Hi Tiffany,

I am glad to hear that you have already contacted your GP. Ben has already given you some good advice, especially about making a list of your symptoms with timelines if possible.

I hope that all turns out well for you. Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

Thanks for the reply, its just comforting to know someone has read it, and taken the time to reply. I just needed somewhere to write really, as we also lost my uncle to lung cancer this year- my mums brother, then a month later my mum got told she had lung cancer  when in fact she hadnt.

They did a blood test and told her she had lung cancer, but because she had such a serve chest infection thats why. Its only when the biopsy  came back to show hadnt got it. That was the worst  few weks ever. 

Thanks for listening. 

Hi 

So i had my appointment today, the nurse said she wasnt too sure but doesnt think she could feel a lump, and checked my right breast a few times, she didnt look too sure.

So she said she would refer me to the breast clinic, appointment isnt untill friday 19th march so along time to wait, but also because theres been breast cancer in the family thats also why i think. I just wasnt convinced by her, but she would have definitely told me if she felt something wouldnt she?.

Hi Tiffany,

Many thanks for the feedback.This sounds very hopeful, but I am glad to hear that the nurse has still referred you to the breast clinic to be absolutely certain. I know that this means another wait, but you will probably never feel reassured unless you do this. I am sure that if she had felt anything untoward she would have told you there and then.

Try to keep yourself busy in the meantime. This helps to pass the waiting time. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on at the clinic. We are always here for you.

Keeping my fingers crossed for confirmation of the good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

Just a question if you can help?. The gp said she would refer me for a breast scan, ive had the letter through but it doesnt say what id be having just where the appointment is and where i need to go. Also what happens at a breast scan and do i need to take my nipple piercings out?, i dont feel like the letter has given me really much information.

Thanks

Hi Tiffany,

This is a good question. It is all very straightforward at the breast clinic and you will usually find the staff there very helpful and reassuring. Most people will have what is called a triple assessment, although not everyone will need this. It depends on your symptoms, age or the findings from any other assessments.  A triple assessment comprises a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy.

You will have a conversation with the consultant and explain when and how your symptoms started. You will then have your breasts examined. Depending upon whether or not anything is found you are likely to have an ultrasound and a biopsy. The ultrasound is the same type of machine they use to scan pregnant mums and, is totally painless, but this shows the breast tissue. A biopsy is carried out under local anaesthetic. This removes a small sample of your breast cells. This sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing. It normally takes 1-2 weeks to get the results of these tests. This is not always needed with women under 25 if the breast examination and imaging appear normal or benign.

Having a biopsy doesn't mean that you have cancer. It is used to rule it out as much as to find it. If there is any cancer present, the biopsy can identify the type and grade of a cancer.

You are just on the borderline, as women under 30 with breast pain are unlikely to have any imaging, as it isn't helpful in making a diagnosis. Women under 40 tend to have dense breasts, which makes the imaging less clear, so changes can be harder to identify. However, mammmograms may be necessary in some instances, to complete your assessment. A mammogram is a breast x-ray. Your breasts will be placed on the machine one at a time. Your breasts will be pressed down firmly by a clear plate. You will then have at least 2 views taken (1 from top to bottom and another from side to side). You need to stand in ths position until the x-ray is taken. This can be slightly uncomfortable, but it only takes a few seconds and the compression doesn't harm the breast.(Breast Cancer Care)

Unless it is obvious that there is nothing of concern, you will usually have to wait until you get the results 1-2 weeks later before you get a definite diagnosis. I am not sure what the position is about your piercings, but I would expect that you are likely to have to remove them, as you have to do with any metal prior to x-ray. Why not phone your consultant's secretary for guidance?

I hope that this makes your appointment a little clearer. If I can help any further, please let me know.

Please remember to let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello, i finally have my appointment tomorrow at the hospital, obviously im a bit agitated tonight. I checked my online appointment and it says general surgery, where as my letter that got sent the day after i saw the dr says breast clinic. Is there a difference between these 2 things?. My friend had to go to get a lump checked this week and hers only said "breast clinic".