Breast cancer advise needed x

Last week I was seen at the doctors for a small raised red lump just above my nipples. That I have had since September On examination I had two doctors feel my breasts and discovered my left armpit was swollen too. And found a different lump that I was unaware of At the side of my boob they did a thorough exam feeling and comparing both boobs.  I was told I needed to be referred within two weeks to the breast care unit at the hospital. I was given antibiotics as a precaution incase of infection. I have had leaking boobs (last baby was 5 years ago) ... fast forward to today one week later I was given an emergency appointment to have a breast ultrasound. Upon getting there the breast care nurse asked me to lay down so he could feel the effected breast. He felt it for a few seconds and told me I could sit up. I told him my concerns about the nurses sending me to him today for him to perform his ultrasound and they had found the two lumps. That I have had terrible itchiness and pain. Also breasts that leek and that I had pictures he didn't want to see the pictures or compare the feel of both breasts. I asked if I would be getting the results of my ultrasound today and his words were it's a waste of resources and refused to scan me even though that's what I was sent there for. I think because of my age he just overlooked everything I am 26 and have a strong history of breast cancer in my family. He told me it was probably just an abscess and to leave it alone does this sound right or should I demand to be seen somewhere else?

  • If you feel that you have not been assessed properly you must go back to your Dr's or the breast clinic and say so. I was referred to a Breast Clinic in the Republic of Ireland a few weeks ago and was told by a consultant breast surgeon and a consultant radiologist that there was nothing abnormal found on my ultrasound. I had a palpable lump and discharge and couldn't understand how they could say that nothing was wrong. I felt that their assessment was rushed, dismissive and just not right so I  asked my gp to refer me to another clinic. At the second NHS clinic I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks later. I don't want to frighten you but it is essential that you make sure that you are OK.

  • Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I have a gp calling me today so fingers crossed they will refer me somewhere different and I will actually have the scan I was sent for. I really hope your doing ok. It's such a worrying time. Sending lots of love xx

  • I am glad to hear you are looking for another opinion.  I was so lucky to do that too. I really didn't think I had cancer but I couldn't risk having a poor assessment.  Thankfully my BC is early stage. I had surgery 3 weeks ago and I'm awaiting radiotherapy now. The outlook is good but it might have been a different story if I hadn't got a second opinion. Best of luck I hope you will get good news once you've been assessed properly. 

  • Hi Family4Tunes and thanks for posting,

    It does sound like you are having a worrying time at the moment.

    We have information here about what happens when you attend an appointment for a breast ultrasound.

    I'm not sure why the breast care nurse did not carry out the ultrasound. 

    It sounds like you were referred to have a scan by your GP, and from your other posts I can see you have already been in touch with them to find out what happened.  You can also ask them to refer you back to the hospital.

    I hope that you speak to someone soon.

    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.

    Take care,

    Rachel