Mass found left breast. Waiting for breast clinic referral

New here so not sure what to expect! I was took into hospital with covid few days ago! Suspected blood clots! During the CT they came across a 30mm mass in my left breast! I was so shocked I never asked any questions just said ok and left as they were finally discharging me! I have had flickering pains in my breast and my armpit has been so itchy ? but there are no lumps! I'm waiting for my letter referal to the breast clinic ! I'm so scared of what to expect at the appointment! I obviously hope it's not what I'm thinking it is! I just can't sleep for worrying 

Parents
  • Hi,

    I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Covid.However it may turn out that you've been fortunate as it has identified a mass that you were previously unaware of and now it will be fully investigated.

    The waiting is the hardest part and our minds always focus in on the worst outcomes and make us sick with worry.  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 flickering pains you're experiencing may be a good sign because most cancers are painless.

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

    I hope everything goes ok for you and that you get some answers soon. 

    Please let me know how you get on.

    Extending a big hug to you 

    Lilyanne xx

     

     

  • Hi I'm so sorry to hear of your news! I hope you don't feel too poorly from your treatment! How very kind of you to reply to my post! I've been going out of my mind with worry! And the fact I can't feel any lumps is scary because I know something is there ! Just want the appointment over with! It's the fear of the unknown which is the worst ! And I've also read the biopsy is painful I'm so scared  

  • Hi, My Chemo is going ok thank you. I feel lucky as so far,  it's not been as bad as I expected it would be. I have my third cycle on Saturday and it will be half way through my 6 cycles.

    I know what you're going through as I've been there and not that long ago (October). The not knowing is torture. Try to stay positive at this point as there is still a good chance that it's something else. Depending on what shows on your mammogram and scan, you may not need to have a biopsy. Just take it one step at a time.

    Sending you positive vibes 

    Keep in touch

    Love Lilyanne xx

     

     

  • Hi Lilyanne,

    Hope you are ok. 

    I went to my Gp around the same time as you 24/12/21?, and referred to the breast clinic on 8/12/21, around same time as you? Diagnosed with the same B/C, but mine is possibly 7cm only in right breast. I am told my lymph nodes are clear. 

    What I don't understand is, you are well on your way with your treatment, and I haven't even had my treatment plan discussed yet! Do you think its the area we live in? Or is it because both your breasts have been affected? This baffles me.

    I hope you are managing and doing well

    Much love xx :love:

  • Morning thank you for reassurance it really means a lot ! The hubby is telling me not to tell anyone because it's prob nothing but I think it's good to talk ! I do feel positive just in the back of my mind I'm feeling a little worried bit that's normal I'm sure! You keep smiling your amazing ! 
     

    xxx zoe 

  • Hi Zoe,

    My husband says the same thing but I think some men find it difficult to open up to other people. I truly believe that talking, whilst it can't change things, certainly helps. At this stage even if everything turns out ok (hopefully), the anxiety and fears that you're currently experiencing are all too real.

    It's totally normal to be nervous, I know I was and I still am. I've had + continue to get support on this site and am really happy to try to give a little back. We're all on a steep learning curve and we all need a hand to hold.....even if it's only a virtual one!

    In your previous message you asked me why I'd been seen faster. However that's not the case. I went to my GP about  the 7th October 2021 and was first seen at breast clinic on 21st October. At that first appointment I had mammograms and scans and they showed there was a problem so I had to have both breasts biopsied, which they did the same day.

    I think from our dates, that I'm about 3months ahead of you.

    I'm a little confused, Did your GP refer you to breast clinic before you had the CT scan following Covid. Or were you referred following the scan result?

    Once I was under the breast clinic things started to move quickly. Hopefully your appointment will arrive anytime now.

    Big hug Lilyanne xx♥️

     

     

     

  • Hi Zoe,

    I've just realised it was someone else, on this thread, who asked me about my dates. 

    (So just ignore the second part of my message where I mentioned your previous response and my confusion over your Breast clinic refferal cos I realise now that wasn't you)

    Sorry about that, 

    Lilyanne x

  • Hi don't worry it can get confusing messages different people! It's just lovely you have time to reassure others ! They found the mass in my left breast during a ct scan looking for blood clots because i had covid! Wish my letter would just arrive already Ali want it over with so I know what's what ! 
     

    xx zoe xx

  • As if Covid wasn't enough for you to cope with! You certainly are having more than your fair share of stressful events xx♥️

    My first breast clinic appointment was exactly 2weeks to the day from when my GP referred me. Keep your mobile handy cos I received a text reminder for the appointment before the actual letter arrived in the post.

    Lilyanne xx

     

  • Wow really ? I had a letter yesterday to tell me what they found and that if I haven't had a referall letter to contact my gp but not sure how long to wait before I call them! I almost called the breast clinic today to see if they had reverse referall but didn't want to be too premature ringing them! It's bloody torture ! 
     

    xxx zoe xx 

Reply
  • Wow really ? I had a letter yesterday to tell me what they found and that if I haven't had a referall letter to contact my gp but not sure how long to wait before I call them! I almost called the breast clinic today to see if they had reverse referall but didn't want to be too premature ringing them! It's bloody torture ! 
     

    xxx zoe xx 

Children
  • I am going through something very similar at the moment. A year ago I found some lumps in my neck which are swollen lymph nodes and they have been growing ever since. Unfortunately due to covid, tests got delayed and my GP did not take my issues seriously, so I am still waiting for appointments which has been extremely stressful. To add to everything I found a lump in my breast on new years eve and have been referred to the breast clinic as well. The wait is worse than anything they could tell me, I'll be relieved just to get an answer as to why I have been struggling over the last year. 

  • Omg my lovely how awful for you having to wait all those months for a referral have you not had to it neck checked at all yet? No wonder your anxious and worried ! It's such a terrifying time , I really feel for you! Any idea when your appointment is? Xx zoe xx 

  • Hi Zoe,

    If I was in your position I'd call the breast clinic tomorrow. Worst case scenario is they haven't had referral yet. I'm sure they'll understand your anxiety. Tell them you've had the letter but you couldn't get through to your GP + you want to to know if they've got a date for your appointment. If not are there any cancelled appointments they can give you 

    Fingers crossed Liliyanne xx

     

  • You know what sod it I shall do that tomorrow , I should of today but got so side tracked ! I'm trying to keep busy to take my mind off it ! 
     

    xx zoe xx 

  • Hi Zoe,

    I had 2 ultrasounds last year however the hospital lost the results of the second test so no further action was taken until I contacted the GP again before xmas. I'm waiting on another ultrasound but they told me yesterday that at the moment it's a 6-8 week wait and once again they'll only do a biopsy at a later date. If they'd done a biopsy when my symptoms first began in October 2020 I wouldn't have had to worry for all these months. 

    Now with the  breast lump I have been put on the 2 week list for a breast clinic appointment. They've all told me not to worry but it's difficult given the situation. I've not been myself for the last year and I know something is wrong so any diagnosis they give me will be a relief at this point.

    Charlie xx

  • Hi Zoe,

    Let me know how you get on . Lilyanne xx

  • Morning lovely I've rang them they haven't referred me I'm so upset the consultant hasn't done it! Now I've got to wait for them to call me !   

     

    xx zoe xx 

  • Oh Zoe I'm so sorry. Thank goodness you called them at least you've prompted some action. If your CT scan was done at same hospital (or under same health authority) they should be able to access it.

    I hope they get back to you quickly and can offer you an appointment without further delay.

    Sending much love, Lilyanne xx

  • Hiya lovely hope your ok? It was the exact same hospital, the breast clinic is part of it so there is no reason why the referral wasn't done when my discharge notes were issued! I'm so frustrated just want it over with! If it's something serious I want to crack on and get it sorted ! It's just a whirlwind of emotions right now! I do feel angry at them 

     

    xxx zoe xx 

  • Hi Zoe,

    You have every right to feel angry. You shouldn't have to chase up your appointments like this. I'm afraid it's probably due to how overstretched the NHS currently is.

    Did they give you any indication of when they'll call you back?

    Love Lilyanne xx♥️