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Worried: I have been referred to the breast clinic

KayJay49
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Hello, I have found a lump in my right breast after noticing a dent. I initially noticed dent just below my nipple, I was putting my hair up to get in the shower, so standing in front of the mirror. I put my arms down and examined myself but didn’t feel anything, so brushed it off. I am 49, in perimenopause and on HRT. 

over the next two weeks I kept noticing the dent, and eventually when I examined my breast with my arm up I felt the lump. A few days later I noticed a red patch near the area. That’s when a little bit of fear started to build. I asked my mum to take a look, just incase I was just imaging it. She felt it too, and could see the dent. 

I managed to get into the doctors on Monday 22.9. The doctor examined me and referred me to the breast clinic. Ive not heard anything, and when I called they told me they had the referral but it wasn’t live, hence why they haven’t scheduled an appointment! I now have to wait till Monday to chase my dr to sort this…. I’m so worried. I’m trying to stay positive and keep busy, but I’ve read everything and so I know it’s possible…. I also know it could be nothing…. But I’m so scared. My mum is away next week and my best friend will be away later in the week too, so I will probably have to go to the appointment on my own. I’m not sure what I hope to get from posting…. I’m single and my kids are older, so I just feel so alone in this … please give me so words of wisdom

  • Offline

    Hi KayJay,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and understand your anxiety, as this is always an anxious wait. We usually advise people to stay away from consulting "Dr Google" before they get a diagnosis, as much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This will only serve to scare you further and won't give you any answers.

    Not all lumps are cancerous. Only 20% of those who attend the breast clinic get a cancer diagnosis. Many turn out to have benign cysts or fibroadenoma. The only way to be sure is to have the lump tested at the breast clinic, so you have done the right thing by getting it investigated. Most of us usually get our appointments within 2 weeks from he date of referral, so if you mum is only away for a week, chances are that she may be back to accompany you to it. The usual 3 tests that are carried out are a mammogram, an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. If you have a biopsy, you may have to wait for a further1- 3 weeks to get the results. Try to keep busy and find things to keep yourself preoccupied while you are waiting.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for the reply. Yes I am trying to keep busy which is easy with my job. But it’s always there in the back of my mind, plus I don’t want to miss the call as I’ve been told they will call to book before sending a letter. It’s just an anxious wait! 

    Do you know what it means when they say it hasn’t gone live? Worried I’m going to be waiting more like 3 weeks now… 

    Katrina 

  • Offline in reply to KayJay49

    Hi KayJay,

    I believe that there could be a few explanations when they say that the appointment "hasn't gone live". The appointment slot may be part of a waiting list, indicating that it is not currently available. There may also be a technical issue with the appointment booking system that  prevents the appointment from being displayed or booked. It is also possible that the appointment has been accepted but is now on a waiting list, which is a common occurrence in the NHS System. These are 3 explanations from the NHS website. The advice given is to contact your GP surgery directly for more information.

    This is always an anxious wait, but it shouldn't be much longer. I hope that you manage to get clarification from your surgery tomorrow. Do please let us know how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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