Breast Lump

pinkshoes

I have an appointment at the breast clinic today, coz they found a lump during a work medical, then my own GP also verified it and referred me to the clinic. Actually, my OH thought he felt a lump in the same place 4 months ago, but I ignored him coz i hate doctors and hospitals, and he is a bit of a hypochondriac when it comes to medical stuff! :eek:

Anyway, just wanted to ask if anyone knows what I should expect to happen today? It's the first hospital appointment since my doctor referred me, and I just have no idea what they're gonna do.

I hate being prodded and poked!

Feeling rather apprehensive about it.

bulchy

Sorry, no advice here, just wanted to wish you the very best of luck today, fingers crossed all is well.
Sue x

Dumyat

they usually have one stop clinics now - meaning you will "do" everything at the one visit.
this is from the breast care site http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=146,


I know you must be really worried, but most lumps are not serious. well done on getting it checked out, and good luck!

rls1973

hello pink shoes, hope you are ok. remember most lumps turn out to be benign.

i have been to this appointment, they may do a bit of prodding and poking with their hands,
i saw a nurse while waiting for the main doctor, the nurse drew on my boobs with felt tip to save the doctor time in finding the area where the suspect lump is.

they may do an ultrasound (the same machine as in pregnancy) which is painless.
if the doc is male, there will be another female in the room to chaperone !

if they can't find all the info they need from that, you may need a needle biopsy,although you would probably need another appt on another day for that.
i had this and was petrified but there was no need to be: it honestly doesnt hurt, and it's worth it to know what you're dealing with:
you just lie on the bed, the area is numb and they draw out some cells to send away to the lab. it sounds awful but its ok, honestly.
all the best. x:)

pinkshoes

Thank you everyone. I'm feeling marginly calmer now!!

My dislike of hospitals isn't really helping, but my lovely OH has taken the day off to give me some courage!!

My lovely neighbour died of breast cancer aged 42 (and her younger sister aged 36 also died of breast cancer a few years before her), and the thought of it just freaks me out. I'm only in my late 20s, so hopefully it will just turn out to be a cyst or something.

this is not turning out to be a very constructive day at work, but thankfully my boss hasn't noticed i'm not doing what i'm meant to be doing!

JennyW_2

Hello Pinkshoes. I hope all goes well for you. I'm sure it will be benign. 9 out of 10 lumps are.

Do you check yourself every month? It's so important to be breast aware and to know what's "normal" for you. I'm generally very lumpy anyway but I know what they feel like. One month I found a small pea size lump which was wasn't there before so I popped along to the doctor. He was very sure it wasn't anything sinister as it was very mobile. We waited for my next period and it went so I think it was a little cyst. I check each month and it's never returned.

ChasingButterflies

Hi Pinkshoes,

Sending a big hug your way...

I am a similar age to you and was in the same position this year... due to the fact my FIL was seriously ill and having 3 young children I let it drag on for months... going back to gp getting antibiotics that made no difference.. by the time I actually got a refferal I was ill with worry!

As it turned out after an ultrasound and a biopsy (putting a needle into the lump to remove cells - which was a little uncomfortable) it was nothing to worry about.

You have your OH there to support you - just focus on that.

I am not sure if it is the same in all hospitals but I found out the results of the biopsy the next day. (my appointment was later in the day)

Best wishes

floss2

Hi Pinkshoes,

Breast lumps are generally harmless - I've had a solid lump removed (1992) and umpteen cysts drained...apparently I have cystic tendencies

You will probably have been & come home by the time you read this....hopefully you will have been reassured by your consultant, maybe even been discharged after investiagtion.

Please let us know how you got on.

:grouphug: Floss xx

BizzyBek

I'm 34 and had to go to the breast clinic this year - it's a great one stop shop and you'll more than likely get a ultra sound (far more genteel than a mammagram!) and the consultant will see you there and then. The staff were wonderful and there was a feeling of comrade in the waiting - I think that's what us woman are like when we get together!So try not too overly worry, take it step by step and whatever it is can be soon 'mended'. PS my boobs are fine though was ther embarrassment that I had to ask for another gown as the first one didn't cover my ample boobage which is natural so the nurses stated laughing and said I was showing off hehe!

floss2

Slightly off topic, but can I just say that if men had to have a mammogram on their bits, the procedure would soon be changed to one less uncomfortable & cumbersome!

emjem_3

((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) Pinkshoes.

Please let us know how you have got on today x