Awaiting tests and terrified

HI Hobo 

Don't feel a fraud in the slightest!  

It's great that you have found this forum to get support.  More often than not, doctors automatically refer women for a mammogram, so it's quite surprising that they didn't do this immediately for you.  However, the good news is that you've now been referred.  With any luck it's something as simple as an infected cyst BUT if it is breast cancer the survival rates are extremely high.  I'm so sorry to hear your mam passed away from it but it's not the same story for everyone.  I can certainly understand how worrying it is for you, given your mam's history.

Or it may be something as simple as just a reaction to all the stress you underwent with your mam's death?  Although, like you say having swelling under your arm at the start, I am really surprised the doctor didn't refer you then.  I've never heard of the cold affecting a breast - with or without cancer.

Did your mam get checked for the BRCA gene?

I do hope your results come back as being nothing sinister, but if it does, I'm 6 years down the line for having being treated for breast cancer, so to reassure you that not everyone who has breast cancer dies from it.

Do let us know how you get on.

Kindest Wishes, Lesley

Hl Hobo

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear that you might have breast cancer.  I'm also sorry to hear that your Mam died of breast cancer.  Please don't feel like a fraud for posting on here before you have a diagnosis of breast cancer, there has been ladies on here before that haven't had a diagnosis of breast cancer.  The chest pains could be a result of the stress you are feeling at the moment.

Wishing you the best of luck with your mammogram and hopefully everything will turn out to be fine.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, I really really appreciate it more than you will ever know. I've been to work this morning which took my mind off of things for a while but I've been up since 3.30am with worry and haven't eaten or drank anything since Tuesday tea time. I am so scared. Wmi haven't been anywhere with my family in over 5 years. We have saved for a holiday and are supposed to be going at the end of the month and now I'm worried I have spoilt it for everyone... I can't think straights and I'm so freaked out. I'm so glad you are doing well. That's helps me to stay calm. My mam didn't get tested for the gene. I have a swelling and lump under my armpit, and when I get cold my nipple and areola and part of my boob swell and go hard... it's really odd and it hurts. Thank you so much for replying

Hi Hobo , lovely messages already, just thought I’d add that I too lost my mum to breast cancer. She was 53. I’m now 64 so have already lived over 10 years more. I’ve had several breast issues over the years - ‘nodular breasts’, duct ectasia (I think that’s what it was, many years ago!), a fibroadenoma, and cysts. My breast cancer was diagnosed age 59 and I’m nearly 5 years clear, so far so good. Just rambling on to try to say that what happened to your mum does not mean that it will be the same for you. Most breast issues turn out to be benign, but, if yours proves to be cancer, please bear in mind that treatments are developing all the time and there are lots of us rattling around this site, many years post diagnosis. 
Wishing you well, lots of support here both during investigations and any treatments if needed. Sending love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

It’s so important to talk and not feel alone. There is nothing fraudulent about seeking support at such a worrying time. That not knowing is hideous and we can all relate to the fear of waiting - and you’re in pain. If that doesn’t deserve some love and a hug, I don’t know what does. Glad you shared your story xx

Thank you for replying. I have only just come to terms with watching my my pass away at home and feeling totally helpless and it was the shock of those thoughts and feelings coming back and my automatic thought was that I'm going to die the same way. My anxiety is through the roof. Thank you for replying. I'm so glad that you are doing well. It helps me feel calmer. I just automatically think that everyone with breast cancer dies. I'm so sorry about your mam but that's great that you are a survivor and a kind person to take the time to reply to me when I need it most. My biggest fear is that I go and they tell.me they can't do anything to help me if the worst happens. My mind is running wild.

Xxx

Thank you for replying. I honestly thought I would post and wouldn't get a response. I so needed this today. Thank you for being so kind. I feel.less alone x

I think we all worry about that - it’s genuinely scary. Three women in my family survived BC, but I understand the fear as cancer has taken a couple of members of my family too. I haven’t started my treatment yet and I finally got the news today about treatment outcomes being good. All the while before that the panic was real. We are all here & I’m hoping for the very best outcome for you xx

Thank you and it's great to hear that your treatment outcomes are good. You must be a strong lady. Thank you so much for replying it's really giving me strength. Take care and I hope everything continues to go in the right direction for you x

Hi, you have had a lot of lovely replies, so I will wish you well with whatever the outcome is.  Please do not feel like a fraud posting on here, we are all here for you and understand how worrying and scary it been be.  I do hope the outcome is a good one for you.  But if it is not, then you have come to the right place for support.  It is not easy to watch your Mum go through cancer.  I looked after both my parents and watched them both pass away.  But this have changed so much, even in the last few years.  Take care and wish you all the best. Sending hugs xx