Hello, Please see update post at bottom - the referral has been delayed by an error…
I’m 31 and have been breastfeeding for 13 months. One of my breasts has generally been bigger than the other since feeding the baby but I’ve just put this down to natural differences.
Now i’ve found a lump under my arm and I’ve been referred for an urgent ultra-sound scan to check it out. I found it about 10 days ago and I’ve noticed it is getting bigger gradually.
I’m very frightened about what this means and have been searching the web for reassurance. I’ve found many references to the figure that 9 out of 10 lumps are benign but nowhere does it say if this includes ‘under-the-arm’ lumps or just those in the breast itself.
I won’t have the scan until january and I’m so worried. I haven’t told my husband because if it is the worst, I’d like him and the children to enjoy a worry-free Christmas this year.
Am I worrying too much? Can lumps under the arm (on one side only) be benign?
Welcome to the forums where I am sure you will receive valuable support and information from your fellow users.
Breast Cancer Care has published a leaflet about breast clinic referral which you may find useful to read whilst you are waiting for other users to share their experiences. I have given the link here:
If you feel it would help to talk things over with someone in confidence, please feel free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 which opens Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Hello Walker 99
I’m really sorry to hear that you are going through such an awful time at the moment. I’m not sure exactly what I can say to put your mind at rest but what I can say is that how you are feeling is completely normal and that the waiting is really hard and I remember it so well - it’s very hard to think of anything else. I think your husband would be upset if he knew you were worrying about this on your own and he would want you to share it with him and I think it would help you more if he knows than trying to hide it from him for fear of upsetting him.
Thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs
Rebz xxx
Hi,
My friend had quite a large lump under her arm whilst pregnant and breastfeeding, her GP referred her to a breast clinic and it turned out to be normal breast tissue made bigger by hormones. I can’t remember the exact reason but it was definitely benign. It could be a swollen gland or a number of other innocent explanations. I agree with Rebz that you should tell your husband - my husband would be gutted if I kept something like this from him. It’s normal to be worried and you need hugs and support at a time like this. I know it’s hard but try not to think the worst and self diagnosing on the internet usually scares you - I’m terrible for doing that myself. It’s good your GP has referred you so you will know what it is soon rather that fobbing you off with an explanation to do with breastfeeding. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Zoe x x
Thanks very much for your messages - they really helped when I was feeling bleak. I’m feeling more positive today - I told my husband about my worries and he encouraged me to visit the on-call doctor for reassurance, because I was almost sick with anxiety.
This doctor said she thought it possible I had lots of cysts (?) which definately needed checking and dealing with, but may well be nothing more serious. Not only this but Zoe mentioned her friend having a ‘normal’ lump under her arm so I’m feeling much more hopeful.
Not out of the woods until I have the appointment - I’ll let you know how it goes.
After waiting patiently for 3 weeks I enquired about when my appointment might be but have been dismayed to find the hospital had not received the referral. TUrns out it was posted on 27th (9 days after I saw the doctor) and was not sent as urgent.
THey faxed through the urgent referral pro-forma on the 7th (yesterday) and I’ve now been offered an appointment for Friday morning (24 days from when I first saw the doctor).
The hospital say this is the first available appointment - should I accept this additional delay or fight for something tomorrow or THursday?