hello all! i just have a few questions (from worries of course) and would GREATLY appreciate responses from anyone who has experienced the same. A couple of months ago i noticed a hard, painless lump in my left breast right next to my nipple. i didnt think much about it untill a few weeks ago after showering i felt my breast and noticed that it seemed to have gotten larger (about the size of a pea, though not as round). I went to a doctor who referred me to the local womens center here in town for a diagnostic mammogram with possibly an ultrasound AND possibly to meet with a surgeon. (thank GOD i found a great doctor that quote 'leaves no stone unturned'. so, now to the questions. he doesnt believe it to be a cyst because of the firmness but he wouldnt give me much information except for that. the actual lump is a bit roundish/ovalish but the tissue it is connected to seems a little 'inflamed' (?) bigger than the tissue in my other breast). he did say it was mobile which i have read is a positive sign. does this sort of lump sound familiar to anyone who has been diagnosed with a beingn or malignant tumor? also, what should i expect of a diagnostic mammogram and why not go straight to an ultrasound? i read that ultrasounds are better able to detect things in younger women. i have large breasts if that makes any difference. i have no close family history of breast cancer. im in pretty good health. i smoke (terrible i know). but ive waitressed for 10 years which means im always physically active. please someone respond. im terrified. my appt isnt for another week and i can barely sleep im just so scared.