Concerning lump, but ultrasound in a week and a half normal?

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Woobie
Woobie Member Posts: 4
edited March 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

First of all, very grateful for this outlet.

I found a small, hard lump in the outside of my right breast a few months ago (slightly smaller than a pea), and being in professional school, moving cities, and changing insurance, I put off getting it checked. It also just seemed so superficial, pretty mobile, and smooth. I just wasn't incredibly concerned.

I had an appointment with my nurse practitioner 2 days ago thinking she would tell me it was nothing to worry about, and, of course, I'm here, so that is clearly not what happened. I have an ultrasound 3/18, and I am dreading this week + of waiting.

I am only 26 years old. I do check some boxes for risk factors, though, unfortunately: family history of bc (maternal grandmother, maternal aunt), family history of prostate cancer (maternal grandfather), low vit. D (8 as of a month+ ago), early-ish first period (11).

My appointment was Tuesday, and the breast center can't get me in for an ultrasound until 3/18 (almost 2 weeks). My question is: Should I see if they can get me in for an ultrasound any sooner?

Because I’m on group insurance connected to a university and have to have a referral from the university health center, I don’t know that I have much of an option to go somewhere else. I may have to go to the university’s breast center, but I guess it is worth asking.


Also, some things I’ve I noticed that may/may not be related that I found interesting:

Increased vasculature of my right breast compared to my left. I have always had somewhat 'veiny' breasts, and from the front they seemed relatively comparable. But when I turn to the side, the outside of my right breast has a lot more visible vessels that appear larger and that virtually all to lead to this bump. It makes so much sense to me as a symptom.

I also have developed a much stronger odor in my right armpit in recent months. It almost smells like 'stale' BO and happens so quickly after I shower I find myself reapplying deoderant multiple times a day.

About a month and a half ago, I developed a stress fracture running and had my vitamin D levels checked. I had severe vitamin D deficiency (8).

I've also been stressed and drained, but I am in veterinary school, so that is to be expected.

I have always had trouble focusing and memory problems, but in recent months, it has gotten to the point that it has affected not just my school/studies, but my relationships. It has been very frustrating to me and those around me. Last month I decided I had to do something about it and went back on medication for ADD (which I am not a fan of).


Thank you for providing a special forum for people like me. It's hard to process while not having answers. Sometimes I feel like my fear is an overreaction, and I also find myself not talking to anyone about it for fear of worrying them. I have told my fiance, but I basically said it's just a precaution and it's most likely nothing, which I know, statistically speaking, is true. But it doesn't help the constant anxiety I feel. (Side note: I am seeing a therapist tomorrow to vent and have a no-judgement conversation about my fears.

Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2018

    10 days is not really a long wait. It may feel like an emergency because of anxiety, but medically it isn't. You might call the facility and ask to be called if they have a cancellation.

    Talk to your friends. Why should it worry them? Statistically it is very unlikely to be anything but benign

  • Woobie
    Woobie Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2018

    Thanks so much! Good to know that that’s not an abnormally long wait.

    I guess I have mixed feelings between logically knowing it is most likely benign, and so I feel like my anxiety is unwarranted or an overreaction. But I also do have anxiety and I don’t to pass it on to someone else and make them worry. I will reach out to a friend, as well, though.

    Thanks so much for responding!

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited March 2018

    The problem with the anxiety is that ten people here can tell you nothing sounds very concerning and not to make yourself sick for weeks over something that will likely turn out to be nothing, but you won't be able to believe it. Better than 60% of women have fibrocystic (lumpy bumpy)breasts, so more of us than not.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2018

    Waiting is very hard. To try to distract yourself and do something small to reward yourself each day. You can definitely call to be out on a cancellation list. Keep us posted and let us know what they say.

    Best wishes.

  • Woobie
    Woobie Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2018

    Melissadallas - I get that. I can logically accept that, but like you said, often anxiety doesn't respond to rational thought. I definitely know it doesn't constitute an emergency, but I didn’t know common wait times between referral and diagostic procedures with a radiologist. Mostly, I am grateful for the outlet to as questions and express anxieties without fear of judgement. Thank you

    KBeee - Thanks so much for the comforting words and advice. I’m very grateful to have found this site and for you all who make the effort to be there and respond. I am heading to the beach with my mom today for a long weekend. It will be a great distraction! Thank you!

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