New mom extremely anxious while waiting for ultrasound

trancespire

Hi there. I am 26 year old mother to a lovely 14 month old girl, and I found a small lump in my right breast a little over a weak ago. It's very close to the surface, immobile, and hard. I am scheduled for an ultrasound on Thursday, but the waiting is really getting to me. I have terrible health anxiety, and I'm so terrified that this is going to be cancer and that I'm going to leave my little girl with no memory of her mother. The only symptoms I have right now is the pea-sized lump and some intermittent pain, but yesterday while in the shower I noticed if I try to hand express, I can still get some milk out of each breast. I weaned my daughter over 7 months ago, so I'm not sure if this is normal or another possible symptom. Sorry for rambling, I just needed to get this out into the universe and off my chest. Thanks for reading.

Michelle_in_cornland

Please don't worry. Your prolactin levels are all over the place, which does not help health anxiety. Get the area checked out, just for your own peace of mind. I completely understand how worried you must be, but trust me on this one and don't worry until you have a reason to worry. It takes a very long time for milk ducts to return to normal. If you have anxiety, perhaps talking with a counselor will help. Postpartum depression and anxiety can occur anywhere up to one year after weaning a child. There may be a mother's group at your local hospital that you can participate in and develop new connections. You can call your hospital, ask for the nurse educator in labor/delivery, and describe how you are feeling and what resources you need. Please stop touching and squeezing the area, it is only going to make it hurt, kiddo.

trancespire

Thank you very much for your response, I definitely appreciate it. I am just so pressed for time now a days, it's hard to take time to schedule dr's appointments and get the help I clearly need for my anxiety.

Michelle_in_cornland

Find a group at your hospital where you can take your baby with you to meetings. Take your baby with you to a social worker, if need be.

Moderators

You've gotten great advice from Michelle_in_cornland. Please take care of yourself this week, and enjoy your little girl

Also, let us know how things go on Thursday!