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 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

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

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! 

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

Hi everyone,

Had an appointment with a GP registrar this afternoon, I had some pain Sunday evening while lay in bed which is when I discovered a lump. I don't check as regularly as I should, but I have checked in the last few weeks so I'm fairly sure it's appeared recently. The pain when I lie on it has gone now, just a little tenderness in my nipple but I'm also breastfeeding a teething 11 month old so this is probably more from that than the lump! 
 

I've been referred to the breast clinic under the 2 week wait referral, just hoping for some reassurance! The lump is about 1cm, and feels like it moves when I prod it. Anyone had similar with a positive outcome? 
 

Edit - there is no swelling in my armpits, and the breasts look normal. 
 

Thanks x

Hello everyone 

I'm 33 with 3 children and am feeling anxious :(

I have a GP appointment in the morning. My right nipple inverts itself and the areola puckers up, the skin of the areola hardens and looks like it's rippled,  this only really happens when I raise my arm above my head. I'm assuming I'll be put on the 2 week wait. I have a bit of breast tenderness too. 

Can anyone advise me whether they scan both breasts at the breast clinic? Just to make sure nothing has spread etc?

I'm really grateful for this thread, I've read through all the comments and it seems a lovely place of support! 

My husband is supportive but as I have anxiety I think he thinks I'm making a fuss (as per...lol) he did say I should get it checked though.

Pleased to "meet" you all, although I wish the circumstances were nicer! Xx

Hi itsme, 

I know how worrying all the waiting around is. Your symptoms sound really similar to mine. At times mine could be a bit painful, and all came back clear. The chances of it being anything sinister is very low. 

You're on the right path for answers, so hang in there 

C x

Hi Saz, 

Sorry you're having a worrying time, you've done the right thing making an appointment. The GP will have a feel and a look. It's likely they'll put a referral in because your symptoms tick the box. You shouldn't have to wait too long for your appointment. 

When I got referred the consultant felt / checked both but I only needed ultrasound on one side. It'll all depend on what they feel and see. 

I hope you get your answers soon, the waiting is horrible. I'd tell you not to worry, but it's only natural. Hang in there xx

Thanks Clara, that's reassuring. I'm feeling quite anxious which is unlike me, I think it's due to my young family.

I,ll keep everything crossed and try not to worry

I phoned the hospital today and lump is a benign fibroadenoma . My results letter apparently is en route but Secretary was allowed to give results over the phone.  
Very happy that all ok.  

That's fab news Nutty!!! Relieved for you xx