Breast lump

I am sure that everyone reacts differently to what may be a life threatening illness, that is because we are all individuals.

Your reaction is almost certainly not unique though, but don’t close the doors on any help you may need if indeed it is diagnosed as a cancerous lump.

I wish you well and I am sure you will get a lot of “virtual” support from this site, but nothing replaces support from friends and family so please don’t close the door.

Please contact Breast cancer UK or Macmillian you don't have to go this alone. Your Breast clinic will help with any questions as well. It might not be what you think but better to get it checked. I had a mammogram April 2022 and there it started 2 ops chemo and radiotherapy later and just had another mammogram so I'm waiting for the results.
Do your family know?
There are plenty of support groups which you can chat too but it might not be what you fear. Hope things turn out well for you xx

So sorry you are going through this. Feeling numb is nature's way of dealing with the shock.
If it turns out to be cancer it can be treated successfully these days.

I felt like you when I was diagnosed but surprised when I went through treatment fairly unscathed. You just have to take one step at a time. The lump may be something else as you haven't had your appointment yet.

Just be guided by your medical team. I found them very reassuring.

I had, at one point during the menopause, the distinction of having the most lumps of any woman in the region (or so the consultant told me). Every one of them was drained of bright yellow fluid and eventually they stopped appearing.

On the other hand my Sister has only ever had one lump, (10 years ago ,which WAS cancerous. It was removed together with a couple of lymph nodes and she has been fine thereafter.

I tell our stories to show that there is every chance that your lump is not cancerous and even if it is, it can be successfully treated. I know it is hard to remain optimistic but better that than assuming you are doomed.

A friend of mine had a very small lump removed a few months ago. She’s absolutely fine now. You’ll get plenty of support on here: I find sometimes it’s better to share things with internet chums. x

Hope treatment starts soon, ILD. One day at a time. Gentle hug from me 💐

Sending kindest thoughts and all good wishes
It may not be cancer as other posters have said.
I found myself on the two week cancer pathway last August (suspected bladder cancer) and thank the Lord, it wasn't cancer at all.

Thank you for your responses and advice. I have told my children and they are being supportive, albeit from a distance at present. (One lives many miles away, halfway between me and her inlaws, the other is at university and I don't want to wreck her final year as she's doing really well.) If the worst comes to the worst, I will contact Macmillan for support.
Sweetcakes, I truly hope your results are clear.
AAGA, thank you for sharing. I'm so glad you came through it okay and your team were good.
Granny23, I had a cyst drained a decade ago but going on my GP's reaction, I'm inclined to think this isn't one. It doesn't feel the same. She did say that the breast unit here were good.

And they've just rung me. Appt for 17th Jan. Fingers crossed.

Baggs and nanak, thank you.

Ilovedragonflies
Thank you, so do I.
Take very good care of yourself
And we are all here for you. 🌹

Ilovedragonflues - A few years ago, I returned from shopping and while removing my bra (hate wearing bras), noticed a blood stain on it. Shock horror, as you can imagine. First I thought, it was a just an irritated scratch. Then, I realised it was actually coming from my nipple. Had immediate appointment with GP, was seen at the Breast Clinic within a few days , followed by biopsy. Turned out to be a cyst (forgot the name ). Followed up a couple of times and then discharged. No problems since. I know how you feel. Our life is complete. But still, we’d like a few more years with our families, wouldn’t we? Good luck and let us know how things go

I was called in for extra tests last year after a routine mammogram screening detected something. Fortunately, it turned out to be nothing to worry about, but I couldn't help thinking all the worst case scenarios in the time leading up to the follow-up appointment. I hope everything goes well for you too, but you will get lots of support and friendly words on here.

My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. We were all away for the New Year, when she discovered a lump. Our GP saw her straightaway and she had an appointment at the breast clinic within a few days. She had surgery, then when that had healed, radiotherapy. The care she had, and continues to have, was exemplary. Her results from her annual mammogram/check up came through yesterday, and she has again been given the all clear. Such a difficult time for you, and it would help to have the support of family and friends. Should they find that you have breast cancer, you will receive the care and support of professional people, who are dealing with this every day. Don’t hesitate to contact Macmillan or any other breast cancer charity, who will be able to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, continue to post here, where you will receive kind words and help in bucketloads. 🌷

Ilovedragonflies I would say that your feelings of numbness are actually due to shock.... but take heart, you have found it and you're now in the system and have your appointment shortly.

I have had breast cancer twice, the last time was in 1998, so I will have been clear for 26 years at the end of February.

Sending you my very best wishes, and a gentle hug.

This is a perfectly normal reaction to scary news Ilovebutterfies
I've had breast lumps and remember reacting just as you describe.. I received lots of wonderful care and they were both benign.. but the treatments nowdays are very effective should that not be the case. I would confide in a friend so that you have support when you go to hospital.. I hope all goes well..

Just a quick update as I was seen at the hospital this morning. It was a cyst, now gone.

I may sleep without nightmares tonight. And wear a bra again!

Thank you all for your kind messages previously.

Don’t take the quick appointment as a worry ilovedragonflies it’s brilliant to get seen so quickly
Stay calm
I was unexpectedly on the 2 week pathway last January completely out of the blue I had a biopsy which proved pre cancerous so had a general op to remove that and they found some stage 1 ( just turned) so second op and given the all clear by April, phew, what a journey in less than 4 months i ve had two checks up since and completely free 🤞🏼
Stay calm but DONT give up just because the kids are settled I’m sure you have a lot of life left in you
Good luck keep in touch and let us know how it goes
I have a very good, very, very young friend 33 going through a really difficult time with cancer at the moment we have to all keep fighting
💐

Great news,*Ilovedragonflies*. So pleased for you and glad that the clinic saw you so promptly because it is agony to have to wait in these circumstances. I wish that such diagnostic facilities had been available 67 years ago when I was 17. I would have been saved the surgical intervention had it been shown that 'the lump' was non-malignant.
Now relax!

Ilovedragonflies

Just a quick update as I was seen at the hospital this morning. It was a cyst, now gone.

I may sleep without nightmares tonight. And wear a bra again!

Thank you all for your kind messages previously.

Such good news!

Great news 👍

Ilovedragonflies, that is such wonderful news. I have been following your messages , haven't responded because I have no experience of breast cancer - thankfully! and I knew there would be people on GN who could offer you support and advice. What a relief for you , so happy for you. 💐

Oh wonderful I m so happy for you
Don’t anyone ever say anything against the bloody wonderful NHS that’s as quick as can be wouldn’t have been quicker for the Queen
🥰

So glad for you ilovedragonflies, that’s brilliant . My dd had her test result on Friday, , she has loads cif cysts but nothing worse,
Celebrate 🥳

Good news, am so pleased for you.

Thank you for the update, so often we never hear how people have fared.