Hello Leeanne, 

I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. It must be really stressful for you at the moment and I hope that all this is not preventing you from enjoying your new baby. Big congratulations by the way on the birth of your baby and I hope you can get some clarity on all this very soon. You did the right thing though to go and see the doctor about this and I hope you won't have to wait too long now for your appointment at the breast clinic. I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. As you know, Dr Google is never to be trusted. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. 

I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and been in a similar situation and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

I wanted to write an update!

I read loads of things on this site that were very similar to me. And wen I was going through them... I wanted to see a positive outcome to put my mind at ease. To reassure myself that I could be OK! But most of the time you don't know what's happening to these people or what there outcome was. So I wanted to update on my story. Even if it puts one persons mind at ease. 

So I found a lump in late pregnancy. I was the only one who could feel it. My husband or sister couldn't. So I forgot about it ( pregnancy problems made it easier)

Fast forward. I had my beautiful healthy baby boy on 6th October. 

I went home got comfy and post pregnancy gems starting kicking in. I was sore with after pains. The bleeding started the sore boobs ect ect. 

I went for a shower and cryed my eyes out when I felt a big lump under my arm pit. I shouted for my husband. Who immediately told me to call the doctor in the morning. This lump could be seen as well as felt and it was the very same place i felt it a few months before. 

So I went to the doctors the next day. 

She told me that because my milk had come in she couldn't examine my breast as well as she would have liked. But went ahead to examine the lump. It was very tense. I was sweating and burning up I was so scared. She wasn't very positive. She kept feeling around and saying "yes it's still prominent" and always had a stern look on her face. She told me to get dressed and I came out from the curtain sat down and hoped she'd say its just a cyst. But unfortunately she didn't. She said "I'm going to give you an urgent referral to the breast clinic"  " you should get an appointment within three weeks" she typed. I tryed to hold back the tears. She said nothing as she typed. And then she looked at me and said if anything changes make another appointment and come back. As I walked out with the tears running down my face. No idea what I had just been told or not told or what it was. She asked me is there any history of breast cancer in your family. I said no. And she said OK I will put in that referral now. And I left very disappointed in the surgery. Concerning I was only 1 week post baby and the care for mothers that's talks about ptsd or depression. Baby blues. I felt lost and alone. 

I went home and I cryed and cryed.... And I went to seek help from Dr Google (the worst idea ever)

And convinced myself I had cancer. 

I was 1 week post pregnancy with a 1 week old baby and a 5 year old. I cryed ever minute of everyday. 

I watched my husband and cryed how would he cope without me. How do we explain to the boys about mummy. Would I cope. Would my baby know who I was if I went. 

I experienced burning pain in that armpit. Nippy feelings. I would google ever symptom and know I had it. I had cancer. 

The three week wait was horrific. I drove myself in to a deep dark place. 

I went for my appointment.and saw the doctor 

She was amazing. Made me feel comfortable from start to finish. Kept me relaxed. Asked about my boys. Asked how iv been. How my baby was. And with a huge smile on her face she said I'm positive that this is a swollen milk duct. She went on to explain how it happens and what it was. She said when my milk gose it will to. And it did. And the strange thing is all the "symptoms" I had. Left the minute she told me I didn't have cancer.

I know that everyone will, I did, but I must stress the importance of staying off Google. I had 90% of the symptoms of breast cancer but your mind plays tricks I on you and once you read it you make something out of nothing.you convince yourself you have it. 

I'm so lucky that it wasn't cancer and it did go like the doctor said. 

My baby boy is now 9 weeks old and we are all looking forward to Christmas as a family. 

Those three weeks felt like the worst in my life and I cannot imagine  how the people who unfortunately get bad news must feel.

But if this has taught me anything. It's cancer or not life is far to short. Live love and forgive. And cherishe every minute your hear. 

I missed the first few weeks of my babys life. And that's my fault. I drove myself down and deep dark road were I wanted to do nothing. I didn't wanna eat. I didn't leave the house. I didn't even wanna shower. 

And Google was a big part of the reason I was in such a mess. So stay positive. And stay away from Dr Google. 

Merry Christmas everyone x 

Thanks for the update. I am going through huge worry now waiting for my wifes results from toenail removal last week, i feel its unlikley to be cancer but Surgeon was very rude and just said we will get results at end of January. So difficult when a dr doesnt give you and info or support. So Christmas ruined for me. It gives me a little comfort to hear you story. Thanks. 

I'm sorry to hear about your worries.

I definitely agree. The wait is worse when your not given the proper support and information. I know the doctor I saw couldn't tell me what I wanted to hear but a smile and some positive attitude and maybe.... "try not to worry" "there could be a number of possibilities".  Would have definitely made that 3 weeks wait a lot more manageable.

But if can say anything it's cancer doesn't mean the end. I met loads of ladies who had cancer and years on still living there best life.

My dad had melanoma cancer. He lost his eye to it but 10 years this week he's still telling cancer nope. You ain't winning and he's being the best pappa pirate to my boys ️

I know it's hard and easier said than done but try not to worry. From experience. My husband was so positive and although I didn't believe him wen he told me I'd be OK, we'd be OK, and no matter what happened we would deal with it and we would be fine...... It made me angry at the time if I'm honest..... How would it be OK..... How could it be..... But looking back..... He and his positive attitude is what got me through.

So as hard as it is. Smile and hold her hand and enjoy your Christmas. She may not say it but its what she needs. 

And talk to someone.... anyone. You need support as well. 

I'm always available for a chat. 

I wish you a happy outcome ️ and a merry Christmas