Waiting on a Breast Clinic Referral

Hello! I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, but I've been a bit anxious and thought it might help to share my feelings.

About a week and a half ago I was referred to a breast clinic for a firm, pea-sized lump in my right breast. I found the lump about a year ago and didn't think much of it at first – I'm only nineteen so I assumed it was something benign. I only brought up the lump with a doctor in passing when I went to the GP for another symptom. Since the referral, though, I've been getting increasingly worried, especially since I started experiencing some pain and a tingling sensation around my right shoulder blade, which I'm sure is unrelated but I can't help being anxious about it.

I still haven't heard anything from the clinic and have no idea when the appointment is, only that it should be before the end of the month. I'm autistic and struggle with uncertainty, so the fact that I don't know the date is making me really anxious. I'm also worried about the appointment itself because I really don't like to be touched; the GP was only able to feel the lump very briefly under my clothes because I started shaking when she had to examine me. Has anyone else been through something like this, or know what happens at a breast clinic appointment or how long the wait is likely to be?

Thank you. :)

  • Hello SilliestGoose and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry to hear about the lump you found and how anxious you're feeling about your referral to the breast clinic.

    I hope this information I've found about what happens at a breast clinic appointment will help you feel more prepared, and at ease, about what's to come but if it would help to have a chat about this with one of our cancer nurses they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and they will do all they can to answer your questions and address any other concerns you may have at this time.

    We have a lot of members within our community who have been through this process, so you are not alone SilliestGoose, and hopefully some of them will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice.

    In the meantime, we're sending you all our support and will have our fingers crossed a date for your appointment comes through soon.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator