Large fibroadenoma / Phyllodes surgery

Hello. In May '22 I found a large, smooth, lump in my breast that seemed to just suddenly appear overnight. Saw GP a week later who referred me on 2 week wait to breast clinic. 5 weeks later I got appointment, had biopsy and scans and was told it was a 6.5cm fibroadenoma. Dr didn't seem too concerned and said I could have it removed as v. small possibility of Phyllodes. 
Did some research at home and decided on removal as I am 51 and the lump was growing large and fast (which seems unusual for a FA, especially at my age). 
Had to keep chasing for surgery as lump continued to grow and eventually had it removed 10days ago (Dec 9th) I'm not sure of actual size but it was approximately 9-10cm then.

I'm still in quite a lot of discomfort and itching in breast but I'm guessing it was a big one to get out! I have only been given a telephone appointment in 4 weeks as a follow up and for results. Is it normal for no one to actually check your breast after surgery and for results to be given over the phone? 
I can also feel a small lump on the edge of my breast as if a bit of lump has been left in, if I only have telephone appointments how do they check this? I know it's important for a margin to be taken if it turns out to be a Phyllodes. 

thanks for any advice or similar experiences 
 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    How patients get results does vary.  If you feel that things are not healing as well as they should be and you continue to get discomfort it may be helpful for you to let your surgeon know. They may then suggest a face to face appointment where they can examine your breast.

    The small lump on the edge of your breast may just be a bit of swelling but of course I can't be sure. If you want to get hold of the surgeon it is probably best for you to  contact their secretary so they can let your surgeon know.

    It is important if your discomfort persists that you take regular pain killers such as paracetamol. Breast Cancer Now has some tips to help following your surgery which you may find helpful to look at here

    If you are having difficulty getting a message to your surgeon's secretary then you could always try and speak to your GP or a nurse in the practice for advice.

    Hopefully over the next few days the pain should ease with regular pain medication. Do also remember that your local pharmacist is a great source of information and they may suggest different pain killers if the paracetamol is not controlling your pain.

    I hope that some of these links may help. You are of course more then welcome to ring and chat to one of the nurses on the helpline. We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040.

    All the Very Best,

    Catherine 

  • Many thanks for your reply, I'll continue with painkillers for now and email the secretary if it gets worse.

    So is it normal to not have any sort of face-face check up after surgery? I think I would like her to see the lump just to be sure.

    thanks 

     

  • Dear Gervais,

    Thank you for getting back in touch with us.

    You could try and contact the doctor's secretary (via the hospital a switchboard) to ask if the appointment could be face to face or perhaps during the telephone conversation ask if it can be seen.

    More and more appointments will be done on the phone but sometimes they do have to be done face to face.  So do ask if it is possible for you to be seen if it is needed.

    Take care,

    Caroline