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Lump under armpit/side of breast

LDN
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Hi guys, 

Couldn't really find another forum to post on hence the post here. Around a month ago I found a lump. Not painful, no redness and not overly big. To be safe I got it checked out due to cancer running on my maternal side. I had an appointment with the nurse practitioner, I was in the room around 30 seconds. I explained to her the lump and that it wasn't causing me pain etc. She didn't even look at it, or touch it. She said "as a bigger girl it'll just be a fatty lump or a swollen lymphnode it'll get red and sore", I walked away a tad offended she didn't even look or listen to the fact I said there was no pain but I felt reassured. 

My issue is fast-forward 4 weeks, I have another on the side of my breast, again, no pain, redness, very firm also. So I now have 2, one under my left armpit, the other on the side of my left breast. I'd hate to waste NHS time making yet another appointment when I've been given a diagnosis already. Has anyone had previous similar experiences? Should I just monitor them in size etc? I have been under the weather for the last 3 weeks so they may be linked to general unwell-ness. 

Thank you x

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    Hi LDN

    You must go back and see a doctor not the nurse practiser. Don't be fobbed off! Insist on seeing a GP. The nurse practioner cannot possibly make a diagnosis and the doctor should examine you and if need be, refer you to the breast clinic. If you don't you will be so worried and remember most lumps are benign. You won't know until you get checked out. 

    Good luck, make that appointment!

    C x

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    you must go back to the G.P . and ask to be referred to the breast clinic. no way can the nurse just fob you off like that . it doesn't matter how big you are that's got nothing to do with it , she obviously doesn't know what she's doing ... your not wasting NHS time  , your looking after your health. 

     

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    Hi LDN<

    Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear about how you have been treated by your practice nurse.

    I agree with both Harvell and pg. You need to see your GP, who should examine you and, if there is the slightest suspicion of cancer, should refer you to the breast clinic.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years. In both instances I found the lumps myself, saw my GP and was immediately referred. If you have been unwell, it may just be that your lymph nodes have swollen in response to this, but don't take any chances.

    Don't for one minute think that you are wasting NHS resources. Assuming the worst case scenario, some cancers can grow or spread quickly, so please don't hesitate, get checked out as soon as you can.There is no sense in monitoring the size of the lumps, etc.

    If you are referred to the breast clinic, it usually takes about 2 weeks to be seen.

    Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you to everyone who has responded. When I called and asked for an app with the GP, they said its our nurse practitioner who examines lumps. But she didn't examine me! I'm not overly worried because I have no other symptoms but best to get checked it seems. I really appreciate the advice. I'm a very anxious person and was hesitant due to wasting people's times.

     

    Thank you all so much. I'll call again in the morning. 

    E xx

  • Offline in reply to LDN

     

    Hi,

    If offered an appointment with the nurse, you can say that you were not happy with how she treated you and, insist on seeing your GP.

    You know your own body better than anyone else and, if you're not happy with it, you need to get it seen to.

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and, hope that you are successful in getting to see your GP.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to LDN

    Hi again

    I am so glad you are going to call tomorrow. The sooner you are seen the better to put your mind at rest .Breast lumps should always be checked out by the doctor not the practice nurse. 

    Jolamine is so right in her advice especially about wasting NHS resources, you are not wasting anybody's time. 

    Let us know how you get on. 

    Be assertive tomorrow and good luck.

    C x

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