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 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 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 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