Cancer Research UK main site

Waiting for urgent breast clinic referral

Sbll31
Offline

Hi all

first time posting on here but just looking for a bit of reassurance I think. I developed a rash under my breasts back in September and, as I’m overweight, thought it was due to the skin chafing (despite the fact I’ve never experienced this before, even in peak summer). I waited a few weeks and then went to the doctor when it hadn’t gone. She prescribed me an anti fungal cream but also did a swab, which came back showing a bacterial infection. I’ve since been on a huge variety of creams and a course of antibiotics and oral anti fungal tablets- none of which have made any difference. The rash has largely disappeared on the left but is still there and very angry on the right. 
In addition to the rash I have a lot of breast pain, mainly on the right side, and also have clear discharge from the nipple on the right. Also every now and then I get an intense burning feeling in the right nipple, which lasts for a few hours and nothing can relieve. 
I was referred to the breast clinic under the urgent 2 week referral but it was just before Christmas, so I haven’t heard anything.
Im freaking myself out googling etc, even though I know I shouldn’t, and am worried about inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease (although the nipple doesn’t have the typical pagets appearance).  
Any advice would be gladly received. 
many thanks for reading 

  • Welcome to the forum Sbll31 although I'm sorry for the worry and stress your symptoms are causing.

    I hope it won't be long until your appointment comes through for the breast clinic but whilst you wait I wanted to share some information we have about urgent referrals. I hope this eases your mind slightly and that the tips and advice given in this article will help keep your nerves at bay.

    Many of our members know how tough it can be waiting for referrals so you're not alone and hopefully some of them will be along soon to offer you their support and advice.

    We're thinking of you Sbll31 and will have our fingers crossed everything will be o.k.

    All the best,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hello Sbll31,

    I'm sorry to hear you're having such a bad experience with your fungal/ bacterial infection.  They can take a long time to treat.

    It must be particularly distressing for you that it involves your breasts. I hope your appointment for the breast clinic comes through quickly and you can get some much needed answers.

    The waiting is the hardest part and our minds always focus in on the worst outcomes. Please take comfort from the fact that only 1to2 people out of every 10 referrals to the breast clinic end up with a cancer diagnosis. The pain you're experiencing may be a good sign because most cancers are painless. 

    Your doctor has done the right thing by fast tracking you to the breast clinic. I hope everything will be ok for you. Try to find some things to distract yourself while you wait.

    I was referred to the breast clinic in October. Unfortunately after having mammogram scan + biopsies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I'm currently on chemotherapy prior to surgery. 

    Try not to look for answers on Google. Much of the information is inaccurate or out of date and until you get your results and know what you're dealing with, you'll be looking at all the worse case senarios and causing yourself additional anxiety.

    Please let me know how you get on.

    Extending a big hug to you 

    Lilyanne xx

     

     

     

  • Offline

    Hi Sbll31,

    Just checking in to see how you are? Have you heard anything back from the Breast Clinic?

    Love from Lilyanne xx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.