Found A Lump? Now What?
That moment is down right scary—I’ve been there.
And to be completely honest with you—The way that I found a lump was not through a monthly self-check. It was “by accident.” I awoke early one morning with my fingers clutching a pea-sized something” in the chest wall. BUT, It doesn’t matter how you found it—it matters that you found it.
Suddenly, reality hits.
Now, before your brain starts whirling out of control, PAUSE. BREATHE. Most breast changes are not the dreaded C-word. However, it is important to take breast changes seriously, and know your next steps.
As a cancer survivor, my mission is to share the steps I took, that best served me through the early stages of my diagnosis, in hopes that they will help you/or someone you know navigate challenges with clarity.
So, let’s walk through this together.
Step 1: PAUSE & BREATHE
I know it is easier said than done, but truly—pause. Take a deep breath.
You have just given yourself a gift: Awareness. Knowledge. A chance to act from a place of clarity. That is empowering even in the face of the unknown.
Step 2: WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU NOTICE
Grab your phone or a notebook. Jot down what seems outside your normal. Which breast? Where exactly? What size— pea-sized, marble-sized? Is it soft or firm? Movable or stuck? If you have a cycle, does it change? These details matter—and will be helpful for your clarity and your doctor as you move into the next step.
Approach this step like a breast self-exam. If you need a clear breast exam guide, I have a breast exam checklist here:
Step 3: CALL YOUR DOCTOR
It’s time to pick-up the phone and call your primary care doctor, your OB/GYN, or your local breast health clinic. It’s ideal to call someone that already has you in the system, if possible. This may help you be seen quicker.
(For me, I didn’t have a primary care doctor at the time, so I called my OB/GYN. I’d been going to this group for many years, and was able to express concerns and request an exam.)
MAKE THE CALL. MAKE THE APPOINTMENT. DON’T PUT IT OFF.
Step 4: AT THE APPOINTMENT
At this point, you have withstood the potential “waiting game” and are finally at the office. First off, I’m proud of you. You didn’t put it off, and are advocating for your health.
Regardless of what comes next—you are here.
Remember that notebook from Step 2? Yep, this is where having your notes will come in handy. You can expect your doctor to perform a manual exam at the office. Your notes can help guide your doctor towards the point of concern.
And from there— the next most likely step, would be a referral for imaging: a mammogram, ultrasound, or maybe even an MRI depending on your age and history. The next step after imaging is a referral for a biopsy.
In my personal experience, I went from the initial appointment with my OB—>Mammogram—>Additional testing Mammogram—>same day Ultrasound—>Biopsy
Step 5: WHAT TO BRING/SHARE AT YOUR VISIT
We already touched on this, but it deserves repeating. Bring your notes. Share any known family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Let your doctor know if you’ve been experiencing any hormonal changes, or if you are breastfeeding. If you have had imaging done in the past, It may be helpful to bring those records along as well. All of this helps paint a full picture for your doctor.
Step 6: ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF
Come prepared with questions written down. Ask things like— “What do you see or feel?” “What tests do you recommend next, and why?” “How long will results take?” Take notes during your visit and if you’re feeling anxious, bring a trusted friend or partner to support you.
This step is especially close to my heart because self advocacy truly saved my life.
When I first brought my concerns to my doctor, I didn’t look like someone at risk. I was in my 30s, healthy, active with no prior medical history. At first, my practitioner dismissed the possibility and suggested the changes could be calcium deposits from breast-feeding my children. But I knew my normal. I trusted my intuition. I pushed for further imaging and later that same practitioner called to applaud me for defending my case and trusting my instincts.
It’s important to remember: doctor’s are human, too. Sometimes you may need a second opinion. And always remember how beautifully intelligent your body is. When in doubt—check it out!
This is your body. You get to ask. You get to understand.
Step 7: Self-Care While You Wait
Waiting for results can be the hardest part of this process. I’ve lived it, and I remember that heavy feeling of uncertainty. This is why/when you’re grounding rituals matter the most. Journaling. Walking in nature. Breathing. Praying.
Leaning on these practices, provided me strength and clarity through some of the most challenging moments of my life. That is how Find Your Light was born. My hope is that by sharing my story you can be seen in yours.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find something unusual, please remember it doesn’t automatically mean the C word, but it does mean your body is asking for attention. The sooner you get clarity the sooner you can move forward whatever the next steps may be.
Free Resource for You
If you’d like a simple, step-by-step checklist to keep with you, I created one just for you. You can download it here: