I am new to this site and would appreciate anyone’s insight into my worries. I am 47 years old and found a lump on my right breast in February. My doctor referred me to breast clinic and thought it may be a cyst (2 weeks referral because of my age). The breast consultant did a triple assessment (FNA, Mammo and U/S) and said that he is 99% sure it is benign and is consistent with a fibroadenoma. He recommended that I have the lump removed due to me being over 40 and I’m having it removed this coming Monday. He also said that it is an unusual first presentation of fibroadenoma at my age. The appointment for the excisional biopsy came though within a month and I was surprised at how soon they are doing it. I am concerned that at my age it could be something more serious as everything I read states beware of fibroadenomas in middle aged women.
Am I right to be concerned? How likely is it that it could be something nasty?
Hi Curly
As I see it, there’s no point in you worrying unduly about it. I know that’s easy to say but look at it this way, your having the lump removed very soon. If there’s more to it, you’ll be getting it sorted out as soon as possible. If there isn’t, you’ll soon know that you’re OK and can get on with your life.
Breast cancer doesn’t have to be a life sentence. I had it 12 years ago at the age of 40. Whilst I did lose my right breast and went through some tough treatment, I’m still here to tell the tale and I enjoy my ‘post cancer’ life very much.
The most important thing is that you make the very most of every experience and enjoy yourself. Worrying is a waste of time and energy. We all do it, can’t help it, I know, but what does it acheive other than creating stress and more worry?
Sorry to go on a bit. I hope you can see what I’m getting at.
Enjoy your weekend and best wishes for Monday.
Awadan
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Hi Awadan
Thank you for replying to my post and for your good wishes for Monday. It’s the waiting that’s bothering me - I just want to know. My emotions seem to go in waves as one minute I’m thinking the worst and the next I’m thinking it will be fine. Sounds like you’ve got the right attitude in making the most of things and enjoying life although it must have been pretty rough at the time. I do appreciate you taking the time to reply and I shall try not to worry.
Curly
my “fibroadenoma” at 47 turned out to be breast cancer so I think it is perfectly sensible to be worried. The incidence of fibroadenomas reduces significantly by age
Mole
My fibroadenoma was hiding breast cancer.