Urgent referral for breast lump

Hi all,

I’m new here, hope you’re all doing ok - thanks for reading my post. 

it’s 2.40am and having real trouble sleeping at the moment as the panic has set in - I’ve been ok up until now.

I noticed some lumpy areas in my left breast and got an appointment last Friday at the docs, who have referred me to the breast clinic under the 2 week period (still awaiting an appointment). 

in 2021, I found a lumpy area in my right breast in the inner lower quadrant and had a ultrasound which revealed it was a lipoma. I mentioned this to the doc last Friday who didn’t examine this breast. I have now realised that what I assumed was the lipoma in the same area is now possibly an additional hard lump and I’m now worrying myself silly - I don’t remember the lipoma feeling so hard but have assumed for a long time it was the original lipoma. 

I know it’s worth awaiting my appointment at the breast clinic  rather than going back to the doctors as they can’t do anything, it’s just trying to manage the anxiety and the horrible spiralling thoughts.

please let me know if you have any tips for handling the worry for anyone else in the same boat - thanks for reading my early morning ramblings!

love to you all x

  • Hi there , hope you managed a few hours sleep ! You don’t say how old you are , but breast lumps can be quite common on younger women and can appear at certain times in your cycle. That said , it’s always wise to get any lumps checked out. The waiting game is awful I know. Try and keep as busy as you can , go for walks, shopping , anything to keep you busy! I really hope all turns out well for you . Sending a hug xx

  • Hi LCR,

    hope you’re well and thank you for your reply on this thread, really appreciate it. ️ ️

    I’m 34 years old, female. Doc said lump on left breast was like a very small pea last week which I’ve had for 5 weeks.

    The hard area on the right breast has been there some time - I was 32 when ultrasound showed a lipoma, but now can’t tell whether the hard area is an additional lump as very close to lipoma site - something to discuss at my appointment for sure.

    Thanks so much for your advice and kind words - definitely, keeping busy is key - I’ll head out for a walk along the beach later I think and soak up the great outdoors.

    Even just getting things out in writing helps a bit! I hope you have a wonderful day :)

    xx

     

  • Hi Sandpiper,I also had lumpy breasts at your age but it was always hormonal.Did have a mammogram at the time but nothing found.The anxiety while you are waiting for results is awful .Try and keep busy and positive thoughts, keep in touch xxx

  • Yes , a nice walk on the beach always helps! I’m down the Gower atm ( South Wales) Stay strong and let’s hope it’s just hormonal xx Sending a hug x Let us know how you get on x

  • Hi Rumpelstiltskin,

    hope you’re well and thanks so much for your reply! 

    Absolutely, will keep you all updated once my appointment comes around - hopefully it won’t be much longer to wait…fingers crossed. The hospital said there’s a bit of a backlog at the moment. 

    that’s really reassuring, I have heard breasts can be particularly lumpy in the 20s/30s age group! 

    Have a lovely day and chat to you soon xx

  • Hi, I’m 38 and found a lump it lumps, can’t tell, seen my GP Wednesday afternoon and she had also put in a 2 week referral, i recieved a letter this morning to say somebody will be in touch from my local breast clinic which had advised me if I don’t hear anything by Mon 11 to call them. It might be worth giving them a ring. I’m also terrified as my GP didn’t exactly put my mind at ease in my appointment but the waiting is torture, we should keep each other updated x

  • Hey Lebell!

    thanks for posting on the this thread. It sounds like we are in a similar position awaiting our appointments at the breast clinic. I gave them a ring and they advised it’s likely to be in a few weeks time due to backlog. I hope you hear from your local clinic asap so you can get seen and put your mind at ease. 

    this waiting around period feels awful doesn’t it? I feel so sick and scared. Sending you love and lots of positive vibes. Ensure you keep yourself busy and do lots of nice things for yourself. Feel free to message and keep us updated. Xx

  • That sounds lovely! Thanks so much I’ll keep you all posted x 

  • Hi, yes the waiting is the worst, can’t help but Google even though I shouldn’t, it’s just the unknowns isn’t it. Trying to keep myself busy with work and the kids are back at school too so it all helps. I really hope you don’t have to wait too long for your appointment, how long have you waited so far? It’s amazing how different waiting periods are in different areas. X

  • It’s so hard resisting Google, the brain craves comfort and answers, but all we do is end up down a rabbit hole and scare ourselves further - I’m definitely guilty of this even though I know I need to stop. It’s hard isn’t it? 

    I’m glad work and the kids are keeping you busy, we just have to keep going and live like we would if we weren’t awaiting referrals :)

    thank you so much. I went to docs last Friday and got a letter the day after saying to call if I haven’t heard from them by the 5th sep - I phoned today and they said it’s likely to be a few weeks time. I’m in sussex, what county are you in? X