will touching my lump make it worse?

[melb19]

I found a lump in my left breast last night and I have sen a nurse today who has advised I see a doctor ASAP. So im going to tomorrow. I wanted to know if it would make things worse if i keep touching the lump. I want to see if it moves or how hard it is. Im very concerned and it does feel hard. The nurse found it straight away when she examined me.

[zouzi]

Hi,
If the lump has disappeared, it could simply mean a cyclical fluctuations in hormone levels, which could be effecting your breast tissue.Cysts tend to enlarge and shrink before and after menstruation.
Even though the lump has gone,it could still reappear before your next menstrual cycle.
It's very wise of you to keep the appointment as scheduled.It might be really nothing to worry about.
Best wishes and good luck..

[melb19]

Hi again,

I had my period last sunday, and since then I cannot seem to feel the lump. This is really weird. I knwmy breasts get quite swollen whilst on my period but i've finished my period now and i still cannot fee lthe lump anymore. I had a nurse and two doctors check me out before my referal to the hospital so i know i wasn't imagining it. I hae my appoitment book for this thursday and im still going to go, but so far im not feeling any lump.

Does this every happen ??

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thanks for the update.

Yes, it is entirely normal to be somewhat scared and worried; just try to keep it in the range of "appropriate concern" rather than "freak-out panic." ;-)  (That would be a difficult way to live, for the two--or more--weeks it will take to get an answer.) You sound as though you are level-headed and have a sense of humor, so you should do okay. (Most of the time, that is--there are always those  waves of anxiety that come and go, often in the dark of the night when few distractions are readily available...)

Most people think the waiting is the most difficult part, but it may help to keep in mind that about 80% of lumps turn out to be benign.

Hoping for the best for you,
bluebuttterfly

[melb19]

Hi,

Well I saw my doctor and he wants to refer me for tests. Its a bit complicated as I have just moved so my noormal doctor is nearly 2 hours away, so i still went to see him this morning but I have registered in Norwich with a new doc today so I now need to go and see them tomorrow for another examination so that I can be referred.

I should apparently be seen within two weeks. So I will make sure that happens.

Overall im a bit scared. But I suppose I should just wait and see what the results from the tests are.
I think its only human nature to worry and so im keeping busy and trying not to look up any more info on the internet.....lol

Chin up ;-)

[bluebutterfly2222]

Touching the lump will not make it worse, but it won't help either--it will just make you more anxious.

You have done all the right things: seeing the nurse as soon as you detected the lump, getting an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow, and then you will probably be sent for some kind of imaging.

It's difficult, but try to keep your mind off it (as much as possible) by keeping busy today.

And please update us, by adding a post to this same thread, after you have seen the doctor--we care!

Best wishes...