I can feel a lump in my breast

*Vikki*

I will have to learn how to check properly.. I also don't like to waste their time, but bf has said don't worry about that and that I am not. Thank you all of you, very nice of you to reply. I will let you know how I get on. Your words I will keep telling myself and reminding myself right up to and in the Doctors room.

leanneq

Good luck, you'll be fine It really is okay. I hope it is nothing to worry about either x

Nile

*Vikki* wrote: »

I will have to learn how to check properly.. I also don't like to waste their time, but bf has said don't worry about that and that I am not. Thank you all of you, very nice of you to reply. I will let you know how I get on. Your words I will keep telling myself and reminding myself right up to and in the Doctors room.

When you see your GP, tell her you're not sure how (and when) to examine your breasts and she will show you.;)

You mustn't think that you are wasting her time because you're not. Your GP will put you at ease, so don't feel embarrassed when she examines you.

Try not to worry.

money_saving_diva

Hi, you have done the right thing making an appointment. I had to show my breasts to my GP when I was 27 for the first time. I had a abcess in one boob after breast feeding and I ended up having to show my boobs to a consultant at the hospital and other members of NHS staff. I was nervous each time but as others have said it is fine! You will take your top/bra off behind the curtain and she will then come around the curtain and have a quick feel and then tell you to put your top on. You will wonder what you worried about. Please do not worry.

And do not put of smear tests! They are important and they are fine once you get it over and done with.

Amanita_2

money_saving_diva wrote: »

I had a abcess in one boob after breast feeding and I ended up having to show my boobs to a consultant at the hospital and other members of NHS staff. .

That brings back memories - I had the same problem and was examined by several doctors in order of seniority as they couldn't agree whether it was an actual abcess or just really bad mastitis.

I had one of those zipped cup feeding bras on and without exception they were all much more interested in how that worked than they were in my abscessed breast :rotfl:

lostinrates

again, it will be fine. Be proud of your body, its a wonderful thing. Its pretty special to have had a body you've cared for and respected, and that is to be very proud of, as is taking care of it now. Please don't be embarrassed our bodies ar wonderful things, although to doctors when working professionally they are probably no more ''interesting'' than...files to a filing clerk or shirts to someone who irons for a living.

To be shy is normal under the circumstances but good for you. Book a smear while you are there, nice its not...the risk is less nice!

ailuro2

Don't be scared, go and get it checked out, do not find a reason not to keep the appointment.

why not phone up and ask to have a smear done while you're there? That way you can think of it as your 'embarrassing bodies' visit and get it over and done with in one. Smears are just as important as getting lumps checked out.

They really have seen it all before,in all shapes and sizes.
I have kelloid scars on my boobs, and to be fair most health professionals who see kelloid scars haven't seen them like I have them before, but they don't make a fuss- they are professionals, they're more interested in how long my scars have been there and whether I've tried any treatment for them!
They really are there to help. Good Luck, hope your appointment gives you peace of mind, something you'll not have if you don't go.

patchwork_cat

Vicki don't not go to the Dr's you must. Seriously you wll get over the embarrasment and there will be other embarrasing times like smears etc. They are important and you must get over the shame factor. DO NOT PUT OFF THIS APPOINTMENT. You also as I said need to tell your dr of your family history.

I would like to add that both my parents were Dr's and it was just ' another day in the office'. They really had seen it all done it all and had it done to them! They never discussed patients, but I know that they had a definite - it is no different to seeing someone walking down the street - attitude, but they had also had it done to them, so understood that the patient might be embarrased even if they weren't.

Having had 2 children, a multitude of smears, a breast lump looked at, a Caeserean with anal pessaries and inability to pick up my DD, so auxillary would pick her up and thrust her on my boob - (not good and not what I wanted, but not due to the embarrasement, but that is another issue¬) a lump removed from my labia under local, and a colonoscopy! Believe me you learn to distance yourself! Honestly after a while you get to the point wher you jump up on the coasch and take your clothes off for a sore throat as it becomes so automatic.

One of the worst experience was in fact teh least invasive - as part of being accepted for teacher training you needed a medical and the lady dr had me strip to underwear and walk around the surgery. I was 19 at the time and although I had had smears ( done earlier in those days )it is hard to distance yourself walking around a room.

glowgirl_2

Well done on making the appointment:Tjust go hun they really have seen it all before, lots of great support in this thread and I've bumped the other breast thread in case there's something intersting fro you on there, best of luck:)

trudij

and dont panic if you get a hospital appointment come through a few days after your doctors appointment - when I went with a lump, my doctor told me she thought it was nothing to worry about, and I went away - then two days later I had a letter through with an appointment at the hospital (eeeeek !) which I kept, while assuming that the doctor must have had second thoughts and referred me. Got there, had it felt by the consultant - who asked me why i was there.... wasnt impressed that my answer was " I dont know,doctor told me I was ok,then I had a letter telling me to come here" but I didnt know !!!!!

ANYWAY - the crux of it is just dont worry. As for smears - they arent fun, but its only once every few years (unless you are me - I have to go 3/4 times a year!!) and you definatley have to go - the alternative isnt an option.

Hope it all goes well

xxx