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Breast clinic - what to expect?

Ljcudd
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Hi

 

ive got my apt letter through for next week after finding 2 lumps in my armpit. The referral letter said it would outline what tests I was having in the apt letter but it doesn't and no indication of time. 
 

my friend attended a clinic in the neighbouring trust and was there hours. She had 2 scans, had to wait for someone to review each scan and then had to speak to a consultant although hers was a cyst. 
 

I'm 30 so read I'd probably have an ultrasound? Rather than mammogram? My mum died of breast cancer as well, so unsure if that changes things
 

just need an idea of what to expect really or what is the norm? I was going to make the time back at work but thinking if it's going to be hours I should book it off

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    I didn't book the day off work but ended up calling in sick for the rest of the afternoon because I had biopsy's (6 in total) and wasn't feeling my best to go back in! 
    I had an initial appointment with a nurse who felt my breast to check for the lump that I found and then sent me for an ultrasound (I'm also 30), they found a lump on the ultrasound and done the biopsy's there and then. I then went home and was told I would get a call with my results. I think I was in the hospital for around an hour and a half in total. 

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    Hi,

    I noticed a lump a few years ago and after driving myself crazy with worry, turned out to be nothing... I am 32 years old. I was referred for the 2WW, received a letter to tell my 'your gp suspects you hVe breast cancer...'  with the date/time of the appointment and no further details of types of scans. PleSe do not worry, fingers crossed.

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    Hi,

    My first visit to the breast clinic lasted around 3 hours. I'm 32, I had a dip in my breast rather than a lump.

    I went in with the consultant first who had a look and feel and then sent me for an ultrasound. With younger women, our breast tissue tends to be more dense which is why a mammogram isn't the first port of call.

    I was then sent for a mammogram and then sent back to for an ultrasound at which point they took biopsies. 

    I know everybody deals with pain differently but I didn't find any of these painful so please don't worry! 

    Take someone with you! Whilst I have everything crossed for you that you have nothing to worry about, I was told there and then on my first appointment that they were 95% sure that I had breast cancer. I had no clue what to expect from my appointment and I didn't know hospital rules with covid so I didn't take anyone and I wouldn't wish that on anyone!! 

    I called in and said I wasn't coming back into work that day as I just wasn't in the headspace! 

    Best of luck xx 

  • Offline in reply to Jamie90

    Hi Ljcudd

    I had my 2WW appt on Monday. I was told that all breast changes are referred via the 2WW system and only routine screenings went via any other route so try not to worry too much about the words in the letter.

    I was first seen by a consultant who conducted an initial examination, she then sent me off for a mammogram followed by ultrasound. If they find something they want to investigate further during those screenings then they will also take biopsies. I had biopsies taken at the same time as the ultrasound, it's done under local anaesthetic so not painful, although I did have quite a bruise afterwards. I then went back to the consultant where she told me she suspected cancerous cells, but nothing is known until we get the biopsy results. The worst part is definitely the waiting, but people keep telling me not to use Dr Google, try to keep busy and wait for the facts. However I fully agree with Jamie90 about work. I called in sick after the appt because my head just wasn't in the right place. 
     

    The very best of luck for your appointment, the medical team are really lovely and try their best to explain each test / procedure as you go along and I found them as honest as they could be. And don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.

    x

     

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