Worried

So I’m 23 years old (turn 24 in February), I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in the left breast about 3 and a half years ago, had a scan and biopsy done. Since then I’ve been back once just for a scan and was told fibroadenoma has grown but still not big enough for surgery. That was a few months ago. Pain is getting worse, it’s severe in the left beast and armpit but also getting pain in right breast and armpit. It’s a sharp stabbing pain, worse at night so I can’t sleep till 9 in the mornings. Even then I’m not sleeping properly, always tired. I’m a final year student so missed a lot of university recently, behind on assignments, I don’t go anywhere these days, had to miss my cousin’s graduation party too. There is a history of cancer in my family so I’m getting anxious and worried. My grandma died of womb cancer, dad’s nephew had leukaemia and bowel cancer loads of times amongst other types, he died too.

So my question is could the fibroadenoma have been a misdiagnosis? Don’t know what to do. Been putting off going to doctors because I don’t think my family would cope with cancer again, especially my dad. He watched his nephew die then his mum. But on the other hand I’m also worried that if it is cancer then the longer it leave the less likely treatment will work.

Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.

P.s please don’t patronise me and say it won’t be cancer because I’m too young etc. It’s a possibility and it does happen to women my age.

I think you should go to the doctors.  It is stopping you sleeping, so you clearly need help whatever the cause.  And if it is cancer, avoiding the doctors won’t make it go away, and your family will have to deal with it sooner or later.  

 

I think you need to share this worry with someone - friend/family/university tutor.  You shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.  I have kids of 20, 23 & 26 and would hate for any of them to be dealing with this alone. Perhaps you can think of how your family would feel if they knew you were trying to shield them from this?  I know I would want my kids to come to me.