Hi Im Kate and 37 years old My mum died of breast cancer when she was 56 she 1st got it when she was about 42. I have always made a point of checking my breasts which so far have een ok.
I have, since my mum died (nearly 20 years ago) suffered from bad health anxiety if thnk something is wrong or I have pain it seems to esculate with the anxiety.
The last month I have had intermittent breast pain mainly my left breast but goes to the right the deeper into my cycle I get. I am now day 10 since the 1st day of my period and the pain is gettng worse again but like last month its only in my left breast so far I breast fed my children (got 5 3 single and a set of twins) and it feels sometimes lke the tingling feeling you get when you are b/f.
I have poked and prodded my breasts and am convinced I have a lump in my left one but sometimes I cant feel it its not round and hard. To be honest I have loads of lumps in my breasts should breasts feel lumpy and bumpy is it all the stuff in there I can feel?
I am driving my self mad with fear and am to scared to go to the GP incase it is something bad.
My mother is the only relative I know of in the family to have had breast cancer her 2 sisters and brother are still alive and getting into their 80’s with no cancer at all.
So how at risk am I?
So sorry for the super long 1st post hope someone can help me.
Thanks Katexxx
Hi there
Breasts are lumpy by nature. My breasts have always had lumps more so at the time of the month. I also get very bad pains around that time of the month too. If you feel there is a lump there that is different and is always there please go and get it checked. I used to find lumps quite often but kinda realised they werent anything to worry about, but once I found the one that has just been surgically removed, don’t ask me how but I knew it wasnt a normal lump. My gp said there was nothing there and to go away, I knew she was wrong and got a second opinion and I was right, I guess what I am saying is when there is something to be worried or concerned about you really are hyper sensitive to it, and you just know!
Regarding your mum, my mum was dix in March this year with BC. I was told they only start to worry about it being genetic once there is more than one relative who has had/got bc.
Hope this helps.
Please go to your GP and get this checked out. Most breast lumps are nothing to worry about but it’s best to get anything you find checked, I know it’s scary especially with your Mum having had bc - but if it is a tumour then it’s best to get it dealt with sooner rather than later.
Hi Kate
Glad you have found us and that you have posted, but so sorry to read about your mum, and all the anxieties that you are having now. Most of the advice these days is to be “breast aware”, ie to know how your breasts normally feel throughout the month, so that you notice any changes. You will find lots of information on this site. Often breasts do feel “lumpy and bumpy”, and vary throughout the month. I would strongly suggest that you go and see your doctor and tell him/her just what you have told us. Your doctor can examine you, and hopefully reassure you. If there is anything concerning he will refer you for further tests - but not doing anything about it would be the worst thing to do, as in your heart you know. When I asked my doctor about my daughter (she’s only 19 at the moment) he said that usually women should start having some kind of breast screening ten years before the age at which their mother was diagnosed, so it would seem very sensible to make that appointment. I do hope you do, as I am sure you will find it a real help. Best of luck and please let us know how you get on. Sarah x
HI Kate
My mum died of breast cancer 29 years ago and like you I had really bad anxiety about my health. When I noticed a change in my breast I knew there was something wrong although my doctor did not and would only refere me to the breast clinic as nonergent and that I would probably get an appointment in a couple of months I could not wait that long and went to a private clinic and had a mamograme which picked up my tumor. So please if things do not seem right for you get it checked even for your own peace of mind.
love mel
Thanks so much for all your replies.
I went to the doctors this afternoon and she did a breast exam checked under my arms around my colar bones and even checked down my right side kinda in line with my ribs for lumps and pain Is this normal and why would she be checking there?
Anyhow great outcome no abnormal lumps just what she would find in breasts.
She is refering me to the breast clinic so I can start early screening being as my mum was 1st diagnosed in her early 40’s.
She said they would proberly see me yearly as long as all was ok.
What am I likely to expect when I go there will I have a mammogram or ultra sound? How long will it be before I get my appointment?
Thank you all so much and will keep you updated with my appointment.
Good luck all
xxxx
Hi Kate
It sounds as though your doctor has been very thorough. My guess is she was checking for enlarged lymph nodes which would give an indication of something wrong - (not necessarily cancer - infections can cause enlarged nodes too). So if nothing abnormal detected, brilliant. She is also very good sending you to the clinic. I am not sure what you will have. Probably a mammogram and an ultrasound but it will be whatever you need. I don’t know when you will be seen - depends if she referred you as urgent, which I wouldnt think so judging from your examination. I know when your mother has had breast cancer it is a worry. My mother had breast cancer in both breasts. She was diagnosed 20 odd years ago but died of something completely unrelated. It still makes me anxious though. Remember also that treatment 20 years ago is a world away from treatment now so if you did develop breast cancer, your chances are much much better than your mum’s.
So celebrate your good news!!
Cathy
x
Hi Kate - Great news that you overcame your fear and went to see the doctor. So glad she could reassure you that all is well, and also get you into regular screening. Hopefully this will give you peace of mind and you can get on and enjoy life again! We’re always here for you though. Sarah x
Hi Kate
Pleased to here your good news, and its fantastic you will be screened regularly which will hopefull mean anything in the future will be nipped in the bud!
J x
Hi Kate
You may find our publication helpful to read, it’s called ‘Referral to a breast clinic’, this can be read via the following link:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/referral_07_0.pdf
Please feel free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 and speak to one of our specialist nurses in confidence for further support and information if you feel you need it. The line is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Lucy
Thaks you so much again for all your support
xx
I too am glad to hear that you have had a good response from the GP. As Cathy says it would sound to me like you will get a non-urgent referral so you might have to wait for a few weeks.