I hope I’m posting in the right place! I’m Hannah, 26 years old, from the UK.
On Saturday morning I was doing a breast check and noticed a small horizontal dimple/line on my left breast, just below the nipple to the right. It is about 2cm long and I can only see it in natural light. Upon seeing this I did a very thorough check of my right breast and found a similar dimple, but right at the bottom of my breast (you could only see it if you lifted them up and hung them over a mirror - very flattering!). I couldn’t feel any lumps but I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for.
I panicked a bit and first thing yesterday (Monday) morning I made an appointment with my GP who thankfully could see me the same day. I went last night and she could see the dimples I was referring to. She could also feel a small “pea-sized” hard lump underneath the dimple on the right breast. She has referred me to the breast clinic to be seen within 2 weeks.
I got very upset at this point but she was lovely about it and let me take all the time I needed.
During the examination of my breasts as I was lying down, I had taken off my shoes and she noticed a small black mark I’ve had on my toenail for a couple of months now. She asked about it, and long story short she has also referred me to the dermatologist to be seen within 2 weeks about that due to possible melanoma.
It’s fair to say I feel all over the shop right now and could do with some words of… something. I’m not really sure. It just felt good to type all that out. You’re a saint if you’ve read all that waffle! Thank you :)
Its not waffle! Its the mind of a very upset and anxious person, and understandably so, especially as you are so young. Now…you have two things to worry about at the same time, one is enough, but two is…well more than enough. There is a telephone number at the top of this website, where the ladies are always happy to take your call. It is not just for people who have been diagnosed, but for those who are scared about breast changes and awaiting tests and clinic dates. You have done exactly the right thing and gone to your GP upon noticing something, that is a difficult step to take (not everyone does you know, some people leave their problem indefinitely!) but it is a proactive thing to do, as it means that IF there is anything that needs treating it can be done promptly and effectively. The next couple of weeks will be tough emotionally, I am just warning you really to expect it, it is normal to find yourself upset, emotional and thinking of little else. Of course it is the ‘not knowing’ that is hard, and your mind goes off in different directions and starts analysing and creating terrifying scenarios.
I can reassure you of this though, if there is anything sinister about your breast changes it will be treated promptly with an individual treatment plan. BC treatment nowadays has a good outcome for the majority of women and that is good news.
I hope for you that this is nothing to worry about, and it is found to be a benign condition (as 80 percent of lumps are), but if it isnt, then all of us here are testament to the fact that life goes on beyond a diagnosis.
Charys is so spot on, just mind we are all here for one another, the waiting is the worst bit and alsorts go through your mind, just remember don’t start googling, try keep busy until it’s time for your appointment.x
Charys and Arl, I can’t thank you enough for your kind replies. I am climbing the walls over here, but to know I’m not alone gives me massive comfort. I hadn’t realised the phone number on the website was also for people who haven’t yet been diagnosed - I will probably give them a call if/when this all becomes too overwhelming. You are both right, it is the not knowing and waiting that’s driving me mad at the minute. I am trying not to obsess over it though and keep busy - we went on a lovely long walk last night with a stop off at the pub and I didn’t think about “it” once, which was great. I will post again once I get my appoinments through. Big hugs to you both x
Wow Charys you weren’t kidding when you said I would feel emotional… I’m so up and down. Fine one minute, crying the next. I looked at the dimple today and I could swear it’s got more pronounced, so I have banned Dimple Watch until I have been to the clinic. Still not had my appointment through, will give them a call tomorrow if I still haven’t heard.
Appointment set for 14:20 on Wednesday 14th September. I can’t thank you enough for your lovely reassuring words. You are making this feel less scary and lonely. I will update again once I’ve had my appointment. Wishing you all a lovely weekend, big hugs xx
Hope everything goes alright for you on Wednesday, taking someone with you might help, for support. I just remember I was kind of listening but switching of to afterwards, it’s the keeping busy that is the hardest part until then, we’ve got everything crossed for you that all will be good, but if not the nurses and doctors are great, they certainly look after you well. All the best for Wednesday.x
I’m pleased to tell you that I had good news today. After an examination and ultrasound (with FOUR medical students in the room!) I was told I just have lumpy breasts and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The dumpling was probably the result of recent weight loss and normal breast changes. I cannot praise my consultant enough or the radiographer and nurses, they were amazing. I am lucky enough to be completely fine and to celebrate thisi have decided to do a triathalon to raise money for Macmillan to help the fantastic work they do.
I wish everyone on this forum all the luck and biggest hugs in the world.