I can feel a lump in my breast

*Vikki*

After watching embarrassing bodies and them telling you how to check your breasts I did. And my right one has always hurt now and then. It looks no different to the other one, but whilst feeling around it (hurt then) I felt a lump, well two. Worried now, forced in to booking an appointment to see my lady doctor next Thursday.

But I keep worrying about going there (I am 24) only person thats ever seen my chest is my 1 and only boyfriend! I am so shy and scared, even though she is a woman doctor. And yes seen loads of bodies. Its really playing on my mind more than the lump. But I do want to get it checked out, as my dad's sister and his mum died at 30 of breast cancer. I am worried and going keep imagining it going there, telling her, stripping off etc.

patchwork_cat

Hugs Vikki - Does the lump move? If so it is called a mouse and is fine. Also are you feeling through a fold of skin IFYKWIM? Are you normally a bit lumpy and is it just before your period. I am lumpy and it is worse some times more and others.

Remember that 9 out of 10 lumps are benign, but you are best to have this checked and if I were you I would tell the GP of your family history.

I had a lump checked out by my male GP when I was about your age, believe me as a woman you will get used to this!!! You do tend to distance yourself, I tend to just look at another part of the room and let my mind wander.

*Vikki*

Thanks patchwork cat, I am sure its nothing and keep think ahr I don't need to go etc because its fine. But bf says I must go (deep down I know his right, i got to go, so will)

Its really painful when I touch it, and has been for awhile now and I have no idea whats normal or what I should be feeling for? But I compared it to the other one and that has no lumps. I think it moves the lump. I have no idea if I am normally lumpy as I have always shied away from feeling, to not worry myself over nothing as I don;t know what I am feeling for or how to do it. And with it hurting too now and then.

xxvickixx

Oh hun, you must be so worried. Please don't be scared of your doctor. You'll undress behind a curtain and it won't be as bad as you think. Have you started having smears yet? If so you'll know how the thought is much worse than the realility of these examinations.
Hope it's all OK xx

*Vikki*

No and thats been worrying me since 16! Just soo embarrassing! I am thankful I have a lady Dr, as no way could I even contemplate seeing a man doctor!

*Vikki*

Watching embarrassing bodies makes me worry a bit less! They must get paid loads to show their bums on TV lol

Amanita_2

Please don't panic - painful lumpy breasts are very common ( I know I've had them!) and usually completely harmless. You absolutely must get it checked out though just in case.

My GP is male ( and rather good looking:o) but they are very used to this and very matter of fact about it so it won't be nearly as bad as you expect.

leanneq

I had similar when i was 22. It was benign and i had it removed. The scar is barely noticeable.
Honestly, you will be fine at the doctor's, they are professionals so don't be embarrassed.
As someone else said, smear tests are nowhere near as bad as people imagine either.
As a woman, you really need to get used to showing doctors/nurses parts of your body. What will you do if you have a baby? I don't know why you have these extreme worries but you should be proud of your body and you must look after it

*Vikki*

Yea I know your right leanneq, thanks for your words. I think when I come to have a baby I might be different, less worried as I have no choice as it won't be for just me, I will have a responsibility for another person so will have to get checked etc etc

You have all helped. Must keep reminding myself what you have said.

xxvickixx

Aw please don't worry. I support breastfeeding mums and have lost count of the pairs I've seen. To me it's no more a private area than if I saw their arm.
I'm sure this is how doctors feel, if not more.
Have you a friend that will come and wait with you?
I know that you know but it really os very important to get these checks done.
xx

maysmummy

A GP , male or female ,will examine hundreds of people in a week. It's their bread and butter. It's neither going to excite or revolt them. Just think, in hospital, they have to examine smelly ,incontinent old men. Lucky them !