Dr found a lump and I need to get out of my own head

Mellyk84

went to have my iud removed yesterday and dr gave me a yearly exam. She said she feels a firm medium mass and ordered a mammogram and tests. The next available appointment for a mammogram is next Thursday. A week and a half! A week and a half to be left in my own head

I looked in the mirror while raising my arm and can see a lump/dimple on the underside of the breast. And my areola has changed in shape. It’s like a oval now and stretches up and down. The other breast is normal roundish.

I need advice how to get out of my own head. Has anyone had this

LivinLife

Hi Mellyk! I have not experienced what you describe though want to send support. Yes, this waiting is soooo difficult! Glad you know about this site and posted for info and support. There is plenty of both to go around here. Staying busy is the best recommendation and busy with things that are enjoyable and/or relaxing even if it's hard to feel either of those things. Exercise to work off stress if even a walk or calisthenics or similar... Check out YouTube for mindfulness activities/imagery to help increase relaxation... upbeat music.... humor or captivating t.v. drama of some kind/Netflix..... Others will post with their ideas before long as well.....

Beesie

Melly, sorry that you find yourself here. Yup, waiting is tough.

In addition to LivinLife's excellent advice, I'll add two handy expressions to remember during those times when your mind goes to the wrong places. The first is "Don't borrow trouble". The second is "Let go of what you can't control." (Thanks to MinusTwo for that one!) Keep repeating those two to yourself until your thoughts wander back to some place good.

Good luck with the mammogram and let is know how it goes! We've all been through it and can hold your hand (figuratively, anyway) along the way.

AliceBastable

Mellyk84, I don't know if it will work for you, but what helped me was deliberately scheduling fun things between appointments and tests. Even if it's just hiking in a park or driving or walking in your town or neighborhood to play Spot the Crocus, or picnics with family or a few friends (with masks and distancing if necessary), it might help. And it will give you nice days to look back on instead of just "Ugh, that's that time I was always going to the doctor or hospital!"