Hi all,
another newbie here. Last Monday I found a change in my left breast, not so much a lump but more and increase to the ridge at the bottom of my breast. I know a ridge is a natural thing but there has been a substantial growth in only a few months and compared to my right breast it is huge.
I visited my doctor the following day and she has referred me. I expected to wait a few weeks for an appointment so was quite surprised when the next day my appointment arrived with a date for the breast clinic this Thursday.
I know that in one way it is great that I am being seen so quickly but also a bit scary. And crossed with that is that now I know the date it can’t come quick enough.
I know that I am likely to come away still not knowing as they will probably do tests and the following day is the start of my best friends hen do (what bad timing!) and I know I will probably still have this hanging over my head.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of “lump” or rather lumpiness to the normal ridge at the bottom of the breast? Also anyone experienced a kind of icy hot sensation that runs up the breast in a line?
Sorry to go on, hope some of you manage to make it this far without getting bored lol
In addition to the support you will receive here I am posting a link to the BCC publication ‘referral to the breast clinic’ which you may find useful to read, it contains the number of our helpline too:
I have some experience of this. One point is my BCN told me that many women have a ridge at the bottom of their breast caused by underwire bras compressing the tissue. My lump was there, it was cancer, but it was a definate, hard lump and did not feel like the rest of the tissue. Also I have been told it is an unusual place to have bc.
You have done the right thing getting it checked. Hopefully you will be get good news and move on with your life. Try not to let it spoil the hen do, although I know that is hard. Good luck
Sorry you’ve found yourself here but you have come to the right place for support.
Many of the clinics are set up so that you get the test results on the day of your appointment so you may not have to wait. You will have a physical examination, most likely a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound and/or biopsy.
Waiting is the worst time. Nearly all of us would agree. Do remember that it isn’t just a slogan. Most breast problems really really do turn out not to be cancer. I attended my graduation in the week before my appointment and it was the most bitter sweet day of my life so I can understand how you feel about your friend’s hen night. Whatever happens, set out to enjoy it and you’ll have the good memories to look back on. Best of luck xxx Jan
Debx - thanks for your reply, I’ve always had a ridge on my left breast but it has increased in size and has become lumpy only recently, compared to my right breast it seems huge and comes to less that a cm beneath my nipple hence the worry.
JanB - I have heard some clinics can give you results the same day so I’m really hoping this is the case at my clinic. They have told me they will do mammogram/ultrasound and/or biopsy when I’m there so hope they can manage results in the same day too.
I haven’t told my best friend anything about it yet as she is stressed with her wedding (for which I am also a bridesmaid) and hope that come Friday I can celebrate not just her hen weekend but also getting the all clear! - postitive thinking! Thanks for your reply
Well that’s another day over, only two more sleeps to go!
I’m now struggling to decide whether or not to go on my own or with my husband.
Originally I said I would go on my own, taking the positive approach that everything was going to be fine and therefore I could go on my own but now as the days creep past and my appointment gets closer the more that voice in my head is saying “but what if it isn’t all ok and then you’ll be there all alone”
Part of me feels like if I ask my husband to take the day off and then I get there and am told that it’s all fine I’ll feel bad that he has wasted a day of his very limited holiday but on the other hand I fear if I don’t ask my hubby to come with me he will feel a bit shut out as I know he just wants to be there for me.
Grrrrr…what to do!
i think the best thing to do is call the clinic and see what will happen on that day. if it is a one stop cllinic you might want to take someone with you as you may get some idea of your diagnosis and the tests can leave you feeling in a whirl.
Is it possible for your hubby to be on call, so to speak.
I went on my own and was there all day. I didn’t end up getting the results that day (athough they did tell me that it wasn’t looking good) There was an awful lot of waiting around and it was nice chatting to the other women there and not have to worry about keeping my hubby entertained. Fortunately though, he only works half an hour away from the hospital, so I knew that he could get there quickly if I needed him. His boss was also very understanding which helped a lot.
Hi,
If you are likely to get the results on the day - and this is usually possible at one stop clinics - I would suggest taking hubby. I went on my own ( my GP was so sure that it was a harmless lump!) so wished I had taken OH in the event. Hopefully he can go with you and you can celebrate good news, but he will be there to hold your hand if it’s not what you are hoping for.