How did you find your lump/symptoms?

[Gem_star_12]

Hello all, I am 32, I found a small hard, not painful pea sized lump a few months ago... I don't know why but just ignored it and thought "ah it will go away, probably hormones!" That and I still don't know why but slightly "embarrassed" to even contemplate going to my GP and having it checked out. So thursday night I was laid in bed and couldn't argue with myself anymore (as we all do...!) felt the lump again and thought of my children immediately, that and I have just applied for my dream job to get that dream house we've always wanted so figured, ahh what harm could it do to see the GP, "dreams don't just build themselves lets keep going!".

My mum has had a breast cyst before so I'm clinging on to that notion that I hopefully have the same. I saw a locum female doctor who was really lovely... Extra lovely mainly as she was heavily pregnant so I think that eased me, funny to say I know but it did! Anyway she found it straight away and concentrated heavily on the area (bottom left of my right breast) and assured me I had done the right thing and has referred me to the breast clinic. I have also been told 2 weeks waiting but if I have not heard within a month to contact the GP again.

I'm quite nervous like most of you are and what is really funny but at the moment I'm more nervous to take my top off rather than anything... I'm so bashful of myself it's crazy!

But anyway I will come back regardless of outcome and give my warm, well wishes and hopefully some mental positivity, because I know sometimes we say some things.. and we can mean another (good at that with the partners! Keeps them guessing!) so I am glad that on here we all seem to have and share nearly the same experiences and I wish all massive positivity and mental strength xxx

[Kayjam2010]

Hi sonya, I'm sorry to read your story but it's the one I relate to.
Same thing my partner noticed over a week ago now I went to my gp got examined and yes I have a lump! Now as I'm only 30 she has said it's probably nothing to worry about but as you know you just can't help but think the worst. My breast clinic app is Thurs 18th Aug and I'm terrified. My lump is very tender atm and a tingling sensation every now and then. I noticed a small lump over 6 months ago with no pain just thought it was menstrual related as normal but it wasn't until my partner noticed when I was laying down in bed that I noticed it has grown alot since I first noticed.
How are you doing now? Hope your very well 😊 hugs. Kayleigh

[Jobey68]

Where I live we can request a mammogram once we hit 47 and have been able to for a few years, I would have asked for one last year as I turned 47 in the May but I was diagnosed in March after finding a lump myself, this was actually benign and my cancer was found by accident while they biopsied a Fibrodenema, my mammogram was clear so had I not found a fatty lump and just gone for a Mammo in May I could well have still been walking around thinking I was fine with cancer growing inside of me after a clear result, Actually feel very lucky! Xx 

[Charys]

I think, maybe I'm wrong, that the NHS are planning to roll out routine mammograms to women from 47 years old in the future. Funnily enough that is my age and I didn't have a routine mammogram but found mine myself. My tumour was so high that my surgeon thought it was actually on my ribs above the breast....and....I found it after loosing a fair amount of weight since Christmas. As the weight came off....I became aware of a small domed area on my chest. This domed area, thinking back now, had been giving some pain for a few weeks....a burning shooting pain. I am ashamed to say I hardly did any self examination checks, so was very lucky mine was in such an obvious place.  

[jooles]

Hi  everyone

I too feel the age of offered mammograms should be lowered as more and more younger women have to deal with this truly awful disease.

I'm 45 and am waiting for my secong lot of testing after finding lumps in my right boob. I had tests a few years ago after I had a bloody discharge from my nipple. After a second mammogram they declared all was fine and I went away putting it down to hormones as I had just gone through an early menopause.

I found my first lump in January 2015 but I had just started a new job and working 60 hours plus taking care of my family. Unfortunately I have addisons disease and suffered a large crisis which has taken me the last 12 months to recover from. I went to my gp a week ago after finally acknowledging it has grown substantially. My gp found another smaller pea shaped lump as well as my 'slice of garlic bread' lump!

I have been told by the few friends I 've spoken to that it can't be serious as BC doesn't cause pain. I have a heavy burning dull ache in the side of right breast in the area where my lumps are. After reading these posts I don't know what to think?

I'm a naturally calm person, stress can kill me so I've leaarnt not to be. Maybe I should have been a little more stressed about my findings and sought advice quicker, time will tell. I do feel routine mammograms would also be beneficial and would happily support a change in legislation.

Stay strong and remain positive. Lots of love to you all xx

[sonyacheet]

Hi there.

My husband actually found my lump. He noticed the way it felt straight away. Its funny because I had not felt it myself. I wasnt a person who did regular check ups. He said it was hard. It was Easter weekend so I spent that weekend reading on the internet on what I should do. I had to wait till the monday where I saw my family GP. She was quite positive that it was a cyst and referred me to my local hospital. I had to wait 2 weeks for the appointment. My breast and underarm were so painful at that time. Everyone kept saying that isnt a sign, you will be fine. On the day I saw a consultant who then sent me for an ultrasound. I went back to see the consultant who said it was not a cyst and that he wanted to take a biopsy. He seemed quite concerned as he was doing it saying that whatever it was they would sort it. He left me with the nurse who told me not to look at anything on the internet as it wasnt unique to me and my needs. I was due back in the week to get my results. As you can all imagine all sorts of tyhings were going through my mind. I then had a nightmare of a time trying to get a follow up appointment. I had to get PALS involved as nothing was happening. I just wanted to be told everything was ok and I could just get on with my life.

This did not happen as when i went to see him again I was told it was cancer. Invasive ductal Carcinoma. Grade 3. I just sat there in shock.

I was then sent for a mammogram . They found some flecks that needed to be looked at so I had a core biopsy where they took 11 samples the next day. I am now waiting to hear the results of these. The last week has been hard. I keep expecting someone to say to me that they have made a mistake. They got my results mixed up with someone else.

I have noticed that my breast shape and feel has changed. I have a lumpy excess that was not there before. My breast also feels quite tender but then I have had 12 samples taken. I am due at hospital on the 5th for my pre op. I have a lumpectomy planned . Im just hoping those flecks are nothing to worry about.

Sonya

[Angput]

Hello all. I am a 39 yr old and just last week I discovered a lump on my right breast. I had my yearly exam with my gyno just 4 months ago and nothing was detected. Now there is a lump the size of a large grape and on the harder side. It isn't painful at all but needless to say I'm worried. I called my gyno and she couldn't get me in until June but I will be seeing her NP on Thursday. My grandmother had to have both breasts removed due to cancer when I was a child. Doing my best not to worry until we have some answers, but it is extremely difficult. Any advice, encouragement, suggestions would be very welcomed.

[sai123]

Hey what did they tell? can you share your results

[JenJen]

Mrs Windsor I just saw this I hope you have been seen by now. Tell the receptionist you ha e found a breast lump, tell them you cannot and will not wait 3 weeks for an appointment be polite but if needs be firm, however you shouldnt need to be as most GPs have in place a way of seeing patients with lumps quickly.my GPs has a 2 week wait for appointments I was seen the same day I plucked up the courage to call.

If you havent been seen yet call the surgery and ask for an urgent appointment re a breast lump
Jen x

[mrs windsor]

Hi, i found a lump in right breast last night, it is just above nipple and feels fairly large to me it is hard and slightly tender.  I spoke to local breast clinic today who said i have to have a gps referal to be seen, but earliest gps appointment  i can get is 3 weeks from now. Do you think i should  push for  an earlier  date  or will waiting 3 weeks not make any difference?  The clinic  said when they get the  referal email they should  send me  an  appointment with 2 weeks so total of 5 weeks to get lump checked 

I'm  scared and I just want to know what lump is.

[kells79]

I found a lump on Tuesday night, left side, hard but small unmovable lump.  I'm 36 with a history of BC in almost every woman on my Moms side.  i have found lumps throughout the years but this one is different feeling and for the 1st time i'm worried.  The sad and most worrisome part is I'm booked to reverse my tubal ligation next friday and hopes of starting a family.  My doctor is taking me in Monday to check my lump.  With my family history (Mom's 1st fight was when she was 37) its best to check it asap.  I can deal with any outcome to this I'm a fighter but sadly I may lose my future family plans if it is something serious.  The wait until monday is the hardest part.  

[saralynn]

i went to laid down and it felt extremely uncomfortable under my arm. i felt up under there i felt a knot. i then started to process of getting things checked out. i did a video on my journey. check it out:  https://youtu.be/d13g9Wky4us

[Bobbybeppe]

I am the same jordanlee. Wouldn't go to doc but after reading these stories I am ready to do so. Good luck to you're girlfriend when she finally gets the courage to go. And she will.

[Bobbybeppe]

Hi keys81 you are very brave and I love you're outlook on this horrid disease. I have just found a small lump in my right breast under the nipple a few weeks ago and reading you're story I am now ready to make appointment with the doc. Get well soon take care sending you a hug x

[Brookie37]

Hi, I went to my GP December 23rd as I had been suffering with breast pain since end of October. She gave me a breast examination and said although she could not feel a definite lump I do have breast thickening in my right breast and enlarged nodules??
She referred me to the breast clinic and my appointment is tomorrow so feeling rather nervous and anxious 😞

[louisef2016]

Hi! I have had a sore breast for a few months now. Visited my GP twice last year (the second time he didn't even examine me) to be told i had tender ribs! So third visit yesterday and he has now refereed me to the breast clinic and should get an appointment in the next 2 weeks. He was very quick to try and shift the blame saying that i had agreed it was rib pain and no replated to my breast! I dont have a specific lump but almost a 'thickening' under my nipple and constant pain in my breast area that has got worse. I have a young son and im sick to death with worry. Has anyone else had similar experience? Thanks xxxxxx

[Amero]

Hi All. I am 42. I was diagnosed exactly a year ago (when I had just turned 41) and have only just joined the forum -I think I was scared to read other people's stories and frighten myself. I have always checked myself and had checked 2weeks before I found my lump and found nothing. My husband found my lump on New Year's Eve when we were in bed. I got up and looked in the mirror and could actually see it distorting the shape of my breast. I could not believe something so big could have appeared overnight. It turned out it was 6cm in diameter and had spread to my lymph nodes. It was HER2 positive but not hormone receptive. At first they thought it had spread to my liver but the PET scan showed that these were just benign cysts. When I got that result I felt like I had won the lottery. My Gran died of breast cancer when she was 40 and my Dad was 11. I have an 11year old son so it felt like history was repeating itself. My Dad was really cut up about it. Thankfully though the genetic tests came back negative so just a coincidence. I had chemo before the operation and it worked brilliantly and shrank the tumour so much I only had to have a local wide excision and all my lymph nodes cleared, not a mastectomy. I am struggling with lymphoedema now and have had one episode in hospital with cellulitis. I also struggle to walk due to neuropathy from the chemo. I am still having herceptin until June. It's been a long journey but I am getting there.

Love to all you wonderful ladies.

Amero xxx

[fredflowerpot]

hi all when i was 38 i kept getting mastitis . kept been treated with antibiotic's and anti inflammatory . then in September i gave up and asked if i could be looked at by a different dr. was the  1st time i was asked to take my clothes of lol.  the look on her face said it all to me. that was on sep 18 . 

it turns out i had stage 3 breast cancer that had been there for just over or about two years

[Sparkling3utterfly]

Hi Caz, just wanted to say, I am waiting with you. And don't quite know how I'm going to be whilst I wait. It's been a difficult weekend. Knowing I'm not alone is reassuring xx hugs to you 😊

[Sparkling3utterfly]

Like so many of women on this thread, I found my lump on Saturday and saw the GP today. I noticed that my areole was a bit puckered and then the nipple wasn't in the right place, and then felt for a lump ... And it was there. Feels huge to me. GP confirmed the lump - I had been agonising over whether it was my imagination or not. My best friend was diagnosed in November and I examined myself then - but didn't feel it, or notice it. So I feel surprised and shocked and tearful. I'm a single Mum to a 17 year old daughter and I don't know when to tell her. As my best friend is doing okay it may help, but she was upset when I told her about that. I can't sleep, and I know that it could be many things other than cancer, but I can't convince myself that it is. 

[SadieLady]

Hi there I found this great thread today, I am 42 and found a lump perhaps about 8 weeks ago, it seemed big enough to me, behind my left nipple. I am quite vigilant with self examination so was surprised with the discovery! Booked appt with the Doc, was sent for triple assessment within two weeks, saw a doctor who examined me and said it was did not feel like I had anything to worry about, in her words no red flag! I was put through the rest of assessment just in case though, after mammogram it was ultrasounds but before the US I was sent back to mammogram becaue they were not happy with something, back up to US where radiologist said they thought it was a papillary lesion and wanted to do a biopsy, next stop, surgeon who told me he was concerned with the find, I went home in a daze, back two weeks later to be told pathologist was baffled with biopsy sample, I did see on chart I was described as atypical B3 grade! So I Was told I was booked for surgery two days later, they opened me in two places, still recovering and am back to surgeon in four days for results, I had an itchy sensitive nipple for about a year but had never really connected the two, maybe it's relevant maybe it's not! Keeping all crossed for good news!

[Pinkies]

Hi Jobey68 thank you for yr reply. I had bad news this morning stage 2, no lymph node activity on uss so having lumpectomy on mon and they're taking 3 nodes too just in case. More than likely having radio and chemo. I can't believe how at peace we are with it all actually and my kids have amazed me by there strength. We are very positive and we're ready for the battle. The waiting is the hardest part of all of this, it's pure torture. Take care and hugs V xx

[Jobey68]

Hi Pinkies, I know the waiting period is horrendous but in my experience it won't change anything and just makes it all the more stressfull, I was diagnosed in March and am though treatment now and getting on with life, I've been to some very dark places in my head this year while awaiting news and I can honestly say it's the worse part of this whole thing, here's hoping you will ge given the all clear but if not then you will be well looked after, BC isn't an instant death sentence and is on the whole very treatable, I know this won't be much comfort right now but I can promise you that nothing is as bad as you will be imagining right now Xx Jo 

[ni1979]

Hi all,
I found a lump last night in my left breast, it feels big, like Caz above. It's hard, bigger than a grape. I check my breasts now n then but was really surprised I didn't notice it before. I hope I haven't noticed it too late. I'm so scared and keep crying. I went to the doctor n he has referred me to the specialist in a couple of weeks time. Havent told my mum n sister yet, they'll be upset. Last year I had an ultrasound on my breasts because I have cysts but the doc said they were nothing to worry about but everyone I spoke to said I shouldn't have cysts anyway which makes me worried. Im 36 and have no history of breast cancer so I hope its nothing more than tissue. It's the waiting and not knowing n I can't stop thinking about it.

[Pinkies]

Hi Caz just read yr story - what was the outcome hun I'm going through something very similar?? Hugs to you xx

[Pinkies]

Hi I'm 43 and have family history of bc (grandma and aunt) aunt still here and clear. I found a lump turning over in bed I felt a sharp pain in the area on my right breast. I feel my breasts regularly so when I felt lump I knew it was bad. It's right under my breast and have to raise my arm up to get to it. It feels a very hard, solid lump but it's pebbly and bumpy, like a golf ball.  Told daughter (19) to feel it and she confirmed she could, told hubby to feel it and he threw up!! As it was the weekend I could not do  thing but wait. Saw gp on the mon who confirmed not 1 but 2 lumps and that I needed urgent mammogram. Saw cons the next day who said he thought it maybe a cyst. Mammogram and USS later, I was told it wasn't a cyst and that "that needs a biopsy" which I then had. Cons said it was only 1 lump 15mm in size and that the other lump was intact thickening on the breast at the top. I was told it was "probably benign" and would we want to know results before xmas we said yes. Had a call from the cons Sec to say my samples were sent elsewhere for specialised tests (whatever that means?) and it will be most likely the new year when I'd get answers. So I've had the worse xmas ever worrying, crying, drunk (alot!!), and saying what if. I've got 3 children 22,19 and 13 and we've told them (age appropriate) what's going on. We've tried to stay positive but me and my hubby had a heart to heart one morning and both admitted we'd got a bad, gut wrenching feeling about the whole thing. We've prepared ourselves for the worst and tbh I'm ready for a fight. I'm not scared on the diagnosis anymore it's the waiting for results that's the most agonising and with it being Christmas the timing couldn't be worse! 

I've found this site really helpful and reading other stories makes me feel I'm not alone.

V xx

[missyp83]

Hi caz

sorry to hear your story and can say i have had the same news today. Im going to the breast specialist in 2 weeks. Please can you share your outcome? Mine is in a similar area, smaller in size xx

[Carol1952]

Hi I found lump in left breast hard but movable, then another in right breast, then I found little one in both arm pits. I am so worried. I am 63 I guess I must be in advanced stage. Doctor sending me for tests marked urgent. Has anyone else have the same has mine please let me know.

[Caz]

Hello....I've had a read through your stories after returning home from the doctors. It is the only thing that has stopped the tears! So thank you :). I found a lump yesterday morning, I checked due to feeling tender around one area, although I do check my breasts now and again, there is no way I would have found it checking the way I was previously, as I don't think I was ever thorough enough. I have been referred, my appointment is in two weeks. I am just wondering if there is anybody out there who has a similar lump to me, as the ones I've read about have been pea sized lumps. Mine is the size and shape of a very large firm grape that feels pretty far under the surface, maybe up to an inch, which is possibly why I struggled to locate it. The doctor seemed quite surprised by the size of it. Has anybody had anything similar? It was my 40th birthday a few days ago so not sure how young that makes me...all I know is that it's going to be a very long two weeks...thank you xx

[Audg]

Hi jordanbrownlee1997, just logged onto my first ever forum, aged 46 (tomorrow), found out today that I have breast cancer. I too found a lump in my breast, no family history, put it off for about 2 months until I just bit the bullet and asked my husband if he could feel it too, he did, went to docs same day. Fast forward 5 weeks, multiple examinations, a mammogram, an ultrasound, an ecg, a lumpectomy (first ever operation) , stitches, swollen bruised boob, strange swooshing watery noise from boob lasting about a week 😗, then the diagnosis today, I have breast cancer. Yes it's scary, unpleasant, sometimes painful, but each of these feelings confirm to me that I am here and I will be here for a long time, because I found it early and did something about it. Sure I need another wee op and some treatment, yes I'll have pain, maybe sickness and defo loads of tears and worry, but I'll be fine, I'll be here. Please show this to your girlfriend, please ask her to go to the docs, could be nothing, could be something, she needs to find out, make a plan, and deal with it bit by bit by bit. She's got you, she can do it, take care xx

[jordanbrownlee1997]

hey, just researching on google about a solid lump in my girlfriends breast, she hasnt really told anybody so i cant really ask anyone else for advise as she doesnt want to make a big fuss out of it but i am worried that it is something serious, i want her to go to the doctors but i think shes scared of the outcome, even if it was BC i wouldnt leave her, weve only starting seeing eachother recently but ive known her for years and shes amazing, i just hope its nothing serious and she gets the courage to go to the doctors 😞 

[Rodent]

FIngers crossed its just a cyst or something like that, but sadly age isn't necessarily going to mean it won't be BC. I was 33 when diagnosed, and there is a huge facebook network of under 40s with it. If you do get bad news, then search for Younger Breast Cancer Network on FB and the amazing girls on there will help you through.

They are supposed to see you within 2 weeks so the speed isn't because they are sure what it is, thats the supposed normal!

Fingers crossed!

[Jenny28]

Hi ladies I'm 28 and a couple of months and a few weeks ago I found a lump on my left breast near to my armpit. After talking it through with my partner I decided to go to the doctor. He did an examination and said that he could feel it too and has referred me to the breast clinic for my mother and a few weeks ago I found a lump on my left breast near to my armpit. After talking it through with my partner I decided to go to the doctor. He did an examination and said that he could feel it too and has referred me to the breast clinic for A mammogram. I had A call from the hospital today and I have an appointment for next Friday! Do you think I should be worried is it normal to be in that fast? As I'm only 28 I was hoping that maybe I'm a bit too young for it to be anything too serious.

[Keys81]

Hi I just wondered if you have had your scan yet and the results? I'm 33 and go for my scan this coming Friday 2 weeks after going to my gp. My symptoms are the same as yours ie lump under armpit with swelling my doctors also said he didn't think it was a cyst. Thanks

[nightraven]

My question is. I have pain in left breast,down my left arm, in my armpit. Discharge from left breast it has a odor. Tiny lumps in armpit and behind left ear. Going Tuesday to see general surgeon. My skin around nipple the areola is long shaped instead of round like the other side. Should I be freaking out because I am.

[Alana1011]

Hello Ladybird51,glad I scrolled further down threads to come across your post I had a reduction on my right breast in April 2015 due to breast cancer and lost my nipple my breast is now a 34C whilst my left breast is a 34E they said they could give me a reduction on the larger breast to match the smaller one and give me a new nipple but I'm very unsure what to do in case I end up with BC in my left one I've also been told that scarring can cause not so good mammograms readings as you have already been through this I was wondering if you have any advice hope you are well xx

[Alana1011]

Hi I'm 54 I was diagnosed with breast cancer on a routine mammogram examination( as did my 2 sisters a few years earlier they're both ok now) I'd no visible symptoms I was referred to an Oncologist on April 1st 2015 to be told the devastating news I had cancer in two areas of my right breast and because of distance between them was told it would have to be removed and a reconstruction was advised a week later I was referred to a plastic surgeon who then told me he had discussed my case with the oncologist and they could save my breast and do a reduction after removal of the cancer Op was done end of April I have also recently finished a4 week radiotherapy treatment and I'm now on Tamoxifen for the next 10 years I have one breast size 34C and the other 34E the doctors said they could operate on my left breast to reduce it to a 34c to help them symetrically I've read that this can reduce the chances of cancer appearing in the non cancerous breast I'm not sure what to do has anyone else experienced this best wishes to all x

[loulou40]

Hi ladies, just want to say try not to worry, 90% of lumps are nothing to worry about and if the worst news comes, its not the end of the world. I've just had my 4th chemo and still going strong. I have 3 kids from age 3 to 14 and the only difference they see in Mum is a bald head! It's doable and you CAN get thru it, positive mental attitude is all you need and the rest will take care of itself. I've done the race for life post 3rd chemo and am organising a big fundraiser gala for a local cancer charity at the end of the August. I can only say, I might have cancer but cancer will NEVER have me. I am fighting this baby and I WILL win, I see this is my biggest challenge in life so far and one that I will come out at the end of, feeling proud that I've conquered and won the 'not so big and scary' C. Good luck ladies and hope all your news is good xxxx

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Cerianne28

Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.

While you are waiting for replies I have put for you below the link to one of BCC's publications you might find helpful.  Also if you need to talk to someone in confidence, then please don't hesitate to contact our helpline stafff, the team are here to support you.  Calls are free 0808 800 6000 lines open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2.

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/your-breast-clinic-appointment-b...

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[cerianne-28]

hi. I found a pea sized lump about 7 weeks ago. noticed I had very visible veins on my right breast and none on my left and decided to have a feel about and thats when I found the lump. Went to doctors 3 days later who refferred me to breast clinic. I have my appointment tomorrow. have had to wait 6 weeks so will be glad to get some answers. Have no family history and am 28 years old. I'm probably considerd low risk and chances are its nothing sinister but still its been a very worrying couple of weeks and cant wait for tomorrow to be over with!

[loulou123]

Hi there, I found a pea sized lump in my right breast last thursday evening while in the bath, I rung my gp on friday morning, got an appointment for the same morning after the gp exsamined me she asked how offen do I self exsamined my brest, I was ashamed to say that I never do. She said why did you this time and I said I didnt know. With that she said an angel had whispered in my ear.very strange thing to say. Well anyway I have an appointment this friday at the breast clinic so I will let you know how I get on. By the way im 59

[Tucks]

Hi, I didn't find a lump but a patch of skin that looked like cellulite.  I had spotted it whilst getting dressed and didn't think much about it and then a chance conversation with a friend whose wife had been diagnosed and he said that she noticed a patch of skin that was a bit puckered.  Alarm bells rang and I went to see my GP.  I had just started a new job and didn't want to take time off from work after only being there for a few weeks so had to wait a few days until an appointment that I could get to after work was available.  The GP couldn't feel anything but when she saw the area (only with my arm raised and sitting up) she referred me to the BC.  Had a scan/biopsy/mammagram and was confirmed the following week with a small 1 cm tumor.  Had to have a guidewire inserted the day before the op as the lump was so deep.  No spread into lymphs and caught early.  Only 42 at the time but diagnosis was invasive tubular which upon research is quite rare and more often found in older ladies.  Very slow growing though and chances of spread are small.  5 years now of Tamoxifen after 3 weeks of rads.

Any changes at all should get checked out!

[loulou40]

Hi, I found my lump the morning after valetines day this year.  I will never forget the date as I had booked my hubby and I into the hotel that we got married at 8 years ago as a surprise.  Got up in the morning to have a shower and rubbed across the top of my left boob to find a small pea sized lump. Booked the docs for the following morning and refered to breast care centre 2 weeks later to investigate. As soon as the ultrasound man started measuring the lump (which was only 12mm) and decided to take a biopsy and lymph sample I knew deep down what he was suspecting.

2 weeks later I was told I had grade 3 invasive BC with clear nodes (64% accurate) and would need a lumpectomy with centinal node removal to confirm lymphs clear, then chemo/radio.

I remember going back for my results of the lumpectomy and praying for a clean scope and lymphs and my prayers came true, the relief was amazing, diagnosis HER2+ ER-PR-

I have started preventative treatment being 6 cycles of FEC, (first one this Friday the 8th May) followed by 3-4 weeks radio and 12 months herceptin.

Since this has happened to me I have blogged everyone on FB constantly about the importance of checking and acting and have 2 friends already that have found lumps and had them looked at, both cases not cancer thank god. 

I decided a couple of weeks ago after using BCC website constantly for info and support to have my head shaved and raise some money to make a bit of good out of my diagnosis.  I shaved my hair on the 4th May, just before my Chemo and raised over £900 on their Just Giving page!! Wow, the support I have had from my family and friends has been phenominal and has made me the strong, positive person that I have become thoughout my whole Cancer fight so far xx

[Jo_BCC]

Hi lizzie1

I hope your appointment tomorrow goes well and that everything is okay.  As you already know you are regarded as high risk due to your family history I have put for you below the link to BCC's publication on breast cancer in families and hope you find it helpful.

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/worried-about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-families-...

Here's also the link to the area of this website where this is discussed further:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/breast-awareness/am-i-risk/breast-cance...

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[lizzie1]

I found my lump whilst getting bounced on by my daughter who's 2. I had a shower and got soapy and had a feel. Its about 1cm and just above my left nipple. I went to see the Dr who confirmed he felt the same thing. The skin is slightly rippled where it is too. I am classed as high risk as my Mum and Aunty had breast cancer in their 40's (both cancer free now). My other Aunty has BC at the moment and is having chemo (3 out of 5 sisters).

I have my appointment tomorrow at 2.30 and I'm very worried. Ive been to the clinic before as I have cysts in my left arm pit.

I have also developed a lump down below which is painful and I'll mention it tomorrow.

[maxibella]

Hi all, very new to all of this.

I have just turned 29 and about 10 days ago I found a lump under my arm. I didnt really think anything of it but after speaking with my husband I went to see my GP.  My GP told me that it wasnt a sist as it wasnt squishy and as it felt like a pea and it is in my breast tissue, that I need to be referred to a clinic for a scan. This has obviously worried me quite a lot as I was expecting the GP to tell me its nothing. Has anyone experienced something similar?

I rang the clinic today to check how long roughly I would be kept waiting for an appointment to be told that the specialist hasnt yet reviewed my referral, and when they have they will mark it urgent or routine. If marked urgent I will be seen quickly, if routine, I could be in for a wait. I havent told any of my family as yet as I really dont want to worry them. Is what the receptionist told me normal? My concern is if they mark me routine and it takes months for an appointment, what will happen if it turns out to be bad news! Thanks in advance x

[tors]

I wonder if any new ladies might like to add their stories to this thread?

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi louemmalou

Welcome to the BCC forums where I am sure you will find support from your fellow users, our helpliners are on hand with further support on 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays so please feel free to call to talk your concerns through

Take care
Lucy BCC

[louemmalou]

I'm 26yrs old found a lump a while ago bout 2yrs maybe ago was pregnant at time and my mum was dying of cancer not bc though it does run in family all the girls except my mum any way started getting worse when I feel pregnant again not long after so put it off again thought nothing of it as thought was too young .when baby came more time had passed started getting even bigger spreading wider across a breast and then the pain started in my breast sharp shoting pains nothing I'd ever experienced before so went to doctors she had a feel under my left arm where the lump was and straight away she could feel it she said with me having it so long and being so young she douts thats its anything to worry about what do yous think she is sending me for an ultra sound she thinks r better than mammograms? The other thing that worrie me more is that my mole I have on left side has changed shape colour and got bigger and found out have cyst on left ovarie thats got quite big measuring 5.2 cm and bleeding in to its self all on left side am really scared now sorry fir such a long post anyone got any advice please thnx xxx

[louemmalou]

Found a lump about a yr ago r more but thought nothing of it as my mum was dying of cancer not bc though it runs on my mums side though all the girls have It anyway was saying cause was pregnant at time thought it was that baby was born feel pregnant again shortly after left it again but recently got bigger started getting pain with it as well lumpis under left armpit but spreading quickly found another lump just above left breast and also just out of hospital from cyst on ovarie measuring 5.2cm bleeding in to its self and have a mole that's changeD shape and colour went doctors she said she could def feel it she said with me Having it so long is douts thats its anything sinister she has requested n ultra sound for me but have to wait on list at hospital but am so worried now as everything thats wrong with me is all on my left side with history of cancer in family am petrified sorry such a big post am so sorry to hear that yous all had to go through xxx