Been referred to Breast Clinic and freaking out...

Hi all, 

I'm sure there are lots of messages like this one, but I thought I'd post a message anyway as it seems like a good place to vent my worry without unnecessarily alarming other people in my life!

I went to see my GP yesterday as my right breast has been feeling a bit tender lately. My breasts are quite naturally lumpy but recently it's felt like there is an area of my breast which is more solid than the rest. I don't know why, but I kind of expected the GP to say it was nothing and for me to carry on with the rest of my day as usual. Instead as soon as I mentioned slight pain in my right breast her general demeanour went from bright and breezy to serious and concerned. She asked me if I had any family history of breast cancer, and I told her my grandmother had it (she passed away from breast and lung cancer aged 68). I also remembered after my appointment that my mother's cousin had it, although my mum and aunt are fine (at least so far). She examined my breast, and although I hadn't actually mentioned finding any lumps she immediately found the place that I had identified myself. She said she wasn't sure if it was a lump, or just a nodule as my breasts are quite nodular, but she would refer me to a breast clinic for screening. She would recommend all available tests. She said she thought they would want to see me "very quickly". So as you can imagine I left the GP surgery alarmed. I also got a call from the hospital the same day (yesterday) to arrange an appointment - which also alarmed me as I figured they had prioritised me because they suspected it was cancer.

The appointment is for a week on monday. I'm not sure if I can wait that long because psychologically I'm already finding it very tough.

This year is a very big one for me as I'm getting married in three months. The wedding is abroad, everything's already organised, many people have booked their flights and accommodation. Me and my fiance are planning our life together. I can't imagine everything being disrupted by a breast cancer diagnosis. 

More than that, I can't imagine trying to face breast cancer if that is the diagnosis. The GP said I should try not to worry, and that most cases are benign, but I am upset that I was referred so quickly. 

I tried to talk to my Mum about it, especially as my stepdad is a retired doctor, but both of them immediately dismissed it by saying if I have any pain the likelihood is that it's not anything serious. My boyfriend is being very understanding, and saying that if it's serious we can postpone the wedding, we'll do whatever it takes. But I already have a lot going on in my life and I'm struggling to imagine the possibility, however unlikely, of taking breast cancer on as well. 

How do people cope with this? I don't want to mention it to friends as I don't have a diagnosis of anything yet. But at the same time I find it hard to socialise etc as normal with this dread hanging over me.

Sophie x

  •  

    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

  • Hi girls, 

    I had my breast clinic appt yesterday. Knowing how helpful it is to read the process I'll share it for others. I saw the consultant first who had a good feel of both breasts. He found the lump fairly quickly and sent me for an ultrasound. I'm 31 so mammogram wouldn't be suitable. During the ultrasound, the technician says it looks like a fibro-something and she isnt concerned. She said they'd like to do a biopsy to make extra sure. She said she could send a letter for an appt but I asked if she could just do it now. She said she'd check with consultant then let me know. I went back to consultant who had looked at the scans. He said it looks to him like the fibro-something. So he isn't worried but a biopsy to make sure. So I got sent back for biopsy 30 mins later. The biopsy was very comfortable. I felt absolutely nothing! Consultant said results could take 2-3 weeks. Nurse said within 1 week. I've to wait for a call or a letter. The results might be in the letter or it'll be an appt again. 

    So waiting game for me but it all seems very positive! 

    Thinking of you all who are waiting. Hang in there xx

  • hey so far from i can see you not got it??? or waiting to see?? until you know you carry on living life now if it is cancer then it really will dep where an the stage as its a complx illness but you can beat this if it dose turn out to be it but hopfully you will be fine but i would say that keep checking as family history best ti be safe can you nlet us now how you are pleases yours glenn  

  •  

    Hi Clara-dee,

    Thank you for your update. This all sounds fairly positive. Fibroadenoma are benign lumps, which is as good as anyone can hope for. I am glad to hear that you have had a biopsy, as the results of this will positively rule out anything untoward.

    Although you had to attend the breast clinic on your own, you should be able to bring someone with you for your results. Have you had any word about these yet?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Nothing yet but my biopsy was only Wednesday there. 

    I'll pop back on and update when I can :wink:

    C x

  •  

    Hi Clara_dee,

    It normally takes 1-2 weeks to get your results through. I look forward to hearing when you get them  &  I sincerely hope that all turns out well.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Got my results today, called them as I knew MDT was yesterday. So today marks 2 weeks from biopsy. It's benign! That's all she said, letter will follow next week but she says no action required so I'm discharged back to GP. So relieved! 

  • That's great news.  You must be so relieved.  
     

    Who did you phone to get your results?  Tomorrow will be two weeks since my biopsy and I haven't heard anything yet.  After my biopsy the radiologist asked if I had an appointment for getting the results.  When I said I didn't she said something like "ah you must be getting a phone call and you'll hear within 1-2 weeks".  I've only got a phone number for the outpatient reception desk.  Thinking of calling that tomorrow.  

  • Yeah I called that! I asked to be put through to breast clinic. When through I asked for results. 

    Hope you get answers soon! X

  •  

    Hi Clara_dee,

    Thank you for the update. This is fantastic news. I'm sure that  you must feel immense relief tonight and hope that you celebrate this good news in style.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx