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

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

Hi Sophie,

You have been fortunate to get an appointment with the NHS so quickly. We are all scared at this stage, but it becomes easier once you know either way. Steer clear of the internet if you can, as this will only scare you more for no good reason.

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

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

So - I hope this helps anyone but todayI had my breast clinic after a big lump found. I had two mammograms then an ultrasound. Was terrifying but it dd not hurt at all having the mammograms -just a pinch really.  - turns out doctor thought it was a cyst but after the ultrasound it seemed I was cancer free and just have a huge lump due to horrmones and age apparently and odd boob mass. So!! i thought I would share. Was a terrifying 3 hours in hospital but this was a happy day. They were a bit confused it was not a cyst or anythng but the pain they said should go away in two weeks.

I hope this may help someone who also has a 4 cm lump.. it may not be cancerous - have  a not stressful view  -it maynot be what you think and if it is it will sill be okxx

Hi Sophie,

Thank you so much for this update. I am delighted to hear that all is clear. Any lump is worrying, but I expect that you feel mightily relieved today.

Stay well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello thought I would update had a mammogram and ultrasound yesterday and discovered I have 10 cysts, 6 in one breast, 4 in the other.. but nothing more than that.  So relieved. Wishing everyone still waiting for a maamogrqn the best of luck for good news. 

Louise

Hi Louise,

Many thanks for the update. I am delighted to hear that your results showed no more than cysts. Are you going to do anything with them or just going to leave things be?

I'm so glad that it was good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I'm "pleased" to have found this thread, and to see other people going through the anxiety of an official referral (which sounds awful but I mean I feel less anxious and alone!)

I check my breasts regularly but it was actually my partner who found a little lump, just to the right of my nipple on my left breast. It's small - about the size of a tic tac - and must be pretty new. The Dr saw me yesterday morning and referred me to the terrifyingly named suspected cancer clinic on 18th feb - she said not to worry and she basically refers everyone who has a lump - and now I am analysing every one of the few sentences she said in our brief appointment, totally pointlessly. I really need to stay off of google - when I do I feel much better. I haven't told many people as I want to distract myself and act normally until I know anything - but after a day I am already finding it difficult!

Evening all,

I've been following this thread the past few days & reading some pretty similar stories but above all the same anxious feeling others are also going through or have been through.

I went to my Drs on Tuesday for a breast check as I've been experiencing some sharp pain in my left breast for some time but more so since around October & most days. I must admit I don't really check myself & after finding out my cousin has had to be referred it gave me a bit of a kick up them bum to ring the Drs & just get myself checked. Last weekend after actually checking myself I thought I could feel 2 small almost stone like feeling lumps in the places I usually get the shooting pain. The pain can vary from shooting to almost tingling or burning feeling & often an itchy nipple. In 2011 I had surgery on this nipple as it was leaking but surely 10 years later that wouldn't cause problems? The other pains attached seem to be in my shoulder, shoulder blade & under my ribs? The Dr said I have very glandular breasts & suggested I get checked at the breast clinic but said with Covid to expect delays & they may suggest I just go back to her in around 6 weeks & if there's anything in between to go straight back. On Thursday I had missed a call from my hospital whilst at work & they left a message that said it was urgent & for me to call back ASAP which obviously put fear in me. They've got me booked in for an appointment at the breast clinic on the 16th & my letter arrived in the post yesterday with the words urgent, again making me very anxious.

Now I had surgery last May for a large ovarian cyst which was more complicated than expected but benign & obviously looking at Dr Google there seems to be a connection between ovarian cysts & breast cancer? I'm convinced if anything it's a cyst or cysts as along with the ovarian cyst there were 2 others & I've had 2 on my back. I told the Dr I feel like a walking cyst, lol!

 I'm 37 & I've only mentioned some of my worries to my partner but he obviously won't be able to attend the appointment with me. I'm usually a very laid back person but feeling so anxious with everything now.

Has anyone had similar symptoms or have any advice please?

Emma

xx

Evening all,

I've been following this thread the past few days & reading some pretty similar stories but above all the same anxious feeling others are also going through or have been through.

I went to my Drs on Tuesday for a breast check as I've been experiencing some sharp pain in my left breast for some time but more so since around October & most days. I must admit I don't really check myself & after finding out my cousin has had to be referred it gave me a bit of a kick up them bum to ring the Drs & just get myself checked. Last weekend after actually checking myself I thought I could feel 2 small almost stone like feeling lumps in the places I usually get the shooting pain. The pain can vary from shooting to almost tingling or burning feeling & often an itchy nipple. In 2011 I had surgery on this nipple as it was leaking but surely 10 years later that wouldn't cause problems? The other pains attached seem to be in my shoulder, shoulder blade & under my ribs? The Dr said I have very glandular breasts & suggested I get checked at the breast clinic but said with Covid to expect delays & they may suggest I just go back to her in around 6 weeks & if there's anything in between to go straight back. On Thursday I had missed a call from my hospital whilst at work & they left a message that said it was urgent & for me to call back ASAP which obviously put fear in me. They've got me booked in for an appointment at the breast clinic on the 16th & my letter arrived in the post yesterday with the words urgent, again making me very anxious.

Now I had surgery last May for a large ovarian cyst which was more complicated than expected but benign & obviously looking at Dr Google there seems to be a connection between ovarian cysts & breast cancer? I'm convinced if anything it's a cyst or cysts as along with the ovarian cyst there were 2 others & I've had 2 on my back. I told the Dr I feel like a walking cyst, lol!

 I'm 37 & I've only mentioned some of my worries to my partner but he obviously won't be able to attend the appointment with me. I'm usually a very laid back person but feeling so anxious with everything now.

Has anyone had similar symptoms or have any advice please?

Emma

xx

Hi Emma,

A very warm welcome to our forum.  I am sorry to hear about your worries. As you've already discovered by reading some posts here, this is not unusual. There are so many unknowns at this stage that our brains tend to go into overdrive and take us to all sorts of dark places.

Please don't distress yourself further by the 'urgent' letter that you've received. Most people receive an urgent referral when there is any possibility of cancer. With a breast referral this means that we are usually seen within 2 weeks from referral. Despite the pandemic, most of us are still being seen within this time frame.

I am not a doctor, but I know that breast pain doesn't often accompany a cancer diagnosis, so I sincerely hope that you're right and that these are just more cysts.

Try to keep yourself busy meantime to distract yourself from the wait and try to stay away from consulting 'Dr Google', as this will only scare you further.

Do 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 so much for your reply & can I just say you're an inspiration! Always replying to people's concerns, so caring & thoughtful when you're going through so much yourself! You're a star! 
 

I have read that it doesn't usually come with pain, I'm only concerned because it's just that left side which just happens to be the side I had the op on my nipple. Also the side the large ovarian cyst was on & I ended up having that ovary & Fallopian tube removed. It's probably all just coincidence though & I do like to overthink things.

 I'm going to try my best to stay positive & busy as there's absolutely nothing I can do before the 16th other than drive myself mad with it & make myself ill. So I'll try & help my 17 year old son as it's apprenticeship week according to school so that will keep me busy finding ideas & probably drive him mental, haha!
 

Thank you again, I really appreciate your support & will keep you informed.

Kind regards,

Emma

xx

Hi Emma,

Thank you for your very kind words. Helping your son during apprenticeship week sounds like the ideal way to keep yourself busy during this wait, which, I know, seems interminable.

I am hoping and praying for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much Jolamine,

I will be in touch & hope you are keeping well.

kind regards,

Emma 

xx

Hi,

I'm 49 and have had itching in both nipples for a few weeks which at first didnt worry me I just put it down to menopause which I started early as a result of stress from losing my husband to cancer almost 3 years ago at age 46.

On Thursday of last week I noticed slight discharge from my left breast and that sent me spiralling. I stupidly googled it and am now convinced i have breast cancer and more specifically Pagets disease. 

I went to my GP on Monday who gave me a thorough examination  and couldnt feel any lumps which was a relief she is not specially concerned but has referred me to the breast clinic for tests which I'm glad about but also absolutely terrified about.

I have 2 wonderful kids 14 & 21(this Saturday) and theyve already been through so much I cant bear the thought of them having to deal with anything else and my biggest fear is anything happening to me and them being left alone. 

The GP gave me hydrocortisone cream which I applied right away. Everyone said it was less of a worry because both were itchy but now since using the cream the right is ok and only the left is itchy and yesterday i noticed the skin on the left was dry and flaky. I'm unsure if that is just the cream but again I've convinced myself that it's another sign of cancer. 

I'm strong and I've dealt with a lot but this has taken the feet from me it consumes my every thought and I'm truly petrified, not for me but for my kids. 

Got my clinic appt in today and it's not until 11th March which is a bit of a wait but nothing I can do it's also a week before my husband's anniversary - this time of year is tough enough and this isnt helping. 

I know theres a million things it could be and no one here can tell me what the outcome is going to be but it helps to talk 

J x

I found a lump in my left breast. Saw my doctor last week and she said it feels like a cyst and she isn't concerned, but referred me to the breast clinic to be sure.

My appointment at the clinic is on Monday. I was feeling fine because the doctor seemed so chill about it, but now I think I can feel something in my right breast. I'm not sure if I'm just imagining things because of the stress...

My husband is taking me to the appointment but he might be turned away due to Covid rules. I'm so worried that I might have to be by myself and get bad news...

Hi Jujumama,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband at such a young age. This must have been very difficult for you and your young family, so I sincerely hope that it isn't breast cancer. You are right that there are many different things that this could be due to, but you are doing the correct thing in getting this looked into. Waiting for a referral is always a scary time, as there are so many unknowns and, our imaginations also go into overdrive.

It's a good sign that the cream has stopped the itch in one breast. Maybe it'll just take a little longer to combat it in the other? We all tend to worry more about our children than ourselves at this stage, but don't let your mind run away with you. Please remember that it isn't cancer until you're told that it's cancer. Even if it is, this is one of the more treatable form of this disease. I felt like you when I discovered a lump 11 years ago. Since then I have had two bouts of breast cancer, but I am still here and leading a busy life.

11th March is not that far away. It is unfortunate that this is around the time of your husband's anniversary, but there is never a good time for something like this. Try to keep yourself busy in the meantime to distract yourself from the wait.

I sincerely hope that this doesn't show up anything too untoward. Please keep in touch and let us know. Remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Underredskies,

A very warm welcome to the forum. I am glad to hear that you have got your appointment through so quickly. It is reassuring that your GP felt that this was more like a cyst. It is possible that this new lump you've found is just another cyst. It is not unusual fo us to imagine things because of anxiety. 

Your husband may well be turned away because of the Covid rules, but try not to let this upset you. If there was the slightest suspicion of cancer, you might be given scans and a biopsy. There usually follows an anxious 1-2 week wait for the results, so you are more likely to get a full diagnosis at your second appointment and, you can usually bring someone with you when you get these. If they are just cysts, your consultant may be able to confirm this on your first visit, but not always.

I hope that it all turns out well for you. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi first time on here .and am absolutely terrified I have breast cancer or somewhere else. I went to doctors as after a week of itchy nipple and the areola around it was red and have a burning sensation aswel as my right breast been much bigger to what it normally is . My mam died of cancer in the womb and breast cancer when I was only a baby . .I don't know family history much as dad died two when I was baby . . I just don't want to leave my 4 children and grandchildren  . And I've been remarried 4 years ago .so am all happy and settled and now am just crying and carnt stop thinking the worse . I have my appointment on Saturday 27th .10 days after seeing the Dr.  When she checked me .she said she asnt seen anything like it .but checked me and she couldn't find any lumps . But did not like the look of my breasts.  Am 59 years old .so big 60 birthday coming soon .am so scared.