The more you focus the worse it becomes doesn’t it.
My scan is 26th September (earliest they could do) so I’ll update once I’ve been. Praying it’s good news.
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I'm sure it will be fine...and will give you some peace of mind for a while x
I’m really struggling today. Terrible nights sleep awake most of the night. I just keep looking a my girls and feeling tearful. The scan feels so far away. I just want it over and done with. Now got to go to work until 8am and I’m pretty much on my own the entire shift. Too much time to think and poke my boob. Pain in the boob when pushed is still there. No longer a sharp prickly pain but a bruised pain. I keep thinking the dr is actually concerned but didn’t want to say as he could see what a state I was in. He gave me ibuprofen for my chest but it’s only really painful when I push the breast bone and ribs to the side. It tingles and aches from time to time with the odd pain but it’s by no means severe costochondritis. It’s very mild. Just feels bruised. I still don’t feel it’s connected with my breast pain when pushed as it’s too far down. Closer to my nipple where all the milk ducts are and that’s where most breast cancers start. If I get bad news at the scan I honestly don’t think I’ll cope. I’m not strong enough anymore.
Sorry for waffling on, I’m really not coping at the moment :weep:
Aw poor you! I do know exactly where you are coming from but still certain you'll get the all clear. When I went (been twice for breast pain) the first doctor I saw just gave me advice on breast pain causes and advised I take Evening Primrose oil. He was really REALLY unconcerned about it. And unfortunately ...he probably does see a lot of women with breast cancer. I bet once you get the all clear... and stop prodding as you are no longer hyper-focusing, the pain disappears...
I've moved on a bit from breast cancer today - more on lung issues now :blush: as I have chest tightness. Pre HA I would have thought I'd got a cold coming or maybe a chest infection. Now - lung cancer, maybe heart issues.
Yesterday I had Parkinson's.
God knows what tomorrow will bring. I've done a lot of walking today which sometimes makes my leg ache...bone cancer??
I really hope you are right. My counsellor recently got referred to the hospital for breast pain and she said the consultant said he’s happy when he hears the words bresst pain, as he pretty much knows it won’t be cancer. I wish anxiety would allow you to believe the good and not the bad so much.
I really hear you. I’m getting some aching in the middle of my back and I’m convincing myself it’s breast cancer that’s spread to my spine. Health anxiety is just such an evil illness. Logic and reasoning go out of the window.
If you've got the costocondritis still then that won’t be helping with any colds or chest infections x
I was reading an interesting article about HA....it said that unlike something like social anxiety, which I'm sure is horrendous too, you can't get away from HA as you can't get away from your body....Made sense, but didn't help! x
Not sure why but I spent most of yesterday afternoon on the breast cancer . Org website reading a huge thread about ladies that have been diagnosed and their first symptoms. So many said pain was their first symptom so this crap about breast cancer not hurting is just rubbish. Why when they are trying to make people more aware are so many websites and Drs saying breast cancer doesn’t cause pain or isn’t typically a symptom. It’s not what I’ve read from real survivors! I’m honestly mentally preparing myself that they may find something I can’t feel. It is a possibility. This pain isn’t linked with my cycle.
Ive not struggle this much since before I started counselling and I’m so scared. Back to googling loads again. Just spiralling but trying to hold it together and hide it from my kids.
Theee anti inflammatory tablets arent stopping my breast bone area from feeling sore and bruised. I just can't shake the feeling it’s time for another awful thing to happen. It’s been 11 years this Xmas since my daughter died so I guess I’m due something horrible to happen. I know it’s not logical to think this way but I do think this way.
Also found out today a group of ladies I thought I was friends with are all going away for the weekend together and I’ve not been invited. I knew one of them was being funny with me as I hardly saw her during the six weeks holidays. Guess this confirms it. Dropped again. I just can’t seem to find nice people to be friends with. She knows how much I’m struggling too. Sick of feeling so alone all the time.
If it wasnt for my girls im not sure I would want to carry on to be honest. Only so much rejection you can take in your life and I’ve had a lot.
The thought of breast cancer terrifies me but not really having a support network makes the prospect all that more terrifying :weep:
hello you....first of all, sorry about the friends crap. Is it worth asking them why you've not been included? Though you might not like the answer. I have 3 daughters, all adults and 2 whom have often struggled socially and seem to get led down by friendship groups. They never seem to have made the "in crowd" and I know it causes them anxiety. They were lovely girls and are now lovely women. But they don't always fit in because they don't follow the crowd. Maybe you are the same - that's not necessarily a bad thing. But probably will make the path a bumpier one.....
Re the breast cancer. I'm surprised at what you've found ....and a bit alarmed if I'm honest! I was very much under the impression that painful breasts without any visible changes was VERY rarely a cause for concern. If you've found different - then I need to go back to my doctor! But I'm hoping that someone on here with more experience will also be able to reassure us both? Certainly the response I've had from the breast clinic (including the surgeon) was very laid back....
I’m a very loyal person and I end up let down a lot. Most people seem to just chuck people away like nothing. I seem to be one of those people that get dumped once something better comes along. It’s always happened my entire life. Sorry your daughters are going through similar. It is hard to make friends. I’ve always struggled myself.
Sorry i wrote this post whilst very upset and crying. I should explain more. A lot of women said pain was their first symptom and then other symptoms appeared with in a month or two. I know you too are having breast pain with the costochondritis but given it’s been nearly 5 months (correct me if I’m wrong) that you had your scan other symptoms would of presented by now if it was cancer. So I really don’t think you have cancer and I think your scans and information given were correct.
I guess I’m just trying to prepare myself for the possibility that they could find a lump in the breast that can’t be felt but can only be seen on the scan. I often think if I can know before them it will be less of a shock but I know that it will shock me no matter what.
One positive is I found two websites with forum threads where lots of ladies were posting about their breast pain with costochondritis One thread even said about nipple pain which the breast surgeon confirmed that be caused by costochondritis. So I’ve calmed down a little. There’s a chance it could be bad, there is also a chance I could be ok. I just keep spiralling towards the fear of having cancer deep in my breast x
Gosh you really do sound like my girls! Just this week the eldest one's been let down by 2 different friendship groups! But she's the nicest person I know so I have no idea what it's all about! Some people are just not as nice and if you measure their actions by your own standards....you'll probably always be disappointed. But you can't change to match them! Sorry .....mum lecture over!!
RE the BC - it's not long until your appt at the breast clinic, and I'm sure they'll put your mind at rest. You haven't worried me - the worry is always there, that's why I'm on this forum! If that pain goes, something else will take it's place someone else on my body to cause concern. It's the nature of the beast.....
It must be horrible to see your kids being treated not nicely. My girls are little but so kind and I often see their friends not treating them nicely. Really upsets me as they both have such good hearts.
I know the worry is always always there I just meant I didn’t mean to add to it. I’m not trying to spout nonsense about facts, I was so upset and feeling angry earlier when I posted. I guess the anxiety makes us focus on the symptoms that fit and we convince ourselves it’s the worst case scenario. I also agree with once something’s resolved something else will take its place.
Ive been convinced I’ve had throat cancer, pancreatic cancer and various other possibilities. Breast has been the main focus since just before Xmas. It’s exhausting.
I’ve found a small lump on my rib cage at the bottom of my back. I think it’s a lipoma, I’m sure it is as feels similar to the one on my leg. Still convincing myself it’s cancer and linked in with this breast thing. No escaping it ever!
yeah I've had those as well. This week :winks:.
Unfortunately...some of the horrible kids grow up to be horrible adults!!
Hang on in there...x
Not sure how old you ladies are but if you are late 40s to early 50s as you start the transition towards menopause your breasts can start to hurt and in the way you described due to hormone changes, mine hurt off and on, for peace of mind you could go get it checked.
I’m 33 so I don’t think it’s hormonal. Started my period yesterday and pain is still there. Rest of my boobs no longer hurt.
Got my scan in two days and the nerves are getting worse x
I’ve now got a hard red lump/bump that’s come up by the nipple on the same boob I’ve been getting the pain. It’s very sore to touch. It’s the opposite side of the breast to where the pain has been coming from. I do tend to get little spots on my boob but never had one this sore or this big before. I’m really trying to not spiral. I was in the garden for over four hours yesterday pulling weeds and I was wearing a cheap Lycra style bra. One of the ones that look like a sports bra with no underwire. It was very hot and I was very sweaty. So I’m just praying it’s from sweating.
It can be hormonal at your age as well, due to period as far as the red bump sweat or a bug bite, but for your peace of mind ask the doc.
I’ve got my scan tomorrow afternoon and seeing a breast consultant so I will speak to him when he examines me. I honestly feel at breaking point at the moment x
Good luck at your appt - confident all will be well x
Best wishes for your appointment tomorrow! I am sure it will bring a huge weight off your chest as I am sure it’s nothing!
Thank you ladies. I’ve been a bit silly and picked at this spot. Ended up removing a bit of skin so it’s looking very angry now! Don’t know why we do it to ourselves. My husband has checked my breasts again and says he can feel no lumps. Still getting this pain but hoping it’s beinf caused by the costochondritis. I will update tomorrow. I’ve got everything crossed for good news. Deep breaths.
How are you getting on with your pain now katniss? X
Thanks for asking Unicorn. I’m still getting that burning pain whenever I press the area at a certain angle. But because I have to be so specific about the angle and all and also because it doesn’t hurt during regular day to day activities I’m leaning towards a benign cause especially since I’ve already had a clear ultrasound. I still worry about it sometimes but honestly I am worrying about everything constantly lol.
Best wishes for you and your appointment! Have everything crossed for you! Please update us ;)
Sounds like a healthy approach to me. It’s so hard as if we feel pain our brain says there is something wrong but that’s not always the case. Especially as we get older it seems less and less explanations for random pain. I too only get this pain when I push otherwise nothing at all.
I feel so sick and anxious. Just keep getting this gut feeling something is wrong but then I have to remind myself since the anxiety I’ve had this feeling a lot and my gut instinct has been off a lot! X
Not sure if this is the right approach but if I win the Euromillions this week I'm going to get a live in GP! Whilst dealing with my anxiety at the same time of course!!
Ha ha sounds awesome. How about funded research into how to destroy the anxiety part of the brain lol. I’ll have mine lasered please lol.
Ive just called my mum to tell her. Lots of tears from me and firm mum voice from her. She’s been on holiday with my aunties climbing some mountain so only told her now as didn’t want to ruin her holiday with yet more of my anxiety issues. I just want this over and done with x
yes "lasering" is probably quicker!
you'll be fine today - just don't get the ok with this one and start worrying about something else tomorrow. Easier said than done I know ...x
I will try my hardest. I’m so scared of having a scan as that’s how we found out our daughter had died when I was in labour. It hit me like a ton of bricks and I wasn’t expecting it. I’m just praying something is on my side today x
He didn’t give me a scan. He did a thorough examination of my breasts and armpits. Said it all feels like normal healthy tissue. He’s adamant breast cancer doesn’t cause pain! He could see I was nervous but said he wasn’t concerned in the slightest and doesn’t recommend a scan. He said the breast pain is from the costochondritis and my husband questioned him about that a second time before we left. He just wasn’t concerned and said he was confident nothing was wrong. He was a nice man and I don’t feel he was dismissive. He also tried to make me feel at ease the best he could but he was very confident and said and I quote “I don’t do bullshit, if there’s a problem I’ll just say it”
im not sure how to feel. I want to believe him but part of me thinks I needed that scan to draw a line under this! I don’t know but st least he didn’t find a lump or any thickening x
I think you should be confident about what he told you.....I was going to suggest you might not get a scan. But didn't want you to worry about that too....
Onwards and upwards?
I need to try and be rational. My husband has agreed to check my breasts once every month for changes. If the pain gets worse or I find any lumps etc I will ask for a scan.i need to try and trust the man with years of medical experience in this field. Crazy that when you have anxietybyou struggle to trust experts! Thank you so much for you support Nicole. You’ve been so good to me and I really will always remember you taking the time to help me xx
I think we've supported each other.....with input from others too. This forum really does help doesn't it? XX
I’m always here If you need a friend :hugs:
it does and I find a lot of people struggle to understand anxiety if they don’t have it. It’s an illness that doesn’t make much sense isn’t it x
Thank you and agreed. I only realise now that my mum suffered from anxiety, I knew she had depression but didn't really get the anxiety bit, as in I thought they were the same thing. They are very different. I wish I'd understood more then..xx
They’ve always been clubbed together haven’t they but you are right they are different. I suffer very low mood but my counsellor says I do not have depression.
So im trying to get on and I’ve had a few better days but it’s still niggling in the back of my mind and as predicted I’ve now started noticing other things like focusing on my private aching. It’s just non stop. Trying to keep busy. Just wish this breast pain would go away. Although I’ve not been poking it anywhere near as much. So hard to trust the Drs x
It is non stop. You've mentioned counselling but does that include CBT? That's what I'm going to ask for at my next GP appt...
It’s mainly been talking therapy. I’m seeing her tomorrow and going to discuss cbt. I’m in two minds to knock it on the head to be honest. I feel it’s helped me lots and I’m not as bad as I was but it also feels like I’m not getting better anymore. Just staying at a slightly better place than when I first started.
Are yiu you still getting pains in your breast from this costochondritis? Like I say I’m not poking as much but still getting this stabbing pain at times. I just wish it would go away x
yep still getting the odd pain. I did have a wobble and email my very much trusted BC nurse who I normally see when I have mammograms to see if she thought I needed a ultrasound scan. She said what I am describing (shooting pains etc) still sounds like costochondritis. She suggested ibuprofen gel for a couple of weeks to see if that helps. I'm off on hols too so maybe that will be a distraction.
But like I said - until we kick the HA, something else will replace this worry. I was watching a news article yesterday which mentioned oesophageal cancer. My immediate thought was "those symptoms sound like what I've got!" BUT I did not google - and the thought sort of went away. I am determined NOT to google. Plus doing lots of breathing exercises...Got to give it our best shot, it's sucking the joy out of everything x
I get this, any time our bodies tense up it can cause pain, also as we women get older and our hormones change we can get one sided breast pain even during the time of the month, mine feels like someone is stabbing me with a knife.
I hear you Nicole. I read that late breast cancer can present as vaginal pain. I’ve been getting aches and sometimes pains down below. I’m trying to be relational and say it’s my brain putting it there. It’s so hard.
Ive not been poking as much but still getting this pain. Just wish it would go away. I’m pleased you can message a professional for some reassurance. I just keep panicking I’m that 1% of women that have breast painnbut no lump with cancer. Trying to stay logical x
I have NEVER heard that re vaginal pain?? You must have had to dig deep to find that one!!
Why don't you give these people a call and speak to a breast cancer nurse - 0808 800 6000.
They are the Breast Cancer Now charity - and you don't need to have BC to talk to them.
It is so hard. I went to my GP today as I can't kick a cough I've had for a while. Threw in the "by the way - I do have terrible Health anxiety too so not sure if it's linked" and got sent away with a load of "calming" websites to check out. I was hoping for some meds to be honest!