are at an advantage in that we already know what anxiety feels like and b***** awful life can be - so we aren’t unprepared, like some. Just keep on working on your anxiety and stop poking and prodding that lump I’m being optimistic on your behalf. I hope you’re in that 80%, Good luck,
I’m being optimistic on your behalf. I hope you’re in that 80%, Good luck,