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Breast Clinic Referral

LittlleLucy
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Hello! I'm posting on here as I'm just in my head worrying and not sure where else to turn!

To provide some background. I went to the doctor last May as I had a small lump in my arm pit, the GP I saw said it was probably just a cyst & nothing to worry about but to come back if any changes, so I haven’t thought about it since. 

Then on Sunday (12/03) I had some random breast pain & then noticed another small lump in my armpit. The breast pain continued on & off so I went to the Dr on Tuesday (14/03) & saw a Junior Dr who said she would call me in 4 weeks time & if the lump was still there would make a referral. 

On Wednesday (15/03) the pain in my chest/breast area got worse so I ended up in A&E as 111 said to make sure it wasn’t anything cardiac related. A&E ruled everything out from a cardiac perspective but the Dr I saw there discharged me but said to contact my GP that day & ask for a urgent referral to the breast clinic to be seen within 2 weeks. 

I rang my GP yesterday after leaving A&E but was told they wouldn't make any referral until I was seen & would need to ring back the following day to make an appointment. 
 

So I managed to see my GP today (17/03) - a different Dr again, who did a breast exam again & said she thought the lumps were just cysts so she wouldn’t be doing the referral. 
 

On the one hand I feel relieved as of course I don't want anything to be wrong but on the other hand, I can't shake the feeling that I've been told different information from 3 different Dr's? I'm still having some unexplained left breast pain & still have the 2 lumps/cysts under my left armpit. 
 

I just wondered if anyone could offer any advice on what they might do next? 
 

Many thanks. ️

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    Hi Lucy, I'm sorry you've had these problems and it seems you are not being listened to. I would go back to your GP and insist that you are referred urgently. All breast lumps should be investigated. Make a nuisance of yourself if you have to but don't take No for an answer. They may well be "just cysts", as 90% of lumps are, but you need to know for sure. Do let us know how you get on, and I'll be thinking of you. Amy x

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Little Lucy 

    I will only echo what Amy 321 said definitely go back and get the lumps  checked I would not settle and leave it .my gp wasn't going to send me I didn't have any lump only a heaviness if I hadn't of insisted I would never of known and I was diagnosed I'm not saying it's not this case for you but definitely go back 

    hiod luck Lara ️

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    Hi Little Lucy,

    I'd be inclined to go to a second GP and ask for a breast clinic referral, mentioning the A and E practitioner who advised you. It's very encouraging that your GP feels sure there's nothing to worry about but further investigation would put your mind at rest. There's certainly no harm in getting it confirmed. Best of luck with it! 

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Hi all! 

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it. 

    I think I will ring the GP back on Monday and push for a referral. It's so tricky because I feel like I should feel reassured after today but I think the fact that I've been told 3 different things, by 3 different medical professionals in 3 days has made me feel more confused than reassured!

    I feel like at the moment the only thing that will reassure me is a referral. I'm sure it's nothing but I'd rather that extra reassurance! Thanks again everyone for coming back to me! xxx

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Hello! 
     

    Not sure if this post will be picked up or not by anyone but I am back again!  

    As an update, I went back to the GP on Monday who confirmed that she would make a referral, she said the lumps were probably cysts but with what I'd been told previously she would refer to put my mind at rest. 
     

    I have today found out that the breast clinic have sent my referral back to the GP asking them to refer to radiology instead? The lady on the phone didn't give me anymore information than that? 
     

    I'm just a bit confused as to why they may have done that but assuming it's because based off the original referral they aren't concerned about the lumps? Obviously I'm not now sure how long this process will take but assuming if they've essentially "rejected" my referral that can only be a good thing?  

     

    xxx

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