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Breast cancer at 45 2015 now 2 week wait lump other breast

coffeetogo
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 45 - left side Grade 2 ER8/PR8/HER2 neg. Lumpectomy, one-month Radiotherapy, 2 years Zoladex, 5 years Tamoxifen/Letrozole. Family history mother ovarian and maternal grandmother breast also aged 45. BRCA1/2 negative.

Felt something new in my right breast last June - as I had an annual (high-risk BRCA equivalent family history) mammogram scheduled for July I mentioned it then. The mammogram didn't flag anything up but they called me back for an ultrasound as I had mentioned this change. Nothing was 'biopsy-able' but I was told to get back in touch if still concerned in a few months. In the meantime, my 57-year-old sister was diagnosed - with a similar hormonal profile, in her right breast but Grade 1. The past 3 months have obviously been dedicated to providing care and support to her. Consequently, I was unable to contact the hospital until 3/12/22. They told me I needed a fresh referral as too much time had elapsed.

I was referred on a 2-week wait on 9/12/22  but my GP did this to my local hospital, as a first step. So, the letter has arrived & the appointment is on Saturday 7/1/23. It will not even be with the usual breast clinic/team but with "Your Medical Services" an out-of-hours (evening & weekend) contracted-out provider drafted in to help NHS Trusts meet their targets. I am pretty concerned about this. Does anyone have experience with a clinic like that?  I will obviously attend but am just curious if others would share my concerns!  My GP might refer me to the hospital where my annual mammograms are performed, but not until I have been seen locally.

 

Any thoughts or insights are gratefully received. Thanks - Cate

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    Hi Cate,

    I am sorry to hear of your symptoms and the concerns that they are causing you.

    I can understand your worry about not being referred back to your original clinic, but you might have a much longer wait to be seen there. I expect that this is why this new clinic has been set up. The staff in this clinic should be able to refer you for the necessary tests, if they feel that you need them.

    As someone who has had 2 bouts of breast cancer, I understand how you feel. I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found and that you will feel happy with the level of care you receive at this new clinic.

    I had 3 scares within my first year of diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy, then discovered a larger lump in my other breast. My surgeon seemed pretty sure that this was cancerous, but fortunately, the biopsy proved him wrong. Then, almost a year to the day of my lumpectomy, I discovered a smaller lump in my original breast - unfortunately, I wasn't so lucky this time and I was diagnosed with a second primary. That was 13 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on, on 7th January. I shall be thinking of you and am always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hello Jolamine and thank you

    I so appreciate the reply,it's good to hear another perspective. I am glad that you are doing well after your diagnoses - sharing your experience of those has really helped me, It's such a rollercoaster of living with the fear and dealing with the reality. I will update on my progress as I go - thank you for thinking of me and reaching out to reply.

     

    Best wishes - Cate

  • Offline in reply to coffeetogo

     

    Hi Cate,

    It is indeed a rollercoaster. As you know yourself, it's the waiting that is the worst part. 

    I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Had my clinic appointment. Simply involved an examination by a  breast surgeon and an ultrasound, Surgeon initially sent me for mammogram but when I went in the room, the nurse refused to perform it as I'd had one within the year! Radiologist agreed with her, so just the ultrasound. Ultrasound report read to me by surgeon said it detected some fibrocystic thickening but assessed as normal breast tissue. The surgeon then said he had NOT felt any fibrocystic areas. Felt a bit confused.  I'm aware that fibrocystic areas can look the same as cancer on a mammogram and ultrasound so enquired whether I might get an MRI since they're more sensitive at picking up abnormal areas. I had these annually until I turned 50 and it's only since these have ended - in the last 2 years - that I've had callbacks. The Dr said absolutely not, but to keep an eye on the area, and wait for my next mammogram in 6 months. Certainly wasn't up to arguing for one so left it at that. Everyone was very pleasant but didn't feel totally reassured. Now weighing up whether to get a private MRI or try to push my worries to the back of my mind. Probably paranoid - unfortunately cancer has been at the forefront of my mind for the last 3 months with my sister's diagnosis and the wait for more genetic mutation tests for her. Glad the appointment is out the way and no bad news. 
     

     

  • Offline in reply to coffeetogo

     

    Hi Cate,

    I can appreciate your uncertainty. However, these doctors and radiologists are used to doing this on a daily basis and very seldom miss anything. I can appreciate why they don't want to give you another mammogram so soon after the last. They still have that one to compare to, if they felt a need. It is good to hear that you are due to have another mamogram in 6 months time and I hope that this can fully convince you that you do not have cancer. I can appreciate that this is difficult to believe, after what your sister has been through, but I'm delighted to hear that you have the all clear.

    I doubt that you would gain anything from having a private mammogram, as your last one is there for comparison at any time. It is always wise to keep an eye out for any changes and to get these checked out again if they occur. In the meantime, try to give yourself a break from all this anxiety and celebrate your good fortune.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks so much for all your positivity - I hope you continue in good health and am grateful for your thoughtfulness.

  • Offline in reply to coffeetogo

     

    Hi Cate,

    Please keep in touch and let us know how your next mammogram goes. I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you and your sister. Please remember that we are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

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