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 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 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 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. 

Hi Clara_dee,

A very warm welcome to our forum and thank you for your kind comments. I know that this wait is always daunting, but you are definitely doing the right thing in getting this checked out. 
I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Kitkat, 

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear of your symptoms and know how worrying these can be. It sounds as if you will cope with whatever comes to pass, but here's hoping that the outcome is the same as it was for your smear test. 
 

Try to keep yourself  busy whilst you are waiting to be seen, as this will help the time to pass. Only 1 person in 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis, so your chances are still good. Remember that 'it's not cancer until you're told that it is.'

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

Thanks! Very efficient nhs, I've got my clinic appt through already! 

Its 13 days from my GP appt so thats great. Not long to wait. 

I'm not allowed anyone with me due to covid which is annoying. The letter doesn't say what to expect but going by this forum I'd say I know what's going to happen, thanks to everyone sharing their experiences. Puts my mind at ease a bit! 

HI Clara_dee,

This is fantastic, as you certainly don't want to wait any longer than necessary. There are a number of descriptions of what happens on a first visit to the breast clinic on this site which are worth reading, as it never seems as daunting when you know what to expect.

Staff at these clinics are usually very understanding and helpful, so I hope that this is your experience too. I hope that all turns out well for you and look forward to hearing how you get on. Always remember that we are here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

Glad I found this thread as I needed to hear from people in the same situation as me.  My husband is lovely but has always struggled with understanding emotions.  He is super positive and can't relate to me worrying/feeling scared.  

I've got my appointment this Thursday after the GP referred me for breast thickening in my right breast.  I'd gone to the GP with a lump under my right armpit and wasn't even aware of the thickened breast area, so it came as bit of a shock.  I've been positive and not too worried as telling myself no point worrying about what I don't know - until yesterday.  As my appointment draws closer I'm now really, really worried and it's all I can think about.  I know the majority of referrals are not cancer but despite constantly telling myself this I'm terrified for my appointment!​​​​​​  

I hope everyone is keeping well and anyone still waiting anxiously for their appointment I'm sending you massive hugs.  
 

Hi Nuttyb,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I fear that it is a natural reaction for our partners to either be super scared or overly positive. This tends to upset us all when we are in such an emotional state, but I expect that there is no good way to react and we would still get upset no matter which side of the fence they sit on. I'm glad to hear that you don't have much longer to wait before you attend the breast clinic. You will find thestaff at these clinics are usually very understanding and helpful.

Only 1 person in 8 who attend these clinics will get a cancer diagnosis, so try to remind yourself that 'it isn't cancer until you're told that it is.'Those of us on this site know just how worrying how worrying and overwhelming this wait can be and we are always here for you. Unfortunately, you may have another wait of 1-2 weeks after you're seen to get the results, so don't expect to be given a diagnosis straight away. On a few occasions you may, but the agonising wait is more usual.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I sincerely hope that it all turns out well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your reply Jolamine,

After my appointment today I've been referred for a biopsy next week.  The funny thing is it's for my left breast and not the right which was were the GP found the thickened area.  The radiographer and Dr both think it's most likely a benign growth (think Dr mentioned fibrodema?) but doing a biopsy to be sure.  

Hopefully this week and then the two weeks wait after for the results go quickly!

Hi Nuttyb,

Thank you for the update. This all sounds fairly positive. I suspect that your doctor mentiond Fibroadenoma, which is a benign lesion. These develop in the lobules of the breasts.

I hope that the next three weeks don't drag for you. Do your best to keep busy to try and take your mind off things.

I sincerely hope that your doctor is correct and that you hae nothing to worry about - please don't forget to let us know the outcome.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx