I have been to see my GP today after 2 weeks of continual pain in my breasts with some nipple discharge. She got me to lay down and informed me they are really lumpy and asked if this is normal for me, which it's not.  I'm adopted but do know my birth mothers mum died of breast cancer which added a few more alarm bells to my head. She told me she will be writing to the breast surgeon to get me an appointment so now I'm worrying. What is the average timescale between referral and appointment?  Am I panicking too early? 
Emily x

Hi Emily,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that your GP has felt it necessary to refer you to the breast clinic. Try not to let this worry you, as only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a cancer diagnosis. You don't say what age you are, but many young women also have naturally lumpy breasts.

You will usually be seen at the clinic within 2 weeks from referral. Panic won't change your outcome, so try to stay calm.  You will find that keeping busy will help to pass the time as your're waiting.

You may have some tests taken when you are at the clinic and it usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the results of these back. It is not usually until this stage that you can be sure that all is clear.

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

Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hey everyone 

I found I little lump on my nipple last year only got in check out in October. I wasn't worried about it taught it might only be a mole or skin tag. Had my appointment today and the doctor thinks the same she told me not to worry it's nothing but she's still sending me for a mammogram. Does this sound normal. She said because I'm 37 I may aswell have one. 

Hi MissStephLouise,

I have read your post and wanted to message you my support. Last May I got the same news as you. My tumour was a grade 3.... 4 cm mass... lymph node negative. Had CT and bone scan... all clear thankfully. I had 8 chemo treatments, followed by lumpectomy and I start radiotherapy on 08/02.

I notice this post was sometime ago so I'm wondering how you are now? Have you got your treatment plan?

You will learn all treatments are different but the feelings attached to what you're experiencing aren't. 
 

I could go on for hours here giving you support and advice. I have learnt so much about cancer and treatments, so if you want any help please ask. You're reaching out which is super important. I wouldn't have got through this last 9 months without the understanding of others who have gone before me.

It's horrid. But manageable. You will come through this and smile again.

Get back to me if you want to talk xxx 

Hi Cupcakes,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am glad to hear that you finally got your lump checked out and that your GP doesn't think that there is anything to worry about. She is however doing the right thing by sending you for a mammogram, just to make absolutely certain, because even the most experienced doctor doesn't have x-ray eyes.

I sincerely hope that she is right and that your mammogram comes back clear too.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi all, 

Been to my gp today as had some soreness/tenderness on the outside of my left breast.. after worrying it for a few days I found something like a lump gp has referred me to the breast clinic and as I am fortunate enough to have private health I've used that and have an appointment for tests Friday afternoon with results except a biopsy if needed on the same day...

Currently petrified and imagining the worst... Although reading these has helped a little 

Louise

Hi Louise,

A very warm to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear of why you've joined us.  It is good news that you have private insurance and  are getting seen at the breast clinic quickly. I know that it's almost impossible, but try not to worry. We nearly all fear the worst at this stage and, there are so many unknowns that it's a really scary time.

Not all lumps are cancerous. There are a number of different types, especially in younger people. Whatever you do, try to avoid the internet at the moment, as this will only scare you further for no good reason. Irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you know exactly what the outcome is.

I hope that all goes well for you on Friday. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello

Thanks for the quick reply :-)

I am trying not to google, but I can't stop imagining the worst at the moment..  Doesn't help that I've poked the lump so much, I've bruised it so its now really sore on top of everything else!

I will update on Friday

Louise  xx

Hi Louise,

Try not to keep checking your breasts as this will make them sorer.

Not long to wait now!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Helo - I have my appointment on Friday too. NHS are amazing - docs appointment last Fri with sore breast and big lump- 4 cm and now appointment this Friday for mammogram and utrasound. Hope it goes okay I am so scared

How old are you? I'm 44

Hi, I have also been referred to the breast clinic my appointment is on 15th Feb. 
 

I saw my GP in early Dec with breast pain he examined me and then diagonised Costochondritis. The pain eased off and we had a lovely Christmas (albeit in Tier 4) Pain then came back along with a constant heaviness in my left breast and a feeling of the underneath sticking to my chest / stomach (I'm about 4 stone overweight) Saw the GP again on 28th Jan who examined me no lumps etc but referred me as she is in her words "over cautious" She said both my breasts felt the same. She did however write suspected breast cancer on the referral form. Is this normal ? 
 

Im trying not to use Dr Google but have now developed pain in my shoulder and what feels like a dead arm. 
 

Im hoping it's hormonal / stress related but can't help but worry although I have started eating again. 
 

All you ladies are so positive so I'm drawing comfort from the fact that if it isn't good news it's not the end 

Thanks for reading 

Take care 

Sarah age 44

Hi, I have also been referred to the breast clinic my appointment is on 15th Feb. 
 

I saw my GP in early Dec with breast pain he examined me and then diagonised Costochondritis. The pain eased off and we had a lovely Christmas (albeit in Tier 4) Pain then came back along with a constant heaviness in my left breast and a feeling of the underneath sticking to my chest / stomach (I'm about 4 stone overweight) Saw the GP again on 28th Jan who examined me no lumps etc but referred me as she is in her words "over cautious" She said both my breasts felt the same. She did however write suspected breast cancer on the referral form. Is this normal ? 
 

Im trying not to use Dr Google but have now developed pain in my shoulder and what feels like a dead arm. 
 

Im hoping it's hormonal / stress related but can't help but worry although I have started eating again. 
 

All you ladies are so positive so I'm drawing comfort from the fact that if it isn't good news it's not the end 

Thanks for reading 

Take care 

Sarah age 44

Hi Sarah,

Try not to worry about the 'suspected breast cancer' on the referral form. This is normal, although you'll find that only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a cancer diagnosis.It is also a fact that breast pain seldom accompanys a cancer diagnosis.

It is only natural to be worried, as there is so much of the unknown surrounding you at the moment. Regardless of the outcome, you will feel better once you know.

I had my first diagnosis 11 years ago and, was stupid enough to let my imagination run away with me. I had a second diagnosis the following year and have since senn my 2 teenage children go to university, graduate, marry and have families of their own - all the milestones that I'd convinced myself that I'd never see. I'm not saying that it was easy, but I have come through and still live a busy and fulfilled life.

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you on 15th. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Fingers crossed for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your kind words. Some days I feel fine and convince myself it's hormonal. Other days I think I'm going to be told I have terminal cancer ️ I think I'm starting to imagine symptoms such as has my nipple always looked like that? If I had a lump would I know it's a lump. 

I think it's just fear of the unknown. Your story is amazing and your positivity helps so Thank you x