Intro - and in the famous waiting..

Junkyardjean

Hi everyone!

I am 37 years old and found a lump as well as a ridge type thickening at the 11 o'clock position in my left breast. I have very, very dense tissue that is not only very reactive to my monthly cycle, but is also very lumpy /cyst like. As such, I have been dealing with bumps for a few years now. They have always faded - this one was odd as the moment I stumbled across it, my stomach sank as it felt very different. It's almost like I know - but don't trust that as I know the chance is slim! Isn't it 8 out of 10 are benign? Chances are low....To be very honest, I also have naturally large breasts, so there is a lot of ground to cover so to speak!

Anyhow, clinical exam resulted in base ultrasound which has now kicked off ultrasound guided biopsy and other tests. I live in a rural area so no info at all until I hit specialists in larger city later July - the ultrasound was so basic due to where I live it was pretty much useless except to say it needs to be biopsies. The clinical exam also revealed enlarged lymph nodes in my armpit on the same side - (as a side note, I made an error and googled that particular symptom, Yikes!)

This is completely new territory for me - I keep telling myself that it is most likely nothing, however I can't shake that innate feeling I had when I was first "introduced" to this particular lump. Many in the past have been discovered and waiting the monthly cycle would be enough for it to fade away. I'm sure I'm simply psyching myself out - but this waiting is tortuous with a lump that just feels complicated...

Thought I had better reach out for some support before I end up in such an isolated spot that I become paralyzed and not follow through! My thoughts of "it's nothing" could easily translate into "then don't go and save the system your burden" - yet my gut is screaming - get this sucker checked! NOW!!!

Thank you for providing a safe spot for me to write my fears - I have three kids under 10 years, and a husband of 20 years (including dating time). I am doing my best to tuck my fears away until I hear more firm news beside "we need to get this checked out sooner than later".....

Moderators

Hi Junkyardjean, welcome to Breastcancer.org, although we're sorry that this worry has brought you to the community.

We know it's scary, but odds are on your side. The main Breastcancer.org site has useful information that may reassure you while you wait, in the article What Mammograms Show: Calcifications, Cysts, Fibroadenomas that reinforces that there are many other benign masses, including some that are especially common among young women.

Best wishes, and please keep everyone here updated on how you're doing; we're all here to support you.

The Mods