Small lump in breast - worried

Hi 

I am 57 years old, I have found a small lump just under the skin on my right breast, it is firm & smooth to touch & rubbery if that's the correct word. I attended an appt with Nurse Practitioner she said it was moveable & has referred me to hospital.  The lump was not tender to touch but after my constant self examinations & prodding my boob has become very sore & throbbing now & again feels like I have given it a good wack, so I am leaving it alone, I am wearing one if my old bras for bed for support, my boobs are 38DD the left a bit bigger than the right which it always has been. I must admit I do not really self exam as suppose too frightened to find something so I do not know how long the lump has been there. I do not have any children so have never breast fed, I attend mammogram appointments every 3 years when called the next being 2020.  The nurse said it was too long yo wait until then. I have googled quite a bit & don't think it has helped me, I am finding it hard to stay positive very emotional & keep breaking down thinking the worst, just wanted to chat & ask if there is any advice anyone can give me.

Thanks for listening

SidRR5

  • Hi there - sorry you're having these problems & I can understand why it's worrying for you. I can't offer any medical advice as I have no medical knowledge. What I can tell tho' that googling does NOT help in fact it does the reverse because it increases your anxiety levels. I know from very recent personal experience that  increased anxiety levels definitely makes symptoms worse.So the first thing I think you should do is put all that you've googled out of your mind. Secondly, my advice would be to do your best to look at the positive side of things. I know this is easy to say & harder to do BUT my GP says that 9 out of 10 people referred for cancer tests DO NOT HAVE IT. They are pretty good odds don't you think. Why should you not be one of the 9??:) 

    When I was put on the 2 week cancer pathway recently I was convinced I was going to die. All my tests came back clear. I have one more to go but the consultant says he isn't unduly worried so the last test is to finally rule it out & find out what the problem is. Waiting is difficult I know but keeping busy is very important & focus on the likliehood that if there is an issue it will be sorted out.

    I do hope this helps & wish you all the best. Keep posting if you feel you need to.

  • Hello purrfect

    Thank you so much for your reply, it is just what i needed to hear, you are so right Dr google is not good for anxiety, & I need to regain my positivity which I have lots of just lost it since I attended my surgery.  Since I wrote earlier I have been contacted by the Breast Clinic with date to attend 8 July. 

    With best wishes