Hi Mrs A73,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear of your concerns and just want to reassure you that your GP is right - many people have naturally lumpy breasts. However, she has done the correct thing by referring you to the breast clinic, as you may need further tests to rule cancer out completely. 

Please try not to panic at the speed with which this is all happening. It is not unusual to get an appointment through so quickly and this doesn't signify anything untoward. There are huge pressures on cancer resources at present, partly because of increasing numbers being diagnosed and also because Covid is still commanding resources and hospital spaces, that are needed elsewhere. Because of the nature of this disease, many appointments are changed or cancelled and the clinics try their best to fill these, when they can. You have been fortunate to get an appointment so quickly, as waiting to be seen, is one of the most worrying time of our cancer journeys. You may have a further wait of 1-2 weeks before you get any results.

I don't know what age you are. If you are under 40, you are unlikely to have a mammogram, as younger breasts tend to be denser and do not show up well on mammogram. If you are over 40, you will probably have a mammogram. The other key tests are an ultrasound and a biopsy.  The scans can show the lumps, but the biopsy is needed to check whether or not the lumps are cancerous.

Try not to panic, as 80% of referrals to these clinics, get the all clear. It is unusual for pain to accompany breast cancer, so here's hoping that you will be one of the lucky ones. I shall be thinking of you on Thursday and sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your response, I'm trying my best to look on the bright side and that nothing will be found. Thank you for your kind words, I shall keep you posted on my results xx

Hi MrsA73,

So sorry to hear that you've joined this particular roller coaster hun. On my own journey I also found the waiting and not knowing was incredibly hard, and my husband seemed totally unconcerned. Found out later that this wasnt because he didn't care, but because he was as scared as I was. Try to think positively that the speed works in your favour Hun, and here's hoping that it's nothing to worry about.