The Day I Found a Lump – Breast Cancer Awareness

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I have decided to share my story.

I have never been someone who has regularly checked my breasts, I’m sure I am not alone. One evening I decided to check my breasts before bed. If I am honest it was due to a lovely lady I know, a breast cancer survivor wrote on social media about checking your breasts.

Whilst checking them I found a lump, instant fear hit me. It wasn’t just a small lump but about the size of a grape. I couldn’t figure out how I hadn’t noticed it before then. I had decided I was defiantly going to ring the doctor first thing in the morning.

As you can imagine I didn’t sleep well at all. After seeing the doctor she referred me to the breast clinic in Exeter for tests and examinations. Deep down I was hoping the Doctor would just say ah its nothing to worry about and send me on my way. The doctor told me that Exeter have a one stop breast clinic, which means all the tests would be done on the same day. I would also get some of the results on the day too.

The wait was awful. If you are ever in the same situation as me, avoid Dr Google at all costs. It really does make things worse. I was anxious and scared at the same time. I was fully aware that not all breast lumps are cancerous, however I also knew It was one of the most obvious warning sign’s.

Thankfully I had my friend who I could message who survived breast cancer. I was able to talk to her and tell her everything knowing full well she would understand.

Two weeks dragged by, the day of my appointment came and I was sick to my stomach with nerves. Firstly I met with an oncologist who examined me. She was a lovely lady and explained due to my age I would be sent for a mammogram, then an ultrasound and a biopsy. I was dreading the mammogram based on what people had told me. I went through the tests in a daze. It was only when I had the ultra sound and biopsy taken that I felt a little relief. The radiologists told me it had the appearance of a benign lump.

I was then sent back to the oncologist to wait for all the results. I personally found that all the waiting was horrible. Being in a waiting room full of people waiting for results or to be seen wasn’t nice. I was aware that some of us could receive bad news.

My turn came, I recall sitting on the chair in a warm room waiting for the doctor to come in. I was one of the lucky ones that day, I didn’t have breast cancer, however what I do have is a Fibroadenoma. I simply asked what It was. Fibroadenoma is a term that medics use to describe a broad range of solid, benign breast lumps. They are more common in premenopausal women. Or as I was told young woman like myself. At 40 this made me smile, but as I was told 40 is younger than 60.

A wave of relief came over me, I was told with fibroadenoma’s they take a wait and see approach. I would still have to wait for the biopsy results to confirm that. I was told that some grow bigger and some shrink. She also said a lot of people choose to have them removed for peace of mind.

So here I am sat here, with my grape size fibroadenoma in my right breast, feeling grateful that it wasn’t breast cancer. I now have to make the decision about getting it removed. Breast surgery isn’t something I ever thought I would have to consider.

Finding any lump on your breast can be scary, although they are not all cancerous. However early detection of any breast changes is important. The sooner they are checked out the better.

The best way to detect any breast changes is to regularly check your breasts. Many woman, myself included don’t really know what to look out for and how to check yourself.  When you do check yourself look out for the following. If you notice any changes make an appointment to see a doctor.

 

 

If you’re not sure how to check yourself this will help.

 

Remember ladies, check your boobies. It doesn’t take long and it could potentially save your life if you detect any changes early on.