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

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. 

Thanks so much for your kind words, which really helped settle my nerves.

I had my breast clinic appointment today. They have confirmed that the first lump is either a cyst or prominent modular breast tissue, and not anything to worry about. I've to go back for an ultrasound to confirm which it is, and if it's cyst have it drained.

The second lump was in fact nothing, I was just freaking myself out due to all the stress.

Good luck to everyone else, will be thinking of you all.

Hi underredskies  am so pleased that you had a good results  and the big weight as been lifted off your shoulders.  Now you can put this all behind you and enjoy life .take care .such good news .x

Hi Underredskies

So delighted for you that your tests showed nothing sinister, what a relief that must be!!! Thanks for sharing your results - gives me hope for a similar outcome. Take care and keep well.

Jx

Hi Deekd

Oh I feel for you, it's such a worrying time isn't it? I guess theres no point saying try not to worry, how can we not? but I would say stay away from google, try to keep busy and something Jolamine said to me was -you dont have cancer til they tell you you have cancer - really wise words that have helped me try to keep from spiralling.  Your appointment isnt too long away now, I've another 2 and a bit weeks to wait, so  one way or another you will soon find out what you're dealing with and it sounds like no matter what, you have a lovely family behind you who will I'm sure support you all the way. I think as women there are so many things that go on in our bodies that we automatically think are going to be cancer especially when we've had experience of it in our family and so often it's not.

Stay strong and be gentle with yourself, keeping everything crossed for you for Saturday.

Jx

Thank you so much jujumama.  For the loverly words.  Am trying my best to be positive. As I want to go and see my 2 baby grandaughters in Scotland when we allowed.  I have Google and I think I've got everything so will be keeping off that from now on 

And yes wise words what jolamine as said. So will keep that in mind. And thank you again .xx

Thank you so much jujumama.  For the loverly words.  Am trying my best to be positive. As I want to go and see my 2 baby grandaughters in Scotland when we allowed.  I have Google and I think I've got everything so will be keeping off that from now on 

And yes wise words what jolamine as said. So will keep that in mind. And thank you again .xx