I’m posting here because I’m feeling anxious and my GP hasn’t said much…
I found a lump and discharge in one breast, then the other and I had blood tests and a breast ultrasound which came back today as showing I’m low in iron and have an infection, and I have cysts in my breasts.
What I’m really worried about is that the GP also said she’s referring me to a specialist at the hospital for a biopsy and I don’t know how concerned I should be and she was pretty tight lipped about it.
I haven’t told my partner.
Hi
First of all, I’m sorry you find yourself in this position. There’s something about the word cancer that sends us into a tailspin. I say ‘us’ because you aren’t alone. You have found a safe place in these forums.
Ultrasound is a pretty reliable test when it comes to spotting signs of breast cancer. The diagnosis may cover all bases but maybe your GP is being extra cautious (unlike mine). Did you have the ultrasound at a hospital? I can’t quite understand how you have had tests or where you had them because the obvious place to have them is in a breast clinic! However, your GP may feel you need a mammogram, the most reliable diagnostic tool for breast cancer, just in case. Better to be cautious than overlooked. Referral to a breast clinic is very common and up to 90% of referrals are diagnoses of harmless conditions, so your odds are good, especially as you already have a diagnosis.
It is pointless telling you not to worry. The anxiety has already begun so you’ll need to find ways to deal with it in the coming days. There are NHS-endorsed apps like Headspace and Calm which have lots of suggestions. My preference is to plug into a video on YouTube by Progressive Hypnosis. When I use them, I’m away with the fairies in minutes. Ones that encourage diaphragmatic breathing are particularly good as that’s a strategy you can use as soon as you notice tension building up again.
Whatever you do, stay away from Google. It’s a minefield and, to the uninitiated, it can do a lot of damage, feeding anxieties unnecessarily. The NHS has a 2-week commitment to seeing patients in breast clinic so you don’t have long to wait. In the meantime, consider telling your partner. How would you feel is s/he kept you in the dark? There is no shame in worrying about a potential health problem and needing understanding and support. How your partner reacts to it is their problem, not yours - don’t protect them. Now covid restrictions hav ben lifted, it would be quite in order to take your partner with you (or have them take you), if not for the first consultation, definitely for the second. I was pretty dismissive of the whole thing and told my husband he needn’t come with me. Fortunately I stopped off at a friend’s and she insisted I shouldn’t do it alone so she was there to take notes when my brain froze.
So… please don’t jump to conclusions. I’m guessing this is a simple precaution and the odds are good for you. Your relief if you are told there is nothing to worry about with be overwhelming so please don’t go through this alone. Take care and good luck.
Jan x