Breast lump with dull arm ache... is this normal?

Hi everyone, 

This forum has been really helpful to me from finding a lump to having my appointment and needle biopsy. My question that i have that I can’t seem to find an answer to is, has anyone else experienced a horrible dull ache in the arm that is the same side as the lump? This has been happening more over the last two weeks and I also get the same dull ache in my lower leg on the same side. Also (probably has nothing to do with it) but a weak feeling and heavy feeling at the back/base of my head. I’m trying not to look too much into it but as its all the same side as the lump, I’m starting to panic. They said biopsy results should be 2-3 weeks. Will I find out sooner if it’s not good news? I’m 37 with 3 children and am finding it hard to act normal and not show I’m panicked about something x

  • Hi, I had my breast clinic appt today because I have a lump on my left breast and I have an ache that goes from my armpit and weighs down near where the lump is I can only describe it as like a heavy weight and feels like a dull ache. It comes and goes. My appt today I got the all clear I had inflamed breast tissue and he said the ache at have been because of that but when I had the ultrasound on breast and armpit all was ok xxx

  •  

    Hi Donmac,

    I'm afraid that the length of time you have to wait for results bears no relationship to whether your results are good or bad.

    Make sure that you mention these additional pains in your arm, leg and head next time you see your consultant. Many of us get these pains and  they often don't signify anything untoward, but you are just as well to check them out.

    You are doing well by trying not to look into it too much. It's not easy I know.

    Waiting for results is always a scary time, as there are so many unknowns. It must be really difficult to try and act normally with the children. What ages are they?

    It is always a good idea to take someone with you when you go to your appointments. It is also sensible to draw up a list of questions for your consultant before each appointment.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you for reply’s, I really appreciate it. 

    I will mention theses aches and headaches when I go for my results. My children are 17, 15, & 9. It’s very hard keeping it from my older two but they wouldn’t deal very well with it and I’d rather not worry them if I don’t need too. It was really hard yesterday after my 15 year old daughter came home from school after having a talk about breast cancer... she said “they mentioned about headaches and dizziness mum and I thought oh god my mums been like that lately!” I just tried to brush it off and praised the school for talking about things like that as it’s real important. Little did she know I’m worried sick having to tell them anything like that. Hopefully I won’t have to xx

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    Hi Donmac,

    Hopefully you won't have to tell the children. But, if you do get a positive diagnosis, try to tell them as soon after your diagnosis as possible. Children have big ears and are past-masters at overhearing what they shoulden't hear. I suspect that even your 9 year old might fall into this category? A simple explanation is sufficient for him/her, but be prepared for some fairly searching questions at times.

    Your other 2 children are probably old enough to be told. It sounds as if your 15 year old is quite mature for her age. Isn't it strange timing that she had her talk on breast cancer yesterday? I think that you were marvellous to be able to brush it off as you did.

    This is an anxious time when you are waiting for results. Try to keep yourself as busy as you can to take your mind off the wait.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 8 years, plus a few false alarms and have always got my results back within the week whatever the outcome. Some hospitals take longer to process the results.

    Don't forget to mention your other aches and pains when you go back for your results.

    Thinking of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Thank you jolamine, 

    yes I would tell the children sooner rather than later if the diagnosis wasn’t good. I don’t believe in hiding things as they make matters worse and harder to deal with. Hopefully I won’t have to though. 

    I’m trying to keep as busy as possible but when the aches and headaches hits it’s hard to concentrate on anything else. Luckily with work and mum duties I don’t get a lot of time to sit and think. Bedtime is another matter as I’m sure it’s the same for everyone in this situation. If anything all of this has definitely made me think about a lot of things and what’s important to me. So even if I get the all clear it’s a lesson. If not I’ll deal with it. 

    Thank you for kind words. It’s nice to be able to talk to people who understand what you’re going through.

     

    ill keep you updated as soon as I know 

     

    Donna xx

  • Hi [@Donmac03] Just checking if you have had your results. Thinking if you Hope all was ok Amanda xx
  • I hope all was well, the waiting is horrible!

    I also have a breast lump, thickening and th3 sore 'dead' arm feeling, currently awaiting my breast clinic appointment

    Xx

  •  

    Hi xrachx,

    Here's hoping that you'll get your appointment through soon, as this is always a worrying time.

    Don't forget to let us know when you get it through. In the meantime, remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Donna

    I'm going through this too I'm 26 and in a bit of a panic. 

    How did your experience end up? 

     

    Sam 

  •  

    Hi Sam,

    I'm so sorry that you are experiencing these pains too. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years and, on both occasions, was informed by my consultant that it is unusual to have pain associated with cancer. That having been said, cancer is no respector of rules, so you never know.

    Have you been to the breast clinic yet and, if so, have you had any tests yet?

    I sincerely hope that there are simpler reasons for your discomfort.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx