How did YOU find out you had breast cancer?

[Guest user]

Routine mammogram. Never felt a thing. Was having yearly mammograms due to a previous lump found 10 years ago and a terrible family history. This was due to be my last yearly mammogram and until half way Certainly know there is now!

Reeb

[tors]

I found mine during a routine self breast exam, I am 36 with no family history so nowhere near time for screening. Turned out to be grade 3 ductal cancer, 17mm, no node involvment. So glad I checked myself. Peversley, now I am too scared to checkyself and really have to make myself do it, have finished Chemo and rads ten days ago.

[moser]

How did i manage to get this on twice???? Whoops!

[moser]

Looking back now I should have recognised problem much sooner, - had noticed a sort of tingling in my breast, and thought it looked a bit different, but then it all went away and I did not feel worried. Then, several months later i found a lump under my arm, went to GP, was referred, and there was a large 5cm areas of DCIS in breast with 2cm IDC, 2 nodes involved. I often think if I'd picked it up at the earlier point it might not have been so bad, but easy to be wise after event! Had a local recurrence 4 years later, found that myself too (a lump near my armpit). This had been missed by both onc and surgeon at check ups earlier in the year.
I think that as well as yearly mammograms on our "good sides" those of us who've had mx's should also get yearly ultrasounds of the "bad" side. Have suggested this, but got nowhere!
Mo

[moser]

Looking back now I should have recognised problem much sooner, - had noticed a sort of tingling in my breast, and thought it looked a bit different, but then it all went away and I did not feel worried. Then, several months later i found a lump under my arm, went to GP, was referred, and there was a large 5cm areas of DCIS in breast with 2cm IDC, 2 nodes involved. I often think if I'd picked it up at the earlier point it might not have been so bad, but easy to be wise after event! Had a local recurrence 4 years later, found that myself too (a lump near my armpit). This had been missed by both onc and surgeon at check ups earlier in the year.
I think that as well as yearly mammograms on our "good sides" those of us who've had mx's should also get yearly ultrasounds of the "bad" side. Have suggested this, but got nowhere!
Mo

[lella]

I have had a history of breast cysts since my 20s and have always had them aspirated by our local breast surgeon. However on a visit 5 years ago I saw a different doctor who was quite derisory of my numerous visits to the clinic and told me that it was something I'd have to put up with until menopause and that I was wasting everyone's time by constantly being referred, as the cysts would only fill up again. Incidentally this was reiterated by the radiographer when I mentioned his comments to her.
So although I could feel new cysts in my breasts I followed his advice until last November when I noticed my right nipple was slightly inverted. I asked to be referred to a different hospital as I didn't want to see that surgeon again. Result - bilateral mastectomy as tumours in both breasts, chemo, SNB followed by full node clearance. Fortunately I only had 1 node involved - could have been so much worse. I constantly worry about how long the tumours had been there.
Like Rugbygirl I am advising anyone who will listen to go to their GP with ANY breast changes and if they have a cyst get it checked out.

[juliebtaurus]

I had been swimming with my nephews and had done quite alot of lengths ( breast stroke ) ha ha and thought id pulled a muscle. a couple of months later i had burning, stabbing pain in left breast but it was around period times so thought it was hormonal or mastitis
then it would go away. i then felt a thickening ( elongated like a tendon ) so still thought it was a pulled muscle which when biopsied turned out to be a 2.6 cm ductal lump.Ive now just finished 7 months of surgery,chemo and Radiotherapy woo hoo xx.I was 47 yrs when diagnosed aswell so 2 yrs away from mammogramme so very lucky it showed as a lump and felt it myself because where would i have been 2 years down the line I still wouldnt have known it was there as still too young for routine mammograme now xx

[Guest user]

my history is a complicated and worrying one.
I did not have any lumps or any skin changes, in January this year (aged 49) I had a small bloody dishcharge from my right nipple, I only noticed when I took my bra off. went to the Gp 2 weeks later referred to the breat clinic.

I am a nurse and was seen by a consultant that I used to work with. She examined me, no further discharge , no lump felt. U/S nothing detercted. Mamogramme, 'nothing seen, but a small ? insignificant line'.
she reassurred me that all was fine, but to reasure me furher she would send me for an MRI......showed 5 suspicious lumps....biopsies.

nearly 4 months later...19th April, extensive Breast Cancer, 9cm mass.

chemo commenced May, due to finish mid Nov, then Mastectomy, Rads then reconstruction.

Moral of the story, any changes no matter how small, ensure that all avenues are explored to rule out any disease.

best wishes Rugbygirl x

[Guest user]

I was 43 when I was diagnosed. I felt a small hard lump in my breast whilst getting dressed, so I went to my GP, who referred me to the hospital. I had a mammogram, ultrasound, and saw a consultant. I was told during the ultrasound that I had a fibroadenoma, and the doctor did a fine needle aspiration, and that appeared to be it. Then, just over a week later, I received a letter asking me to come for a core biopsy. I was given an appointment for two weeks time to come back for the results, but I had a telephone call after a week asking me to come in, and to bring someone with me. It was then I was told 'It is cancer, I'm afraid'. After the initial shock, I realised that I had a very good prognosis. I had an 8mm grade 1 lump, stage 1, node negative, ER positive, and I only needed a lumpectomy, and 15 rads, then Tamoxifen for 5 years. All this was just over three years ago, and so far I am doing fine. There were dark days when I thought I would never feel normal again, but believe it not I do now and life is good.

[Guest user]

Nipple puckering made me go to the GP. I had had a couple of weeks of itchiness of the right breast and the old rare fleeting stabbing sensastion in it (which I thought was muscular - was renovating a cottage at the time!) but nothing significant. Felt perfectly well. Subsequently at 44 (so no regular screening for me)I was diagnosed with 3cm ductal ER+ tumour followed by lumpectomy, SNB x4 removal, further surgery as safety margin not attained, x5 FEC chemo (could not do 6 - veins could not cope), x23 sessions of Radiotherapy and now on Tamoxifen for 5 years. There was no lump to feel - even my GP could not feel anything but thank god he referred me anyway!

Just had 1st anniversary and mammogram which shows no evidence of disease at the current time.

What is interesting reading these posts however is that I had an FNA of a cyst in the same breast in 2003 which was lumpy - always have wondered of that aspiration may have prompted the bc. Probably will never know for sure but it does make you think.

Leigh

PS: I did have a mammogram 18 months prior to my dx as my left breast was lumpy and I was told I had 'dense' breasts but this was clear. Ironic it has been the right bc has developed in, in such a short time frame!!!!!!!

[Guest user]

Went to the doctors on 16th of September as after my return from visiting my Dad in France i had a bad case of "acne"...had never thought much of my doctor(newish to practice)and she kept on and on asking if i had any other symptons and i said i was sure it was hormonal as my left nipple had been sore for 2 days...she examined me and said i was a bit lumpy on the left side. I was referred to the breast clinic and got the appointment for 27th September...saw a registrar who said it definitely felt cysty but to pop downstairs and have a mammogram and ultra sound.
Doctor who did the ultra sound said it definately wasn't a cyst and she needed to do a biopsy immediately...that done back upstairs to be told it was almost certainly cancerous but to come back on the friday for confirmation.
On friday 1st Oct i was diagnosed with Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma..have had SLNB and all clear! Awaiting mx on 5th Nov...its coming off with a bang!!

[SM422]

Found lump while in shower, didn't regularly check as such, but did have a "feel" in the shower every couple of months. At 47 too young for routine mammograms, and no family history.

Had lump removed 4/10, together with lymph nodes, waiting for oncologist appt on 10/11 but nothing found in nodes or blood vessels around lump.

So fingers crossed, caught early!

[Guest user]

Both my mum and grandmother had bc in their 60's and my cousin was undergoing tests (which turned out to not be bc) so I asked my GP if I should have early testing. He didn't think I would be accepted on the family history programme due to the age of my mum and grandmother at diagnosis, but would write to breast care to check. Within a month or two I had an appointment come through to see a doctor to discuss if I was suitable. He said I was a borderline case but would put me through. Within a month I had my first mammogram and was recalled and the cancer was found. Grade 3, 25mm, everything positive. My consultant said it would have been another 6 to 18 months before I would have felt it myself.

[jbug]

Oh and I should also add that I had noticed a change in my left breast (where there was a 20mm cancer too), wrinkled / dimpled / puckering...but after having 3 children I put it down to breastfeeding them. I agree that there needs to be more awareness of any changes not just lumps.

x

[jbug]

I had an itch on my chest (by breastbone) scratched it and in the process ran my finger over a lump, the rest is history...thank goodness for that itch!

x

[Guest user]

Had been having cysts aspirated over about 2 years, 3rd aspiration in May and they gave me another mammogram I wasn't aware they were going to do. After the mammogram another younger doctor did the aspirations and noticed something on the mammogram and called it "calcification". She said nothing to worry about but she would mention it in MTD. Then got call 2 weeks later to go for biopsy, (8 attempts over about 40 mins) again, sure it will be fine, just a precaution and follow up appointment, but 2 weeks later got call that my follow-up appointment had been brought forward a week, she couldn't tell me anything over phone, then alarm bells started ringing! Sat in clinic waiting to see actual Consultant, blimey, never seen him before, clinic was 50 mins behind and by the time I was called I already knew it wasn't good news but when he actually told me it was like an out of body experience, thought he was telling someone behind me. I was just 49 for goodness sake, no family history, this can't be me he was speaking to and totally gobsmacked. Was on my own and went onto autopilot. Drove back to work and carried on with my usually routine whilst colleagues fell apart, I felt totally numb and in some sort of denial, remember walking to bank like it wasn't me walking.
I was, apparently, very lucky to be discovered so early (didn't feel lucky at the time but do now!), eventually discovered had mixed/high grade DCIS, non-invasive, no nodes involved, ER and PR positive.
Had wire guided WLE 2 weeks later, histology revealed didn't get it all first time, so re-excision a month later and more DCIS so 15 rads, just completed but won't find out results until next mammogram next summer. In some sort of no man's land now and been told can't go on DCIS trial as i'm pre-menopausal. Guess I just take my chances with everyone else and hope I stay "lucky".
Routine mammograms should be done at 47 but can't complain about my treatment, have been looked after very well but feeling a bit strange since rads finished. Does anyone else feel like this after treatment?

[swallowtail]

Found mine when I was in the bath reached across for the soap and felt a thick area not a lump had a mamogram 18 months earlier and it had not showed on that it was invasive lobular 22mm and LCIS 68mm had mx on 18th August no node involvment start rads next Tuesday,am taking Arimadex for 5 years understand about the flushes topsymo
Celia.x

[topsymo]

Routine mammogram: no lump or any other symptoms.

Subsequently found to be Grade 3, Stage 3 with 1 node involved.

Had WLE, axillary clearance , chemotherapy , rads and now been on Arimidex for 2 years ( and hot flushing as I write!)

[Guest user]

Molsid, those lobular cancers are sneaky, same here, 7 cm, two tumours, no family history. Confirmed by U/S & core biopsy. Also high grade DCIS in 3/4 quadrants.

[Guest user]

I didn't have a lump, but a dimple which appeared, even at breast clinic no lump could be found turned out to be a 7.5Cm!!! lobular. I was 40 and a good 10 yrs from a routine mammogram no history in my family at all.

[Guest user]

I agree with Sarah, all changes should be investigated.

I found mine when I noticed a stinging sensation while I was in the shower. When I looked in the mirror my breast was red and hot. Couldn't feel a lump but didn't feel right. Doc diagnosed mastitis but didn't respond to antibiotics so I asked to be referred to a clinic. (Had a friend pushing me in the background to make a fuss) Mammogram didn't show anything but also had an ultrasound which showed a mass confirmed by biopsy as Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Rare aggressive type which grows in sheets rather than the usual lump and doesn't show up in mammograms. Very good reason why we should ALWAYS have changes checked and not be afraid to make a fuss.

Jan xx

[libby_2010]

Hi mine found on routine mammogram. Had appt waiting on return from hols last year. Appt for 11am, 11th Nov so changed it as felt that was a bad day/time. Did not make any difference of course going to appt on 6/11. I could not feel lump and nor could Onc or surgeon.Was grade 1 thought to be 12mm and no lymph nodes. Turned out to be 2 separate areas next to each other, totalling 21mm and 4/11 nodes.Jackie

[Guest user]

I had a definate lump, which im ashamed to say i stupidly ignored for a few months thinking it would proberly be nothing ,i was 47 so also below the screening age at the time. It seemed to grow very quickly and by the time i went to my GP, he could see it even before examing me ,i think i knew by the look on my GPs face that it was BC and i think if im honest i proberly knew it too.
I was stupid i know,needless to say i wouldnt ever ignore anything like that again.
All the best
Linda x

[CheshireCheese]

Found a patch which felt a bit thicker than the rest, then found a lump. The lump turned out to be a harmless cyst, the thickened patch was a 3cm tumour. Nothing had shown on a mammogram 2 years earlier. I think there should be more emphasis on looking out for ANY unusual changes, not just "lumps".
Sarah x

[Guest user]

Mine was also a routine mammogram, I nearly didn't go as I'd got the time wrong and thought it was at 9.50 when my appointment was actually 9.05! I just popped onto the 'caravan' to apologise for missing my appointment and they said lots of people had cancelled so they'd see me then. so glad they did. Mine was only Grade 1 and no nodes, so 'lucky' as they say LOL.
Second rads today and a bit sore, hot and pink but doing OK. Also on Tamoxifen.
Definitely recommend everyone to go for their mammograms!

[Guest user]

Had pain in breast which came and went so thought it was hormonal, then a lump appeared literally overnight. Went dr's, immediate urgent referral, one stop appt so saw dr, had mammogram and then biopsy. Told then it was cancer, week later results of biopsy were 3cm grade 1, stage2b, ER+ HER- possible node involvement. Had WLE, ANC by chioce, good call as 7 nodes infected, 2/3rd's through FEC chemo with 15 rads and 5 yrs tamoxifen to follow. Mum died of cancer 2 yrs ago started as womb cancer but her mum died of breast cancer. Paternal side grandmother died of breast cancer. Needless to say my 2 daughters have had a very through chat about checking and I have been told they will be able to start routine mammograms early from 40.

[Guest user]

in dec found a small lump which hurt and everyone said if hurts its ok! had ultrasound and needle thing and had lumpectomy mast, chemo and radio
grade 3

[Guest user]

This time last year my daughter aged 26 found a pea size lump at top of breast near ribby bit (thin girl small boobs!)so went to her GP who luckily was a breast specialist who rather than say 'oh its nothing to worry about' sent her for an ultra sound....rest is history as she was dx with 10mm grade 2 er+ Her2+ tumour no node involvement....so as my mum and gran died of it and apart from forementioned and other daughter there is a total lack of females on my side of the family I went to my GP and asked for some genetic testing to be done for the sake of the rest of the family. Was then referred to local hospitals genetics dept( took about 6 months for referral) who in their turn decided I had better be sent for immediate mammogramme aged 49 and BANG...was called back within a week and a deep unfeelable tumour had been found which eventually turned out as 19mm grade 3 er+ pr- Her2+ with 1/13 nodes.....I would not have got called for a routine mamogramme until 51 so it could have been a whole lot worse by then!
So I have had a mammoplasty to remove the offending item, a ANC and am now on FEC-T regieme with rads Herceptin and tamoxifen to come.
Daughter now has hair and finished rads and on Herceptin and Tamoxifen and looks fantastic!
Under investigation as to wether we are a BRACA gene family.

[Laraine]

Forgot to add, I did feel a lump but as it hurt I thought it was okay.xx

[Guest user]

I found my lump while in the shower, in fact on my first mammogram it didn't show !!! This was done private, Luckily my Doctor sent me for a ultrasound 9 days later they did a mammogram immediately after and hey presto there it was... Both on ultrasound and mammogram, very invasive tumour grade 3 .... 16 nodes infected...

I also have heard alot of people say there's didn't show on mammograms.
This I think is a tad scary.

If I never went back to the Doctor with this lump, i would probably not be here today! The private clinic told me go home there's nothing there to worry about!!!!!

Love Teresa x

[Laraine]

Mammogram for me too. I changed doctors and was invited to go along as it was time for all their patients to go. I went, even though it was well under 2 years since my last one which was clear. Was recalled and it was grade 3, ER no node involvement. Had mx and chemo. Was on Tamoxifen for almost 2 years and am now on Arimidex. When my yearly mammograms end next year I am going to pay for an extra one in between the 3 yearly ones as I won't feel safe unless I do. xx

[Guest user]

My tumour was discovered on my first ever mammogram. Could not feel anything but I had extensive DCIS as well so had mx. Grateful that routine mammograms are available but the shock was so overwhelming, still with me exactly one year to the week that I wnet for the mammogram. Annys xxx

[marial]

Had mammograms for 10 years (because of family history) and first one found on number 10. Quite big and aggressive. but I never felt anything before hand. Another 7 years later my 2nd primary bc was found on routine check done early (pure chance, 8 months after last one) on other breast. Smaller but very aggressive. Again never felt anything. Thank goodness for mammograms.
Good luck to you
Maria

[Buzzy]

My mum's was found on a routine mammogram. DCIS and confined to milk ducts so it wouldn't have been detected otherwise. She wasn't going to go that day cos she had "other things to do" but my sister persuaded her and thank god she did. That was 15 years ago and she is still here.
I found mine myself. I'm only 48 so routines not available yet. I think they should be. It was quite an obvious lump but I wasn't too concerned so the diagnosis came as a complete shock. Have had 4 of 6 chemos now and coping quite well.

[Petal5]

Routine mammogram for me too. Lump couldn't be felt so had wle. They discovered 4 tumours plus dcis so mx followed by chemo, rads and now arimidex. As they were all very deep I wouldn't have felt them for quite a while I was told.

[dee49]

My very first routine mammogram - four month before my 50th

Edit: Both my mums were on a routine one too

[AnneG]

Routine mammogram for me - the lump was deep and quite small so no one could find it otherwise. Grade 3, no nodes, ER/PR/HER2 all positive so it was very aggressive. WLE, chemo, rads, Herceptin, now on Aromasin. I had had a mammogram 18 months before because of breast pain, which found nothing. So I believe that I was fortunate that the routine mammogram was scheduled when it was. I was diagnosed in April 2007 and still NED thankfully.
Anne

[Guest user]

Routine mommogram for me as well. I was not so lucky. Grade 3 cancer but it was still caught in time. I have now been through surgery, Chemo and radiotherapy. Hair is growingback really nicely.
I cannot stress enough... if you know of anyone who should go for routine mammograms, make sure they go!

[dawnhc]

Hi Alex,

I think I have seen a thread fairly recently where this came up. But hey - it's always worth retelling.

My first one was found by GP 20 yrs ago. Was on HRT and went for regular 6mth check up. New GP says "thought you ladies did this for yourselves!!!!" hard to believe isn't it. I told her I did and it was her turn now. When she felt around my breast she asked if I knew I had a problem. I was gobsmacked. She said it wasn't a lump but didn't feel right. I was scared and didn't want to wait on the NHS so said I would pay for private mammo. So next day I went and had it done. GP then referred me to the local hospital and as they say the rest was history. When I had a lump in my other breast in 1999 I found that one myself in the shower. It was quite big and am sure it came up very very quickly. I was still under the hospital oncology so was able to get appointment very quickly.

Dawn
xx

[Guest user]

Routine mammogram for me. No lumps, bumps or strange feelings/pains. Calledback and diagnosis came as a total shock to me. It was Stage 0 Pure DCIS, which was confined to the milk ducts and had not spread. Caught as early as it could have been, for which I am grateful, but still had to have Mx / reconstrucion. However, just glad to get rid of it so not complaining. xxx

[Guest user]

I was discussing this with another BC patient and found we were both diagnosed after a routine mammogram. This set me wondering what percentage of patients are diagnosed this way - are we in the majority or do most women find a lump themselves?

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