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 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

  •  

    Hi Itsme,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. Breast pain seldom accompanies breast cancer and is possibly more likely to be hormonal when you are breastfeeding. A teething, breastfeeding 11 month old could also be the cause of the problem. You have done the right thing in getting this investigated.

    There are a number of different reasons for breast lumps and not all of them are sinister. The fact that your lump moves freely when prodded is also a hopeful sign,  as cancerous lumps tend to be firmly fixed. We have had many breastfeeding mums on this forum with lumps and many of them have had good outcomes. However, there have been a few who were less fortunate too, as it is impossible to  say either way until you have some tests carried out. They will do these at the breast clinic for you, although you may have to wait a further 1-2 weeks before you get the results of any tests carried out.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Hi I'm new 

    ive just read through the whole thread jolamine you are so kind in responding to all the ladies I was wondering how you was doing? 
    I know this hasn't been active for around 3 months but I found a lump in my left breast around 5weeks ago and at first I put it down to period boobs but it didn't go so kept my eye on it it's still here it's hard doesn't move it's the size of a 20p coin it's not round or smooth  not painful i finally got seen by my gp yesterday and I've been referred she found the lump straight away and do a good check all over she is concerned she said it would be exactly what they would look for I also have discolouration she was lovely but matter of fact said this could be the big C and that we will absolutely deal with it my mind is racing I'm 34 with children I'm kicking myself for trying to convince my self that it would go it was only speaking to my best friend about it that she said I needed to go get it checked made me put down the phone and call the doctor really thought I would be told nothing to worry about here I'm just so on edge so yeah if you have got this far thanks for reading sorry for long post 

  • Hello, 

    just want too say your not alone, I am 38 and have 2 sons, there are lots of ladies on here who have felt or are feeling the same as you. 
     

    I didn't do anything about my lump for 6 weeks and the nurse said that would of made no difference so please don't worry, at least you have gone now and it can be sorted.

    take someone with you even if they stay in the car, I went alone and wished I had someone with me 

    Try not to let your mind run wild it could be nothing and if it is something it can be sorted. I'm a bit further on in my journey but if you need support after your results please let me know I may be able to help. 
     

    Much love and positive thoughts Sarah