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How do you cope with the wait?

D41sys
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I have had a rash on my breast for about 5 weeks now.  After it had been there a couple of weeks I went to the doctors and they prescribed me trimovate and told me to come back a week later if there was no improvement. There wasn't and I was starting to get pain in my armpit so I was then prescribed antibiotics. They made no difference to the rash but the pain in the armpit has gone so the doctor did a 2WW referral to the breast clinic. I phoned them on Monday and they said they are fully booked until 17th October and there are 40 people to book in that were referred in front of me (which I totally understand). I am going out of my mind with worry. I am looking into getting checked privately but know it is going to be expensive. How quick do symptoms advance if it was cancer, particualary IBC?  Thanks 

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    Hi,

    I have just came across your post. I'm not going to lie to you the wait is awful I had to wait 6 weeks for my urgent 2 week referral. It was tourture. I kept my self busy by going for long walks and chasing up my appointment. 

    I'm not sure how old you are. I compained to my doctors after 4 weeks as the doctors told me it was a 2 week urgent referral, the breast clinic said that they don't contact people after 2 weeks and only make contact when an appointment is available. They told the practice manager that if your over 40 you get contacted/an appointment with in 2 weeks. If like me your under 40 (i'm 30) it is a 6 week wait to be contacted. They also phone you off an 03 number when they have an appointment/cancellation and don't leave a message. 

    If you want a chat drop me a message. I know what your going through with the long wait xx

  • Offline in reply to T12

    Thankyou for taking time to reply. I am 50. I am on day 9 of my 2WW so I have emailed my gp and told them what the breast clinic told me and wait to hear back. I know everywhere is over stretched and I'm no more important than anyone else but that doesn't make anything any easier. I have asked my gp if they can refer me anywhere else with shorter wait times but don't think that will be possible x

  • Offline in reply to D41sys

    No problem, I have my fingers crossed that you will hear soon. I know what you mean the waiting doesn't get any easier. I hope your doctor emails you back and lets you know. I have everything crossed that you will hear soon x

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    Hi

    I'm currently in the same situation as you. Sudden appearance of a rash, then pain. My GP also found a lump, although I think that may have gone down now. The redness has gone right down, following antibiotics, but I  have what looks like a bruise and I'm still in pain. I'm also fearing IBC but hoping it's an infection. I had cancer, although not breast, 27 years ago and so it's hard not to worry. I've had my appt come through for this Monday, quicker than I was told it would be, and so I hope you hear soon too. I'm here if you need a chat Xx

  • Offline in reply to Debsjay

    Hi debs 

    how did you get on with your appointment? 
     

    goid news I hope x love Lara x

    u

  • Offline in reply to T12

    Hi T12 

    many news on you getting a appointment babe ? Xx 

  • Offline in reply to laraj

    Just an update to the post. I have been to the breast unit today for my appointment. Had a mammogram. Rash was looked at. Then had an ultrasound and was told they think it is some kind of skin infection so that's all good. But mammogram picked up a small lump in other breast that I didn't know about. They did a biopsy (which was totally pain free) and I will get the results in a week. Consultant said she doesn't think it's anything to worry about but need to get results first. The waiting continues...

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