I visited my Oncologist in October and was told that everything was good. I noticed a small bump a few days before my visit but didn’t think anything of it. The bump is not near my mastectomy scar, but still in my breast area. I assumed it was just a bump because of its small size. I don’t know why I threw logic out the window and treated it like a bump and not a lump and this week decided to use a topical oil on it. The lump shrank, now I’m worried I won’t be able to truly get tested and identify if it was a possible reoccurrence. What should I do?
I feel awful and anxious wondering if I prevented myself from getting help. I was diagnosed estrogen positive in March 2023, had chemo, a mastectomy, and finished radiation earlier this year. I’m taking my meds regularly, but spiraling at the idea that I made a mistake and didn’t act smartly because the lump is smaller than a pea.
Hi @harley2121 welcome to the forum. I just wanted to let you know the BCN nurses are available Mon-Fri 9-4 and Sat 9-1 so it will be Mon/Tues before you get an answer. You could call on Monday if you would like to talk it through on 0808 800 6000.
I can tell you are anxious and wanted to let you know that MacMillan have a helpline open tomorrow between 8-8, if that helps
I’m no expert but when I read your post you mentioned a topical oil that you used and the lump shrank, my feeling is that it wasn’t anything scary. Not sure what oil you had and whether it was prescribed. I have used oils such as tea tree on grazes, spots, etc and it has helped heal them
For your own wellbeing I would also call your Breast Care nurse and talk it through.
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Thank you for the welcome and kindness. I will definitely take your advice.
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I understand your anxiety and would second the advice to contact your BCN and tell them just in case and for your own peace of mind - they do want to know when there are changes . I also think that if massaging it with oil has made it shrink then it’s unlikely to be anything to worry about. Quite often lumps come up as a consequence of having surgery and radiotherapy and the fact that it has shrunk might not be related to you applying the oil at all . For example I found a lump which I had checked out at the breast clinic and it turned out to be an oil cyst which has all but disappeared now - absorbed into my body . Xx
Hello harley2121
Thank you for your post. As @naughty_boob and @JoanneN have said finding a change in the breast after your treatment can make you feel very anxious.
There are many reasons for changes to occur after treatment but as you have noticed this as something new, you should talk to your treatment team or breast care nurse. Don’t worry that you have applied the oil to it and it appears to have shrunk, your treatment team will still be able to check it out for you if they feel that is necessary.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Rosey
Breast Care Nurse
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