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 Jolamine

thank you so much for replying and for your kindness xx

im quite worried because I've now found what look like a dent or indentation in the same breast. It's quite small, maybe an inch, and is on the underside of my breast. I've also notice that breast seems larger than the other and like it's maybe swollen. I think maybe im freaking myself out over nothing but anytime I look up breast indentation or dent it comes back as cancer. My appointment is tomorrow morning and I've written down everything I've noticed so I make sure I mention everything but I'm so worried that it is gonna be cancer. I'm only 22 which I know is young but my mum was only 25. 
 

xx

Hi Fh001,

It sounds as if you are now doing what most of us do and, noticing things that are perfectly normal and have been with you for years. Most of us have one breaast larger than the other, but if you've noticed swelling, it is possible that there could be an infection, which could be easily cleared.

I know just how hard it is when there is already a family history of breast cancer and, appreciate why you feel so worried when your mum was diagnosed so young. Try to stop looking things up until you know what you are dealing with, as you are only scaring yourself further.

I sincerely hope that all goes well tomorrow. You will find things easier to cope with once you know what you are up against.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, had the appointment and was okay. She immediately said the 'spot' on my breast that I was referred to was in fact just a spot and should go away over time. She wasn't worried at all about that. She said she felt a ridge around the place I noticed the ident. She wasn't particularly worried about it but will refer me for an ultrasound in the next couple of weeks as there were no more scanning slots that day. Feeling a lot better! Would've been nice to have the ultrasound the same day as I was there but that can't be helped it seems!

Hi,

I'm new here. I've just got my referral to the breast clinic for next week. Bascially I took my bra off on Saturday and saw a few droplets of dried blood on it. 

I immediately freaked out and called the 111 service who set the ball in motion and my GP arranged an appointment today. 

I'm only 30, my grandmother had breast cancer in her 70s but they said at the time it was caused by age and she was cured, I don't have a lump or any skin changes (that I've noticed) other than my boobs look slightly smaller because I've lost weight (on purpose) lately. I spoke to my sister who is a junior doctor and she says the two week urgent referral is standard but I still feel like I have a deadly disease. 

I'm freaking out because I have had lifelong health anxiety and a whole host of mental health problems. On Friday I finally got the right diagnosis after 12 years of pyschiatrists, medication and breakdowns and things were finally looking up. I am worried that because when my luck starts to turn and I start to feel happier things always tend to come along and ruin it. I am worried that this is the other shoe dropping. 

Hi Fh001,

Many thanks for the update. I am glad to hear that all seems to have gone well for you. What a pity that you couldn't get your ultrasound at the same time, but hopefully this will come through soon.

Please let us know when you get your appointment. I am glad to hear that you feel a lot better already and, sincerely hope that your scan doesn't find anything untoward.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

It's a very worrying time waiting. I do hope hour appointment comes around quickly for you.xx

Hi Laurah,

You'll be glad that your appointment is almost here. I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and hope that it all goes well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Champagneproblems,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about your fears, but you are doing the rght thing in getting your symptoms investigated. Your breasts will look slightly smaller if you've lost some weight.

This is a difficult time for all of us, as there are so many unknowns. You will feel better once you know what the problem is and you start to address it. The two week referral time is normal, but it can feel like forever when you are waiting to be seen. I am glad to hear that you have finally managed to get the right diagnosis for your mental health problems and, hope that it won't be long before you know where you stand with your breasts.

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

Jolamine xx

Hi everyone, just got my appointment letter today for breast clinic after a referral.by my gp, got an estimated 2/3 cm lump in my breast, the wait is 2 weeks, I was ok until I got my appointment and now everything is going through my head, my son had testicular cancer and won the battle but finding out I go to the same.part of hospital as he did is scaring me, how can I switch off and stop worrying, my gp said sit tight, easier said than done x

Hi Jane,

A very warm welcome to our forum., although I'm sorry to hear why you've joined us. The wait to be seen is always a scary time and the waiting time seems to crawl by. This must be especially difficult for you  having to go to the same part of the hospital as your son did. I am delighted to hear that he has won the battle and, I hope that he is doing well.

We all tend to think the worst at this stage, but fortunately, this seldom comes to pass. Try to remind yourself that not all lumps are cancerous. Some are benign cysts or fibroadenoma. It is worth reminding yourself that only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Can you get involved in a project of some kind for the next two weeks, even if it is only doing a jigsaw? Having something to distract yourself from the wait will help to pass the tme. Keep telling yourself that 'it's not cancer until you're told that it is'.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jane,

A very warm welcome to our forum., although I'm sorry to hear why you've joined us. The wait to be seen is always a scary time and the waiting time seems to crawl by. This must be especially difficult for you  having to go to the same part of the hospital as your son did. I am delighted to hear that he has won the battle and, I hope that he is doing well.

We all tend to think the worst at this stage, but fortunately, this seldom comes to pass. Try to remind yourself that not all lumps are cancerous. Some are benign cysts or fibroadenoma. It is worth reminding yourself that only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Can you get involved in a project of some kind for the next two weeks, even if it is only doing a jigsaw? Having something to distract yourself from the wait will help to pass the tme. Keep telling yourself that 'it's not cancer until you're told that it is'.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi all just wanted to update had my appointment today at the breast clinic I was firstly examined by the specialist nurse then had a mammogram and ultrasound by the doc they told me there was no suspicious findings on either and that I have mixed glandular tissue which is normal so I'm very happy and relieved. 

Hi Alster,

Thank you for updating us all. I am absolutely delighted to hear that, after all that worry, you got the all clear today. I am sure that you feel mightily relieved and I hope that you plan a little celebration over the weekend.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi all, 

After reading through this thread I wanted to share with others who may be worried.  My first lump was 2 years ago (just before my 40th Birthday), went to Dr's, got referred to all in one clinic and appointment was about 2.5 weeks after referral.  With these clinics they do try to diagnose (even though biopsy results can take about 2 weeks).  I was told that she was pretty sure it was cancer...longest 2 weeks of my life waiting for it to be confirmed - I couldn't even go to work!

Results came back and it was benign.  I still had to have an operation to have it removed and I remember them saying it was a Phyllode tumour (sorry if spelt wrong), might sound distgusting but I actually got to see it in a test tube before it went for tests. I should add it was about 3.5/4cm in length.

I've found another lump (same breast, different place), went to Dr's who brought up my notes and said last time it was recorded as a complex Fibroadenoma - I've googled this and they seem small so not really sure.  As expected I've been referred to the all in one clinic again.

Unfortunately I'm in Wales so a 3 week wait is normal but it's longer due to no Radiologist available for a few weeks.  I've got my appointment now which will be 5 weeks and 2 days since being referred.

Sorry I've waffled on a bit but for anyone with new lumps I just want to give a little advice...

don't stress if you are referred as urgent, this is normal.

don't listen to the professionals opionion on the day - wait until they have all the results in front of them.

don't stress (or try not to) if your appointment is very fast or takes longer than expected.

As the stats say, only 1 in 8 will get it and I wish each and every one of you going through this the best.  

Take care x

Hi EmMaEv,

Thank you for this reassurance. I am sure that many people reading your post will be reassured by what you say. I am sorry to hear that you have found another lump and have such a lengthy wait to be seen at the breast clinic.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that you get good news again. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine.  I'll let you know how I get on, clinic is a week tomorrow and as it's 1.5hrs away and I have to drive so my mum is going to come with me - last time she drove but she had a knee replacement 6/7 weeks ago so can't but her company will be nice as we always have a laugh and giggle and any excuse to eat out lol.  I had knee surgery 3 weeks ago but not to her extent so I'll be fit to drive thank goodness...We are like 2 peas in a pod and will hobble along together and fill our bellies with laughter and food despite the circumstances :) x

Hi EmMaEv,

It's good to know that you don't have too long to wait. You are brave to attempt to drive so soon after knee surgery of any sort. Like your mum, I've had both knees replaced and, wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weks post-surgery. Still, the company is always good to have and, I hope that you hobble to somewhere nice for a tasty lunch with plenty of laughter and good food.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.
Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi all, Just read through the whole thread. Like others, I found a thickening in the upper, outer area of my left breast. It doesn't move, it is solid, like a mass. Breast is just the same size as the other one, I'm spotting no denting, dimpling, or hardening of the breast, still feels very soft exactly like other one, other than this area of thickening. Whether this is relevant I don't know.........So I went off to the doctors and the nurse too could feel a thickening and urgently referred me to the breast clinic. 2 week wait.
l am 55 years, 56 in September, so at that higher risk age, but there is no history at all of any type of cancer in my immediate family. 
Despite that, I think what I have is the dreaded C, because my thickening is textbook. A lump or mass, immovable and pain free. .........I've ruled out cysts, because it's not round and doesn't move, nor does it hurt nor painful, fibroadenomaI lumps are movable too I understand and I can spot the difference between what is normal breast tissue for me and this just does not feel right. I've gone through touching it all the time, to feeling too scared to touch it..............Why I'm more convinced it's that, is because this past couple of days and suddenly I'm getting aches under my left armpit, but can't feel any swelling at all under there and I don't think the nurse did either. I'd have expected her to mention it, if she had.

I have another week to wait and I'm going out of mind. At 56, divorced, I live all alone now and after my five children left the nest, so I've no partner for support. I've been going to my daughters house daily to keep my mind occupied, but she has six very boisterous children, 2 of them under 2 years old that need constant attention. Another daughter is a paramedic, so she's constantly at work, so I'm feeling pretty much alone........... The first few days I was keeping really busy and being my usual cheery self, hard as it was, when with my daughter. I was also not talking about it, trying to just put it out of my mind until the date for the mammogram, but yesterday for the first time I broke down in tears..........For a week now I'm neither not eating properly or sleeping properly. I have lost over half a stone in weight. My anxiety is now through the roof. I am emotionally drained. I'm just not dealing well at all and have had to ask for a prescription for sleeping pills.

I just have this horrible, horrible feeling that I'm going to get bad news.

Hi ellie,

A very warm welcome to the forum, although I'm sorry to hear of what brought you here. You are doing the right thing in getting this checked out. Try not to worry about all these new aches. Breast cancer is seldom accompanied by pain. However, we often manage to convince ourselves of additional aches and pains whilst we are waiting to be seen. Fortunately, these often disappear as soon as we're seen at the breast clinic.

If it's of any consolation to, you most of us tend to think worst case scenario at this stage, but again, this seldom comes to pass. Most of us would agree that waiting to be seen is one of the worst times of our cancer journey. However, only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a diagnosis of breast cancer. You are doing the right thing by seeing your daughter and your grandchilrden regularly. With 6 young children, there should be plenty to keep you busy.

We always advise people to keep busy whilst they are waiting, as this helps to make the time pass a little quicker.Do you have any hobbies or projects to do while you're in this position? Even doing a jigsay will help to concentrate your mind on something else. You will normally have another 1-2 weeks to get the results of any tests or scans, so you are best to be prepared for this.

It is especially difficult when you have nobody at home to talk about how you feel. You don't alway swant to discuss this with your children, for fear of worrying them further. Do you have any friends who you could speak to in this way? Regardless, you should never feel alone now that you have found this site. Please remeber that we are always here for you.

It is difficult to function normally and you will find that your emotions are all over the place. It is also common for your tears to flow copiously and to have difficulty earing, sleeping and looking after yourself as you should. Crying is a good release valve and I hope that you sleeping pills help. Things should gradually return to normal once you know what you are dealing with.

PLease let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I have found readings posts in this thread really helpful.

I had a mammogram as part of a health assessment a few months ago which came back normal.  At my health assessment appointment yesterday I was unconcerned about my breast exam due to the mammogram result.  However, the doctor identified a lump on my left breast.

I have told my sisters, husband and adult son who lives at home.  I will share further with my family if needed once I know more.  

I scanned my health assesment referral to my GP last night and I have been referred to the breast clinic today.  I am of course concerned and this is prowling at the back of my mind waiting for any available head space.  I am trying to remain as normal as possible and remain positive as there is asuch a big chance it will be nothing and I guess if it is something I should conserve my energy and focus to deal with that if I need to.

I had a similar experience following a smear test (3 diferent times) and it turned out to be nothing sinsiter.  So I wait with hope and a few prayers on what comes next.

I hope you folks are all well.

Kitkat42

Hi everyone, 

Jolamine, I just wanted to say wow! What a support you are to all these women.

I am waiting for my referral at the moment. I found a lump a few weeks ago and got it checked this week. The practitioner nurse found a further one under my armpit.

 Its comforting to read everyone's stories. I could have written some of them, the anxiety of the wait is terrible. We need to remember that we have done all we can. We've done the right thing to get our referrals. It's out of our hands, while that causes a range of emotions, we can be comforted in the fact that we are on the track for answers. Good luck everyone, I'll update when I can.