Extremely worried...Dr found a lump yesterday
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and completely going out of my mind with worry and just don't know who to talk to. I can't tell my family as don't want to worry them as they've all had their own share of worry as a family the last two years.
My right breast nipple started to feel uncomfortable and when I checked this I noticed there was a little lump underneath. The Dr examined me yesterday and said she had found a second within the breast, further above. I'm now anxiously waiting for a breast clinic apt. The breast feels achy but not painful and it's really the nipple area where the lump is that feels uncomfortable. The breast feels as tho it's pulling when I bend over.
I just feel as tho everything is against me as I'm 54 and haven't had children so the worst outcome is the only result I fear. I can't stop crying, lost 4lb in one day, can't eat and just feel for all my family as I dread having to tell them any bad news. This awful C word has hit the family over the last year and I just can't do that again to them.
I know no one can advise me right now as I need to have this apt first but I suppose I'm just looking for any kind of positive comment to help me. I work alone so only have myself and my dreadful thoughts to contend with during the day.
I'm normally a very positive person but those words coming from the Dr yesterday has really hit and just really struggling today. How long do you normally have to wait for a breast clinic apt, was so shocked yesterday I couldn't even ask.
Thank you all. xx
Comments
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Hi there. Sorry you have to be here but welcome. I know you will find this forum both full of knowledge and comforting. Please try to stay off google. This is the place you want to be. Remember they have to prove you have breast cancer before you do! Most breast lumps are benign. I would encourage you to see a breast surgeon rather than a general surgeon. Hopefully at a university based teaching hospital. Good luck and keep us posted. We are all here for you...
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I'd also like to tell you a *lot* of breast cancers (most?) do not present as lumps or have any pain. I just had my second lumpectomy yesterday and with both tumors, there was nothing to feel. If you're going to google anything, stay focused on "benign breast conditions" or something--there are soooo many other things it could be. And distraction is good! Bad TV, movies, . . . Let your head go where it needs to but pull it back with something that will calm you down (including an extra glass of wine ;-) ). Worrying doesn't help anything.
Hang in there, Loulou.
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Hi-one thing you can do while waiting is write down your family medical history. There will usually be a questionnaire or quiz at some point in time and it helps to have a list tucked away in your purse. Sort your list by parents, siblings, paternal relatives including grands and greats and cousins, and maternal relatives same. Specific diagnoses if you know them. (I included a few oddities in my family like sarcoidosis and polycythemia vera.) Questionaire asked how old they were when diagnosed. I was also asked what age my menstruation began and how old I was at last menstrual period (post-menopause now.) They asked if I was on birth control pills ever, and from when to when.
If you ever read your evaluation notes eventually don't be surprised to find errors-humans being human. I told them I took bcp's from age 20 to 30 and had to stop due to blood pressure issues but my clinic note says I never took any. They are happy to correct any errors in your notes lol.
Imaging is always the first step. Personally I always imagine the worst first, and remain suspicious of the best. According to my brother his glass is half full and my glass is always half empty. I would be happy to trade glasses. He escaped every single medically inherited pass-down and I have them all (plus all of the hand-me-down 'antiques' cluttering my home.)
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Hi Loulou,
Oh the awful stress, we all understand and are there with you in spirit and total understanding. While you will feel like you can’t handle this, trust me you can and will. It’s has to be the worst part and I heartily agree with the others here...stay off of google if you can, and google positives if you have too. Clean the hell out of your home, mindless work is a stress reliever, and most importantly keep the stats in mind...Most lumps are benign, 80-85% chance this is benign..so the numbers are on your side! Nothing we can write will stop your worry, but we are all here for you and sending positive thoughts. Post whenever you feel the need to vent. You are not alone in this, hugs
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