Waiting for breast clinic app

Hi, 

First time here. I have had pain under my arm and left breast for approx 5 weeks. Initially I put it down to doing some decorating and thought I'd just pulled something, but if anything it has got worse. It literally feels like my boob is in the way all the time and is very very tender. I am taking paracetamol to help but doesnt seem to make that much difference. Even just wearing a seat belt hurts. In the shower on Wed night I noticed my left breast is considerably larger than right and now the pain under arm is worse. I have pain along collarbone area as well. (This isn't a constant pain but tends to come and go, whereas under arm and breast pain is constant)

I got in with Docs on Friday morning and he said there is definite swelling at top of left breast. He prescribed me antibiotics just incase it was an infection but he did say that I have no signs of infection it was just to cover all bases. He has sent me for a blood test but due to bank holiday the next app is weds. He has also referred me via the 2ww to breast clinic. He has marked my referral as urgent but blood tests as normal. I am now waiting for beast clinic to contact me for app. 

I am trying to just relax and enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend but not sure if I should be worried or not. Then worry about not being worried if you see what I mean? My partner said no point worrying until I know more which is what I'm trying to do. 

Hoping they contact me early next week with app, Doc did say if I hadn't heard by Tues to ring breast clinic. I think once I have appointment date it will make me feel better. 

Thanks for having a place for me to vent. 

Mex xxx

  • Hi Mex,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms. You have done the right thing by getting this investigated. It does sound more like an infection, as it is unusual to have pain accompanying cancer. Here's hoping that your antibiotics do the job.

    You will normally receive an appointment at the breast clinic within 2 weeks from the date of referral. The 'urgent' nature, is applied to all query breast cancer cases, so there's no need to worry about that. It is a fact that out of every 10 people who attend the breast clinic, only 2 will receive a breast cancer diagnosis, so here's hoping that you'll be one of the lucky ones!

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine, 

     

    Thank you for response, I will keep you updated! All the antibiotics have done so far have made me nauseous, but hoping that's a sign they are working

    Thank you again and reading the posts on here has made me feel better about it all. 

    Mex xxx

  • Hi Mex,

    I'm sorry to hear that the antibiotics are making you nauseous. They can do this, but fortunately, you don't have to take them for too long.

    I am glad to hear that you are feeling a little more positive, having read some of the posts here. No amount of worry will change the outcome, so enjoy the bank holiday.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine, 

     

    Doctor rang me today to say no sign of infection in bloods so he said he didn't think the swelling was caused by infection. He said to chase breast clinic and they then said I'm on the list to be called on Tuesday, so another bank holiday of waiting. 

    Then today my friend asked if i was OK as she said my collar bone looked swollen (we had to wear red, white and blue today so had a top that showed that area) I just brushed it off as yes I'm fine, but checked in work toilets and my right collar bone looks a lot bigger and more prominent than left. (I've tried to avoid looking at boobs to I don't panic myself over swelling!) 

    So hopefully Tues I'll know when appointment is and will feel better about it all. 

    I'm glad I've found this forum to vent! 

     

    Thanks again 

     

    Mex xxxx

     

  • Hi Mex,

    No doubt ,now that you know that this is not an infection, your mind is in overdrive again. I'm glad to hear that you haven't got much longer to wait before you get your appointment. Try not to worry too much about the swelling. You have done the right thing by getting it investigated and no amount of worry will change anything, so try your best to enjoy the bank holiday.

    It sounds as if you are already in the mood for the coronation, with your red, white and blue day at work.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on on Tuesday.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

     

  • Thanks again Jolamine, yes I'm ready for the weekend! My house is all clean and washing done so tomorrow my daughter and me are watching coronation at my mums will partner and son have a gaming day

     

    You have a good weekend too. 

     

    Mex xxx