I found a lump in my breast on Wednesday. I’m sure it can’t have been there long as it’s all I can feel now. Saw the GP the following day who found it instantly and has referred me under the urgent two week pathway. She says she’s 90% sure it’s nothing to worry about - but I bet they say that to everyone.
I’ve had my appointment through today for the 14th August so exactly 2 weeks after I found the lump.
I haven’t told anyone in real life as I don’t want to worry anyone. But how do I get through the next 12 days? I’m so scared.
So sorry that you are in this situation the waiting for tests and results is absolutely awful - there are many threads on here about this. The only way to get through it has a day at a time and try to keep busy and do things that will give you some joy in the moment. It might help to talk it over with a good friend that you can trust not to tell everyone else but I think you’re right not to say anything at least until you know what you are dealing with - and I’m speaking from experience here .
The 2 week urgent referral pathway is standard so don’t read anything into that and the truth is that most lumps do turn out to be benign but I know that’s not much comfort while you’re waiting .
When I was in your position last year, my GP was very honest and said she’s thinks it’s cancer!! But I just knew it too so was nice that she agreed with me! The waiting is awful but try ringing the breast centre and ask if there any cancellations for mammograms and tell them that you’re available anytime (even if you’re not). That worked for me so at least the ball was rolling. Good luck xxx
Hi When I found a lump at went to GP, they also told me straight out it was cancer in their opinion but reassured me about all the good treatments available and that I would be seen quickly - within 2 weeks - which I was, and then it was also all dealt with pretty quickly. So it seems they also don’t say that to everyone.
Hi whyme
Sorry your in this position the waiting is hard all sorts of things go through your head , stay strong think positive you will get through this , in some ways when I got diagnosis it was a relieve knowing where I stood take care , keep us updated xx
You will get through it & you have found the lump quickly. Worst case scenario is that it’s cancer, but it can be treated & generally the prognosis is very good these days. Be prepared that you will still have to wait for confirmation once you’ve been examined & had the other tests, but I was as good as told on that day that it was cancer. After my results things moved really quickly to having a lumpectomy, which I didn’t find too bad. 5 months from finding my lump I’ve had a lumpectomy & lymph node removal, a second surgery to get clear margins, radiotherapy & have been given the all clear. Good luck.
I work at the hospital my appointment is at - do you think it’s worth calling them on Monday to say I can do any cancellation? I could literally be there in 10mins after handing over what I was doing…
I think I can feel a second lump in the same breast.
Yes, call them and let them know you are available. There’s loads of cancellations come up. I had my double mastectomy last week and the two ops before me cancelled so I was whizzed away as soon as I walked in the door so I didn’t have time to panic.
I also work at a hospital and although I was private some of my tests were done at the big hospital and the team were lovely and said even though you’re not here come and see us or call us if you need anything or have any worries.
Good luck xx
I wouldn’t have thought of that. Will definitely pop to the breast care centre and ask in person. Thank you so much.
The wait is so difficult. I haven’t told anyone in real life apart from my managers at work (and that was purely as I’ll need time off at short notice). No point worrying anyone else until there is something to worry about.
Take a deep breath. You may be in for a short ride or a long one, but try to keep a level head. June 6th of this year 2024, I went to my gyno for a routine yearly exam. I’ve had a lump in my right breast since 2018 that they did an ultrasound on in 2022 saying it is just a simple cyst. She ordered me a mammogram and said it was probably nothing but you can ask them if they can aspirate the cyst since it is causing you pain. Had the mammogram two weeks later and had a second mammogram with compression frames the same day. I also had an ultrasound done and they found distortion on my mammogram and ultrasound. Two more weeks go by and I ended having two breast biopsies on a Thursday. On Tuesday, I get the call to have a consultation with a surgeon for the radial scars in my breast. I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer. I have my lumpectomy on August 22nd 2024. I’m hoping they take the golf ball sized tissue and nothing more serious is found that would require me to do more. It’s only in my one breast and I’m only 32. Good luck and remember we are all here with you. I’ve accepted my diagnosis as my family history is steeped in it, but I remember crying every day for a week before I became okay again. I’m terrified for my son and my future but I’m hoping for the best and you should too.
I’ve had breast cancer, and I’m also a retired GP. I don’t think most GPs would say they were ‘90% sure’ a lump wasn’t a cancer unless that were true. I wouldn’t have done so myself. In the end, you won’t know for sure until you’ve been seen in clinic, but try not to let your imagination take you down too many scary rabbit-holes! Wishing you well.
Best of luck for tomorrow I know we all say it, but the waiting truly is the worst part. Just try to remember that even if it is bad news tomorrow, there are so many treatments available nowadays and they don’t muck about getting you sorted! I was in getting my op within 4 weeks of the biopsy/mammogram appointment. Let us know how you get on xx
I hoped I’d come away with either something to worry about or feel reassured but I don’t feel either.
The consultant felt the 3 lumps that I can and drew round them. Then I went and had an ultrasound. This took less than a min and the person doing it was very dismissive. She says the lumps are just bruising? Asked if I’d had any injuries or a car accident recently. I said no then she told me that she wasn’t concerned, I was fine to go and walked out.
Just don’t know what to think. If they were bruises would I not see anything on the skin? Why would there be there with no trauma to the area? Will they go away on their own? They haven’t changed so far in 2 weeks. Will they just be there for ever and I have to get used to being able to feel three hard marbles in my boob and learn not to worry about them?
Sorry you haven’t been given peace of mind, did they say there would be any follow up or anything? If it helps at all, when I had my ultrasound she literally had the device on my boob for about two seconds and told me it was cancer, so the fact that she doesn’t think it is anything sinister is super positive.
I assume you will get a letter explaining today’s appointment which might put your mind at rest, but it’s such a shame you feel the appointment was dismissive today
I know we all say it, but the waiting truly is the worst part. Just try to remember that even if it is bad news tomorrow, there are so many treatments available nowadays and they don’t muck about getting you sorted! I was in getting my op within 4 weeks of the biopsy/mammogram appointment. Let us know how you get on xx