Breast clinic next week

Hello

I found a lump in my right breast last week, about one and a half inches above my nipple. I rang the doctors this morning and he reassured me that because of my age (35) and no family history of cancer, it was unlikely to be cancer and then asked if I wanted to wait until my next period to see if it goes, or if I wanted him to refer me to the breast clinic. This threw me because I have no idea what's best - I asked what he advised and he asked if it's worrying me. I replied well obviously because I wouldn't have rung if I didn't think there was cause to worry.

So I have an appointment at the breast clinic next week, but now I'm worried that I've been overly dramatic and should've waited a bit longer. I don't really know the point of this message, I guess it would be good to hear from others in a similar situation. 

I've never really had any health issues before and didn't image feeling this anxious - I keep waking up in the night and the first thing I do is check if it's gone.

Sorry for the long message, thanks for reading.

  • Don't ever feel like you have over reacted, health care workers these days are so pushed they over look most things, use your gut and do what's best for you! 
    I have breast clinic Thursday because of many symptoms that were over looked over the last 11 months. It's not just about finding a lump it's about other present symptoms (I have no lump, I have swollen lymph nodes) make a list of everything even down to the sniffles x

  • Thank you so much for your reply and for your advice. Really sorry to hear about the journey you've been on over the past 11 months, hope your appointment goes ok on Thursday x

  • Hoping for good news for both of you. [@Leanne1991]‍  I am similar to you I first went about a dent in my Brest this time last year, I have been 4 times since and the 5th time i managed to see a Doctor I have been referred to the breast clinic and my appointment is on Thursday x

  • Don't be embarrassed that you are going to the clinic they are happy to check for you we all need reassurance and they are the best ones to give you that. It's much better than sitting and worrying. Do write a list of anything you want to ask as we forget as soon as we see a doctor. I hope all goes well 

    susie

  • Hello

     

    You are doing the right thing being checked over. Your Dr though shouldn't just say oh cause you are 35 though no history that it's unlikely as really he doesn't actually know. The chances are like 0.5 % for our age bracket. So yes the chances are slim but he still shouldn't just say what he said. I am glad though  he did refer you, as I know in my area any lump or change to breast over 30 you are automatically referred no matter what they think. 

    Your doing the right thing going with your gut. It is very hard all this and so many thoughts run through your head. As I am 34 and for the past couple of weeks that was me. This forum is very supportive and so good for answering any questions. Mines turned out to be glandular like my gp thought. 

    I don't want to say oh don't be nervous as I honesty at points in my 2 weeks wait struggled to function. As I was so worried. Here to support you and can tell you my experience of what I got the clinic if that helps. 

     

    Best of luck xx

  • Thank you for you kind replies and really helpful advice.

    Now I've had a few days to think about it, I'm feeling much better - I know I'm doing the right thing getting checked out, but at the same time, I'm not worried about the outcome right now. That might change when I walk in the clinic, but for now I'm feeling ok.

    [@Thisisme273]‍ so glad yours turned out to be glandular, what a relief for you! I would love to hear about your experience if you wouldn't mind - I think going prepared and having an idea of what will happen will help keep me calm.  

    [@Ncs711]‍ how did you get on?

    Laura x

  • I've been referred to the breast clinic twice - but following routine mammograms so different circumstances but I expect what happens at the clinic is about the same.

    I had mammogram and ultrasound. For both you need to remove clothing from your top half so wear trousers/skirt and top rather than a dress. They advise for a mammogram that you don't use a spray on deodorant that day.

    I also had biopsies and a marker pin put in. 

    All the above is perhaps uncomfortable at times but not painful. I had a bit of discomfort for a few days afterwards.

    I hope all goes well for you

     

     

     

  • Hi Laura. 

    When I went in, after waiting I meet with a breast consultant who examined me, and asked me questions like family history of Breast or ovarian cancer, any medications and stuff. When  I noticed the lump etc. 

    She the  examined me and tbh she was struggling to find my lump. But once I showed her she felt it and said she didn't think it was anything to worry about ( which did give me a bit of relief etc) 

    I then went back out to the waiting area to wait for an ultrasound. Another person done this and he confirmed within minutes it was glandular. I was honestly so relieved. I understand on this occasion I am very fortunate and ask others have put, only 1 in 8 referred ti the clinic get a cancer diagnosis and we have a 0.5 %chance at our age bracket etc. So the odds are good but it still doesn't stop the worrying and thoughts that go through our heads waiting. I went through a few phases of panic, crying looking at my kids then I went onto what will be will be and I cant change anything whatever the outcome :( I was always very breast aware but I will honestly advocate to anyone now, if you feel a change get it looked at. 

     

    When is your app again? I have everything crossed for you xx

  • [@Thisisme273]‍  and [@Leni56]‍  thanks so much for talking me through your appointments - it is really helping knowing what to expect. I found another lump yesterday a couple of inches from my other one - I've read varying things on whether this is a good thing (I.e I've just got a lumpy boob) or a bad thing, so now I'm finally doing what everyone advises and steering clear of dr google!

    Thanks for your well wishes - my apt is on Wednesday so not much longer to wait.

    Laura x

  • You are not overreacting, it is always best to get a lump looked at, if only to put your mind at rest. It's easy to think the worst but it's not always so

    Best wishes

    Silver