Hello 

its best to get it checked but it maybe all ok .

if you went to a spire clinic private , you would get a mammogram straight away same day if there is anything on the mammogram you would get a ultrasound and biopsy same day all that would be done on your first appointment, try not to worry  but if you can't wait it's a option to pay private and it's not all that expensive as you would think xx good luck x

I really feel for you the not knowing is torture isn't it - I rang the hospital and got the nhs app so I could view my appointment and it shows any cancellations that come up I literally lay in bed 2 am in the morning and checked to see if any cancellations had appeared managed to change my appointment meaning I sIted 6 days - let's hope it's a cyst or similar sending positive vibes to you 

Hi, 

Sorry you're going through this I know exactly how you are feeling. I feel exactly the same. I am 30 and feel like there has been no support during this scary time. 

I too was told that an urgent referral would take two weeks, when I chased mine up I was told that they don't contact people within two weeks anymore and that I would have to wait 4+ weeks. 

If you want a chat, I am here x

Thank you so much, I think I'm going to call tomorrow as I've been driving myself insane. The more I've felt the lump the more I'm thinking oh my gosh it could be something bad! It's really hard and rough on the edges/uneven :(

I'll keep you posted thanks again xxx

The wait is terrifying, isn't it? All the terrifying thoughts in your head! But don't panic yourself too much - your GP can't tell from looking what a lump is, no matter how good or experienced they are, so every breast lump regardless of size or shape gets referred on the 2 week wait pathway. It doesn't mean that they definitely think it is cancer, so if that's your fear please ease your mind about that - it's the sta date procedure so that if it is cancer, they catch it quickly.

After my referral, I got booked in to see the breast clinic seven days later, which I felt was quite good in terms of a wait time, once I had the date I felt I could relax a little as I knew when it was coming.  I also looked into private for scans etc, but the private hospital I contacted were so lovely and said I'd be looking at thousands of pounds just for the tests and if further treatment was necessary I would likely have to go back to the NHS and repeat the scans all over again which would make the treatment longer than necessary, so I decided to wait. I was really surprised that they were so kind and not the money grabbing machine I expected them to be!

I have my BC appointment on Wednesday so I am happy to wait with you and chat if you feel like you need support from someone going through the same thing. The waiting is the worst part, because your mind and subconscious seem to love delving into the "what ifs" - and Google is a terrifying tool!

I hope you've managed to reassure yourself for the time being and that you get your clinic appointment through soon.

Try not to worry to much , it could be nothing at all but best get it checked then you can settle , I couldn't feel any lump I just had a heaviness in one breast and had a check , my friend had a lump and hers was all ok until you get checked you mind will wander but try not to good luck if you need a chat in akways here xx

Hello Smike195 and thanks for posting, 

Waiting is horrible and it is easy for worry to run away with anyone. Bear in mind that breast cancer is more common in older women and much less likely in someone of your age - most young people referred to the breast clinic don't turn out to have cancer so try and keep this thought in your mind. Try not to feel the lump too much as poking and prodding could make it feel sore and feeling it often probably makes you worry more. 

Holding your nerve is never easy, but if you can, try and keep an open mind and take things one step at a time. I hope you are able to speak to the clinic and get some idea of when you will be seen.

Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, our number is 0808 800 4040 and we are where weekdays, 9-5.

Best wishes,

Julia

Hello and thanks for your post

The majority of people who are referred urgently to the breast clinic are usually seen within 2 weeks. With the current pandemic some people may have to wait a bit longer than this as clinics throughout the country are trying to deal with the backlog. But they do try to see patients as quickly as possible.

I appreciate waiting any length of time when you are worried is very stressful. However, it is unlikely that waiting a couple of weeks will change your situation by very much. 

You ask about going private. I'm not sure if this will speed things up by much for you. But you can search up private health care providers at this link.

The NHS website here explains that you are still entitled to free NHS care if you chose to pay for additional private care.

The organisation Breast Cancer Now has some useful information about what to expect at your breast clinic appointment at this link.

I hope everything turns out to be okay. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Celene

Thank you so much for reassuring me. I have called my doctors and they've told me due to COVID I'm looking at over a month for an appointment. I'm starting to panic as I'm constantly tired... maybe I'm symptom spotting but I'm totally stressed about this now :(

Hey, 

Just wondering if you managed to get an appointment to be seen? I've been waiting 4 weeks (will be 5 weeks Tomorrow).

I understand how your feeling. Here if you want a chat x