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Anxious about breast screening. What will happen at my appt?

laurak272
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Hello,

around 6 weeks ago, I found a lump in my right breast. To cut the story short, I've been to my GP three times now for follow ups and she has been very reassuring and positive - she is certain it's a fibroadema, however I've been sent for routine screening just in case. She's told me all the reasons she thinks it's not sinister but I can't focus on these at all and in my head, it's something bad. My anxiety has been through the roof - I've had panic attacks, not been able to eat properly and I go through spells where it's so bad I feel nauseous for hours on end. I now have my appointment through for screening which is at the end of February (the day after my 38th birthday) and I'm so so scared. 
 

can anyone advise what screening usually involves and any coping mechanisms while I wait for my appointment to come round? I exercise and try yoga classes but the anxiety just comes back the minute I leave the gym. I start counselling today as well as my anxiety has been particularly bad the last couple of years and I need some extra support with it. 
 

any advice would be appreciated. 
 

thanks 

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    Hi Laura

    Your dr may not be concerned but I think all breast lumps should be seen within two weeks of referral. It's unfair to make you wait another month or more. I would go back to the dr and ask for an urgent referral on the 2WW pathway. I'm not saying this to scare you, but to lessen your anxiety. I've been there and know how scary it is not knowing what's going on in your own body. In the meantime, I hope the yoga and counselling are helping. Try to keep busy, don't look at Google, etc. When you go for your appointment, take someone with you (partner, best friend, etc). You'll probably have a mammogram and/or ultrasound, and if they see anything they may take a biopsy just to rule out anything suspicious. You may also see a doctor. It's all a bit uncomfortable but not really painful, and you'll be well looked after. Be sure to ask what will happen next at the end of the appointment, how long any biopsy results will take, how you will get them, etc. Also make sure you get a number to call in case you have any questions afterwards.

    I'll be thinking of you and hope all goes well for you. Do come back and let us know how you get on.

    All the best

    Amy x

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Thanks for your reply Amy 

    To ease my mind, I paid for a private ultrasound which I had this morning. I've been to this radiographer before as had been referred through the NHS last year so I knew she was thorough. She also used to be a mammographer so very well versed in all things boob! 
     

    the ultrasound came back fine - my breast tissue is a bit inflamed - the lump is showing as swelling rather than an actual lump - she thinks could be an abscess/infection or that I've knocked it but she was stumped. Lymph nodes are all lovely and healthy as well. She is happy it's nothing sinister, went over what she looks for in an ultrasound and has advised to go to my NHS screening as normal in a few weeks. 

    After 6 weeks of worrying non stop I feel very relieved and extremely grateful that I contacted this lady. She has put my mind at ease. 
     

    Thank you so much for the advice. 
     

    Laura x

  • Offline in reply to laurak272

    So pleased to hear this Laura x 

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