Probably noone up at this hour but i dont know what else to do, my panic is coming in waves without even a diagnosis!..Yesterday i found (well my husband found)a large lump in my breast, how i could have missed it is beyond me. Its a solid lump and not painful thou now i know its there im very aware of it. its about 6cm and almost visible when i look at my breast i can see a definate swelling and doesnt seem to move and i have no other symptoms (well i do but without finding this lump i wouldnt have worried to much about them ie back pain and fatigue)Seen my gp within 6hrs of finding the lump and have been refered to my local breast clinic, doc says deffo within 2 weeks but hopefully by friday…i dont know how to get thru tonight let alone till friday…Im 38 with 2 kids and although there is a family history of cancer its not BC. Does the panic fade? can you judge likelyhood on the size or feel of the lump?..i know im rambling on but i feel like the fear is choking me… C x
Dear feb, welcome to the BCC forums
I am sorry to read that you are having such a difficult time at the moment, I am sure your fellow users will be along soon with support and shared experiences, in addition, our helpliners are here Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2 to offer you further support and a listening ear on 0808 800 6000
I am posting a link to the BCC publication ‘Referral to the breast clinic’ which you may find helpful:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/worried-about-breast-cancer
Take care
Lucy
Hi feb,
I think things on the boards are a bit slow at the moment because of the holidays but I am sure others will be along soon.
Sorry you are here but you are in a good place for support and help.
Try and keep in mind that the majority of breast lumps are not cancer but some other benign condition. I think some 80 to 90% are benign.
I hope you are seen before Christmas but if not try and focus on the holiday and keep breathing. The waiting can make you very anxious.
Do you know if you local health authority offers a “one stop shop” breast clinic? If so they will be able to give you a provional diagnosis on the day, while they await the full lab results.
Very good luck to you and have a good Christmas.
Hi cherry,
Thank you for the response. I will definately try to focus on the fact it may well be benign instead of giving myself a definate diagnosis and bad prognosis! My BC clinic is a one stop shop and my gp made me aware that i would receive a answer on the day. Ive sat up all night long with my husband, he sat kinda shell shocked while i ran thru every scenario and outcome, im actually bargaining with myself lol…Ill accept it if i can be cured etc, hope the BC clinic are into plea bargains, ha. Feel somewhat calmer now and determined to keep it together till i actually know something, the last thing i want is to worry my kids over christmas, ive read thru practically the entire forum but for now i think ill just stick to the “worried” thread! Hope you also have a lovely christmas and thanks so much for your support xx
Hi Feb, I found a large lump in my breast over 10 years ago, the doctors were very concerned and told me it looked like breast cancer, but after many tests and appointments I had a lumpectomy which showed it wasn’t cancer. It was a horrible scary time, but life changing, it makes you realise what are the important things in your life.
I thought I would post, as there probably aren’t many people on the site where the lumps aren’t cancer – I’m only here because I have now found another lump in my armpit – and praying and hoping it turns out the same as last time when I get the results on Thursday. Praying for you too! C xxx
Hi Feb, I have had both outcomes. For over ten years I had a series of lumps which turned out to be benign and then after a mammogram was disgnosed with early stage breast cancer without any visible lump.
Just because you have an obvious lump doens’t make it more or less likely to be bc. It could well be a cyst or fibrous thickening.
You are doing the right thing getting it checked out and remember as has been said before, a majority of lumps are benign and not to worry about. If by any chance this one is something that needs treating, you are right to get onto it fast and get it treated. One year on from treatment, I am absolutely fine and cancer-free.
Hope it turns out to be benign. If by any chance it doesn’t, bc can be treated and there is life on the other side. I may have a scar from the lumpectomy but otherwise I am no different other than a far greater appreciation that life is a blessing. We are here anytime you want to vent or ask questions xx