I've just found a lump in my breast

Ember999

Iona_Penny wrote:

Hi Ember

I have just seen your posts today and my heart goes out to you .

I want to reterate what eveyone else has said: that is it is almost certainly going to be benign, especially as I get the feling that you are quite young.

I work in a one-stop breast clinic where the ultra sound, mammograms and fna tests are done. Because of the set up the women do get the results of these tests on the day where possible; your hospital may have this system or it may be that you have to wait for results. Please remember that mammograms are not always a suitable test especially the younger woman so don't be concerned if you are not offered one.

Please please try and stay calm. Being seen within 2 weeks and having a series of tests is standard practice and not a reason to panic more.

Really try and leave the lump and breast alone as you recognise you are now concious of the area. Any queries feel free to pm me.

Why did the Bupa Private Hospital I just phoned say I must have a mamagram when my own doctor said needle biopsy/ultra sound scan, just like you said? Any idea why they would insist on this as well ?

Bendybops19

Oh sweetie - ok, think straight. You cant afford to get into debt - esp as it is prob only a cyst.

To see a breast surgeon seems a bit extreme! I dont think she explained properly, shouldnt this cost only be if you need surgery?

I think the £80 some one suggested is for an initial consultaion.

It all seems a bit extreme what the Bupa lady has suggested really, to be honest, you prob wont need all of those things doing!!

Your hubby is a good man saying to pay, but i think that considering the cost and how quick you will be seen by the Nhs now, stick with the Nhs.

You have to try stop panicking Ember, try deep beathing (it really helps) and sitting relaxed. Some fresh air and walk is brilliant when your panicking. I suffer from panic attacks and the best thing i can do is to sit still in a quiet room, close my eyes and brethe deeply.

I know you wont stop worrying until you get the results, but dont dwell too much. I wish i could give you a big cuddle.

Maisie

Ember it may just be BUPA's procedure to do mammograms as well as everything else. My doctor told me an ultrasound was more accurate and they can do biopsy there and then.

best wishes and thinking of you.... Maisie

Ember999

Maisie wrote:

Ember it may just be BUPA's procedure to do mammograms as well as everything else. My doctor told me an ultrasound was more accurate and they can do biopsy there and then.

best wishes and thinking of you.... Maisie

That's what my Doctor said Maisie. Just read on that cancer support website someone posted that if your Doctor thinks the referral is urgent, you may get an appointment quicker and also your Doctor may be able to tell if she thinks the lump is a cyst. My Doctor said quite often these lumps are cysts and as yours feels quite round that's looking probable etc. though this was when I pushed her with repeated questions like 'is it cancer'. I am thinking that as she said I will get an appointment within 2 weeks, maybe even a week, does this mean that she thinks it's urgent and is just not telling me because I am terrified?

Ember999

So may of you have been through finding a lump, it's feels like it is just me at the moment and life is just going on for everyone else. How many of you were found the lump to be benign, ie: a cyst? Is the diagnosis usually a cyst or am I really facing having facing breast cancer?

Debt_Free_Chick

Ember999 wrote:

So may of you have been through finding a lump, it's feels like it is just me at the moment and life is just going on for everyone else. How many of you were found the lump to be benign, ie: a cyst? Is the diagnosis usually a cyst or am I really facing having facing breast cancer?

Ember

You're not listening 80% of lumps in the breast are NOT cancer. Please, try a telephone counselling line too. That way, you'll get instant responses to your questions as well as a soothing voice.

That sounds like I don't think this Board is good enough :eek: Absolutely not, but it sounds like a real chat with an actual human being might help you here. Seeing the words "try to stay calm" is not quite the same as having someone reassure you, verbally. Please give it a try.

Ember999

Phone just rang, a lady from the local Hospital saying that a referral has come through by fax asking for an appointment with a breast specialist. They have a cancellation for next Tuesday at 9:30am and would I like the appointment. I have an appointment. Should I use my credit card to pay to see Bupa Private Breast Specialist quicker or should I wait until next Tuesday for NHS appointment with breast specialist there? I don't know what to do

Bendybops19

Thats pretty quick, so sit tight and wait until Tues. At least you have a date to look to, you know it will be seen to so you dont need to blow the credit card by paying an arm and a leg now you know you will be seen soon.

Just because you will be seen soon doesnt mean it is any more urgent than any other breast lump/cyst, so dont panic yourself over that

Doc's dont like to say whether they think it is a cyst or cancerous, just in case they are wrong. The fact she said prob a cyst when you pushed her is a good sign

november

Sorry Ember I've only just noticed this thread. I wanted to add my best wishes and that I am sorry you are going through this.

I think you should go via the NHS as you have an appointment. Obviously thats easier for me to say as I'm not the one waiting but it also sounds like if you go via BUPA you could end up having tests you don't need and paying far more than you need to. It also could worry you more - all this talk of breast surgeons when it is probably totally uneccessary.

I also think the OP's idea of phoning a telephone counselling line for support is good. An actual voice of support who knows what they are talking about can be very reassuring. They could also advise you on the BUPA/NHS question.

I've not been in your position but I can tell you that I had a lump on my thigh which turned out to be a cyst. Didn't stop me worrying of course until it was checked even though it was my thigh rather than my breast.

Take care
november x

taxi97w

Next Tuesday is the 13th. How many days difference is that from the NHS appointment? Not many. Nothing drastic is going to develop in a couple of days. Keep your money and your NHS appointment. I would. To stop stressing:- imagine an instance where you were fretting and anxious (we do it all the time), and it turned out all right in the end. Try not to create a bad outcome in your mind, it's not reality.xxxx