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 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. 

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

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