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[countrybumpkin]

I have been having intermittant pain in my left breast for about 10 weeks  but just maybe one day a few times then nothing for weeks but decided today to ask the Dr to examine me and as soon as she pressed in one area I jumped with pain which is where the pain has been and she said there was a tiny pea sized hard round lump. She said it felt more like a cyst but of course no one knows without tests and I will get an appt at breast clinic within 2 weeks.
My mother died of breast cancer so obviously this is rather scary!
I have severe spinal problems and pain so adding this on 
Even having the tests - mammo etc will cause me immense pain because of the positions needed let alone anything else I may need.
It will feel a very long time to this appt.

[Elizabethrose]

Hi country bumpkin,

I know it's easy for me to say but I'm going to, don't panic! This happened to me three times in my thirties, GPs thought it may be something serious and sent me off to the Breast Clinic. First two times, mammograms were done along with consult and fibroadenoma was diagnosed. Third time the same thing happened and they decided to do a biopsy on the lump. All came back clear.

My breasts are lumpy, slightly less so now I'm not so hormone ravaged. I don't know how true it is but one of the docs suggested that if there is pain present it's usually not cancer.

It is always essential to get these sorts of things checked out. Some mammograms can be uncomfortable, I've had to have them when my breasts have been like giant throbbing boils, not a nice experience! BUT most I've had have been over in seconds with only very slight discomfort. I know your back is terribly painful but the machines heights are adjustable and it really is done very quickly.

Usually these sorts of things are fast tracked, mine was within days each time, and at the hospital I went from one dept to the next. Hopefully you won't have long to wait and dwell on it all.

I really wish you well xx

[ellie]

Countrybumkin I know exactly how you feel.  I have suffered with painful lumps for many years, and have lost count of the times I have had to have them drained or removed. All thankfully have just been cysts....I also have severe back problems, so my advise is when you have to go for your mamagram, let them know before you go and they will allow extra time with you.
  I would say don't worry, but it's only natural that you will.......I was told, the fact that the lump is painful is a good sign.........chin up, soon be over.

[coldethyl]

Sorry to read this - hopefully it will turn out to be nothing - the breast cancer fastracking seems to work very well - it is possible to have an ultrasound scan on breast ( they do them for dense breasts rather than a mammogram as better diagnostic tool then) so wonder if you could ask for that as a first look thing if mammogram going to be a pain issue for you?

[countrybumpkin]

Thanks everyone. My Gp said that painful lumps are often cysts. I have very soft breast tissue so its easy to feel any lumps.
What is rather worrying is that when I was 49 I had thermography of my breasts which they said was the new mammo and much more sensitive and I had abnormalities in both my breasts. This was done privately. I was told I was at higher risk of breast cancer developing with having had abnormalities on the thermography.
So as you can imagine this is making me more worried than ever. I actualy wished that I had never had that test done as there was nothing I could do about the result other than be more vigilant.
Just hoping I get appt sooner rather than waiting two weeks, the gp said that I will get first appt available at any breast clinic in my health area so 3 hospitals.
I should get phone call either tomorrow or friday so will be attached to my mobile!

[Wrensong]

Countrybumpkin, your GP & the other ladies are right - a painful lump is more likely to be a cyst than anything more serious.  Like some of the other ladies who replied, I've had many over the years.  Had several mammograms before screening age, ultrasound, some specialist scanning I forget the name of (which showed multiple cysts present at the same time), fine needle aspiration (tiny biopsy) and even a lumpectomy - all turned out to be benign.  Only natural to worry (& like you, sadly my Mum died of breast cancer, so I know how this ramps us the anxiety even more), but being fast-tracked for screening is the best thing that can happen to us in this situation.  I think your lump is very likely to be benign, but even if it were not, early treatment means a good outcome is much more likely.  I know you will know all this already, but a little solidarity from other ladies who have been there will hopefully help you feel less alone and a little more reassured.  I hope your appointment comes around quickly - do tell the mammographer about your back problems so that she can make it as comfortable as possible for you.  Wishing for a very good outcome & sooner rather than later.

[Mbrown001]

I've had painful lumps too that have always turned out to be cysts.
Can you get in touch with the breast unit and tell them your spinal problems. They will do an ultrasound which is far more accurate anyway.
I'm sure it really wouldn't be an issue for them if you explain your situation.

I hope it all goes well.

Mrs Brown

[countrybumpkin]

Huge thanks everyone and yes it helps enormously to talk to people who have been where I am now. I haven't told anyone in real life other than my husband of course - I thought I would wait until I know what it is rather than have family and friends worrying as well!  Will not be easy keeping the cheerful face on in company as human nature makes you want to blurt it out 

[Cassie]

I had the same thing was really sore, was a cyst, please try not to panic, easier said than done, I know!

[cubagirl]

Twice had painful lumps, both times they were cysts. I panicked first time, but was reassured by consultant saying she was 99% certain it was only a cyst. Easy for us to say, but try to think positively.

[Evelyn63]

Hopefully you will get a call soon Countrybumkin and won't have to wait two weeks, I think the two weeks is the longest you will be kept waiting and most are seen sooner.   The other posters have given you lots of positives to think on so hopefully you won't be as anxious now, you have shared your concerns.  What would we do without this forum ?? 

[Annie0710]

Aw bless you

I had a pea size breast lump 10 years ago.  It didn't hurt and I only noticed it because I was itching that area.  I saw dr and he said because it doesn't hurt he was concerned so got me in quick for a scan.  It was a clump of breast tissue but they said always always get anything like that checked out, whether painful or not, and especially for you as you have a family history.  Hoping it's nothing nasty and you can settle your mind.x

[dahliagirl]

When I had my last screening mammogram, there was a lady in before me who was having an awful time (it was the screener that I don't like because she is a bit 'not gentle' and I was next  so I wasn't sure whether to feel sorry for her, or to run fast  )

However, they did say to her that in future she would be better getting her appointment changed to the actual breast clinic (this was the screening portacabin) as they have more options re:equipment etc.

I must say that my experience with the breast clinic (got recalled) was very good - they seemed to have a very positive can-do culture -  and I expect that if when you get the appointment, you give them a ring to see if there is someone who you can explain your needs to, then they will try and find a way to make it easier/better.

[countrybumpkin]

Thanks everyone. I got the phone call today and appt is next wed so less than a week wait. it is at the big hospital breast care unit that is hours drive away.  I had a look online at the unit and says appt are between 1 and 3 hrs and you have mammo/ultrasound and if they think necessary a needle biopsy and radiographer tells you what they think before you leave. If you have biopsy you get appt to go bck for results so not complete results on on visit but they will certainly tell me what it is looking like.

[CLKD]

It's always a worry!  Do ring the Dept and explain your other medical history and how worried you have been.