Hi all,
This is my first post — I’m new here and haven’t had an official diagnosis yet, so I hope it’s okay to reach out. I just felt like this would be the best place to ask for some advice and hear from people who understand
I’m 35, and over the last few months I’ve noticed some changes in my right breast that have been worrying me. I found a hard, large lump at the side of the breast, along with dimpling, puckering, changes in shape/size, and a rash that wouldn’t clear up. I went to the GP and was referred to the hospital.
At my appointment, they reassured me that the lump might be related to weight loss and told me not to worry. However, the day before the hospital visit, my lymph nodes in my armpits became swollen, sore, and inflamed. They did an ultrasound (which didn’t show anything suspicious) but took biopsies from the lumps in my armpits.
I left feeling relatively reassured, but then I got a call on Friday saying the lymph node biopsies showed signs of infection — but they also noticed some other changes they’d like to investigate further. I’ve now been booked in for surgery on Tuesday to have some lymph nodes removed for further testing. I was told they wouldn’t do a mammogram because I’m under 40.
I’m trying really hard not to spiral or assume the worst, but I do have a lot of symptoms that seem to point towards breast cancer, and I’d rather be prepared while also hoping for the best.
Has anyone had a similar experience — with lymph nodes or breast changes like this? I’d love to hear what to expect from the upcoming appointment, and how others have coped emotionally during this in-between stage.
You are all so inspirational, I am in awe at your strengths. Thank you all so much for taking your time to answer me. Wishing you all the best and a full recovery 
x️
Hi there, I'm one of the champions here in this group and I wanted to welcome you to the forum, I hope you find it a supportive and friendly place. I think most people find the stage of waiting for confirmation (one way or the other) to be the most difficult. Personally I worked hard to keep myself busy and distracted so I didn't have time to think. It's hard and does get much easier when you have the results, even if you do need further treatment. Best wishes
Hi Irish girl 
Your message has really touched me, thank you so so much. Honestly cannot thank you enough for being so caring and kind. That's meant the world to me.
I have tried so hard all weekend to keep busy but have found myself just staring struggling to focus on anything other than that and I've had pretty much no energy at all.
Same goes for you, feel free to message me any time and thank you again for contacting x
Hi I’m sorry that you are going through this. The waiting bit is the worse. I had similar changes with heaviness, swelling and general hardness in my left breast. I’m glad they are looking into this further for you. Mine didn’t present as a typical lump scenario. If you aren’t happy just keep pushing. Good luck 
