Hi Bcmo777,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you lost your mum to breast cancer and that your aunt has recently been diagnosed and I can understand your worry. You are doing the right thing by seeing your GP. If s/he feels that there is the slightest chance of this being cancer, you will be referred to a breast clinic, where they will carry out tests to ascertain whether or not there is anything untoward present. You will usually get an appointment through within 2 weeks from the date of referral. This is always a worrying time until you know the outcome of any tests. It can also take another 1-2 weeks to get these back - so possibly another anxious spell! Irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you find out.

I also lost my mum to breast cancer and had 2 bouts myself, plus one of pre-cancer, all within a year of one another. I had a lumpectomy for the first and a double mastectomy for the others. That was all 15 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. Diagnosis, treatment and aftercare have all advanced so much in recent years, I lost my mum 28 years ago and there was just no comparison between what we both experienced - I hope that you will find the same.

I hope that all goes well for you with your GP. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your kind reply. 

I went to see my GP yesterday and although she was not concerned by my pain or my red spots, she has referred me for a mammogram due to my family history. 

The GP seems to think the pain is related to hormones! I still have pain and this has been ongoing for weeks now- however, my periods have been all over the place and I have been feeling low in my mood. 

I'm glad I called my GP, I'm glad I got myself checked out. Most importantly, due to my family history and the genetics team informing me that I will require breast testing at age 40 and ongoing, I will have a mammogram. 

I'm so sorry to hear of your Mum too. It really is so difficult. I hope you are doing well and I will keep you posted regarding the mammogram! 

Take care and thank you once again xx

Hi Bcmo777,

I am glad to hear that you have been referred for a mammogram. I'm also glad to hear that you feel a little better in yourself, now that you have contacted your GP. I hope that your appointment comes through soon and that nothing abnormal is found.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello!

A little update... 

I went for my appointment today but this wasn't for a mammogram. I was examined once again and then I have been told I will need to wait for a mammogram. How long does this usually take? My pain is still o going and I felt a small lump which now I can't feel. I feel so exhausted as well. The consultant today didn't feel there was anything to worry about which is reassuring but still I am worried and now more waiting. 

I'm considering going private, has anyone else done this? 

Hope all is well. X

HI Bcmo,

Thank you for the update. I am sorry to hear that you didn't get your mammogram today. How soon you'll get it varies from clinic to clinic. Most do it at the same time as your first visit to the breast clinic, but others have to make separate appointments. How long the wait will be, will depend upon how long the waiting lists are in your area. There is seldom a long wait for this - did you ask how long it was likely to take, when you were there? If not, you might find it helpful to phone and ask. I doubt that you will be much quicker going private and the problem with doing this is, that you may want to return to the NHS if anything untoward is found. When this happens, most NHS clinics want to do their own mammograms, so you end up even further down the line, than you are at present.

It is reassuring that the doctor you saw today didn't seem too concerned. It is unusual to have pain associated with breast cancer. Most people are unaware of anything untoward. It is also true that not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma and often don't need any intervention at all. Of all the people who attend the breast clinic, only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis, so I'm still hopeful that you'll be one of the lucky ones!

Please let us know when you hear any more.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

HI Bcmo,

Thank you for the update. I am sorry to hear that you didn't get your mammogram today. How soon you'll get it varies from clinic to clinic. Most do it at the same time as your first visit to the breast clinic, but others have to make separate appointments. How long the wait will be, will depend upon how long the waiting lists are in your area. There is seldom a long wait for this - did you ask how long it was likely to take, when you were there? If not, you might find it helpful to phone and ask. I doubt that you will be much quicker going private and the problem with doing this is, that you may want to return to the NHS if anything untoward is found. When this happens, most NHS clinics want to do their own mammograms, so you end up even further down the line, than you are at present.

It is reassuring that the doctor you saw today didn't seem too concerned. It is unusual to have pain associated with breast cancer. Most people are unaware of anything untoward. It is also true that not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma and often don't need any intervention at all. Of all the people who attend the breast clinic, only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis, so I'm still hopeful that you'll be one of the lucky ones!

Please let us know when you hear any more.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello,

I wanted to update you! 

I was invited for a mammogram and I attended on Wednesday- a week since my breast clinic visit which was so quick. 

I have had my mammogram now and will await the results. These should come via letter within 2 weeks. 

I am still experiencing pain which hasn't gone away. I was really sore yesterday and I noticed when I was reaching up, it was too painful. I have been taking some pain relief but its not really easing the pain. Not sure what else I can try! 

I will await my results now, hopefully I have them soon. 

Will update again x

Hi Bcmo777,

Many thanks for the update. I am glad to hear that you have now had your mammogram I am sorry to hear that you are still having pain. I would expect that you are sorer after having the mammogram. Having your breasts squashed between those plates can leave them feeling painful for a while, but it usually settles down. I am sorry to hear that pain relief is not helping. If it gets too bad, consult your GP.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that nothing untoward is found.

Jolamine xx. 

Hi there and thank your for updating us

Good to hear you have had the mammogram carried out and you are now awaiting the results.

As Jolamine said it isn't unusual to experience some pain and discomfort following the mammogram and even more so if you went with breast pain in the first place.

If it is ongoing or worsening do make sure you take some pain relief and speak with your doctor if you remain concerned to see what they advise.

I hope everything works out okay for you.

Take care

Naomi