Who found their own 'lump'

I went to the doctors few years ago and said I had a pea size lump in my breast. After an exam the female doctor said it was nothing to worry about and asked if I breast fed my children. I did, so told her that I did. She said its probably a bit of a blockage and she could send me for a mammogram but I would have to pay for it. I would be wasting my money she said as it is NOTHING! She said if I want to throw my money a way she would send me. I felt a little silly and said no if she doesn't think it's anything as I dont have money to throw away. Just over 12 months ago I went to a different female Doctor and told her my breast was really hurting when I got my periods and of course I know that is a normal thing but it was really sore and getting sorer. I just turned 50. She said I am probably starting menopause. She sent me for an internal ultrasound. The lady doing the ultrasound says no your not starting menopause. The female doctor did not seem concerned. 12 months later It's still getting worse so I ring up to make an appointment and no female doctors available so I said Ill take anyone. I got this lovely male doctor and explained the soreness in my breast. He asked politely if he could feel the breast. I showed him the hardness and he was immediaetly aware that something was not right. He sent me for an mammogram the next day, a biopsy the day after that and made an appointment for the day after that for me to see a specialist surgeon. That was October 2012. My left breast was completely removed in November and I am now going through chemo.

The lump was 17mm and I had 27 lymp nodes removed of which 3 had cancer in them. When I did eventually return to the recent female Doctor I advised her that when lady says her breasts are hurting it would be a good idea to examine the breast before sending off for ultrasounds etc. If she had felt the breast maybe this could have been found at least 12 months earlier. Not happy about it but even more angry at the first Doctor years ago. I just want to survive now and will do what I can as I have 2 young children 14 and ll years. A loving husband who is helping me through all this and some very helpful friends that are really kind and supportive. Thanks for listening ladies!