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

Thank you lovely 

aw happy birthday I'm so sorry you are feeling like this it's truly emotional that is really good you no longer feel it but can understand why you still feel worried I hope you get seen really soon and it's also good news for you sending you a massive hug 

Hi Laurala,

This is fantastic news. I'm delighted for you.

Look after yourself and, stay well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi just let you know I had my breast clinic appointment tonight and got the all clear. Sending much love to you all xx

Hi Glasgowlassy,

More good news? This is really great. I hope that you can relax now and that all goes well for you from here on.

Kind regards,
Jolamine xx

Hi all,

I wanted to reply to this thread and I am going through the same thing. I'm 21 and found a lump in my right armpit and right side of my right breast. I have been referred to the Breast Clinic but my app. isn't until the 28th. I am freaking out... thinking the worst. I am also really nervous about the clinic as I hate hospitals and am scared of procedures like biopsies. 

Both lumps can be moved (i think?!) and are quite painful, but no bigger than 1-2cm. I have had problems with my lymph nodes in the past and it feels different to that. The lump in my armpit (weirdly) goes away when I lift my arm up, but when my arm is doing it is a pretty sizable lump. I had my covid booster a few weeks ago, but in my left arm, so I don't think that explains it. 

I was wondering if anyone had experiences of biopsies they could share? Does it always end in the biopsy? Given my age, I doubt they will do a mammogram, and I don't know how accurate ultrasounds are at ruling out cancerous lumps. Also, do you think I'll be able to have my partner with me for the appointments? I do not know the rules with covid, and I'm worried the waits in between tests will be unbearable without someone there. 

Sorry for this being so long. I just have so many questions!

Thanks, Bella. 

Hi Bella,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry that this is causing you. There is no need to worry about your visit to the breast clinic. you will find the staff there very pleasant, understanding and reassuring. You will first of all have a chat with your consultant about your symptoms. You will then be given a physical examination of your breasts. At this stage your consultant will decide whether or not you need any further tests. If you do, you are likely to get an ultrasound. 

This shows up any lumps, but it cannot detect whether or not it is cancerous.  This is why so many of us then have a biopsy. If you need a biopsy, you will be given a local anaesthetic, so you will hardly feel this being done. You then have 1-2 weeks to wait before you get the results of the biopsy. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. Most of these just need to be monitored, although some of the larger ones are draine or removed.

Whether or not you will be allowed to have your partner with you will depend on your hospital. Phone the department and ask,  as this seems to vary around the country. Most hospitals allow your partner when they are giving you test results, but not usually before. Only 1 person in every 8 who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis and, the younger you are, the less likely this is to happen.

I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for you on 28th. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you for the kind words. I feel a bit in the dark with my appointment if I'm honest. I rang today to ask if I should have received a letter by now and they said my appointment has been moved back three days. I know it is only three days but it seems like forever. Hopefully I'll get a last-minute cancellation appointment. 

Thanks, Bella xx 

Hi Bella,

You should receive a letter within 2 weeks from the date of your referral, although some appointments are taking a little longer due to Covid. Did you ask them to give you a phone if they get a cancellation? It is often worth doing this, as the wait does seem to last forever. Did you also ask whether or not you could bring your partner with you? I do hope so.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Bella, I'm also waiting having been referred to a breast clinic today. I feel scared and anxious and worried. My mind won't stop thinking negative thoughts and I keep trying to switch it back to positive stuff & not overthink or worry too much...but it's straight back again 2 mins later. 
I'm 45 and a single mum. I'm petrified what the news might be. 
I don't have a lump as such, I have horrific pain and swelling in one breast. I feel like something is squeezing my breast tight & the pressure is awful. It feels all hot and cold at the same time too. 
I know hospitals are under a lot of pressure right now with staff off isolating/unwell etc but let's hope we both get seen soon. I've been told the clinic near me is a "one stop" place and I'm likely to have any tests needed done the same day...

good luck x

Hi Bella,

When I had my lump the doctor told me if it was movable it was a good sign. At the hospital I had a biopsy and I was really shocked as didn't expect it. For me that was the worst part as I wasn't mentally prepared for it. The biopsy itself was very quick and it made a clicking sound almost like a staple gun sound, the nurse was lovely and had a chat with me after saying she thought it could be a fibrodemena which is harmless, but I had to wait 2 weeks for biopsy result. I had a bit of bruising for a few days and thankfully my result confirmed it was a fibrodemena. While a biopsy isnt pleasant it can hopefully but your mind at rest and get all the worrying over as its constantly on your mind isnt it. Good luck with your appointment.

Hi Bella,

When I had my lump the doctor told me if it was movable it was a good sign. At the hospital I had a biopsy and I was really shocked as didn't expect it. For me that was the worst part as I wasn't mentally prepared for it. The biopsy itself was very quick and it made a clicking sound almost like a staple gun sound, the nurse was lovely and had a chat with me after saying she thought it could be a fibrodemena which is harmless, but I had to wait 2 weeks for biopsy result. I had a bit of bruising for a few days and thankfully my result confirmed it was a fibrodemena. While a biopsy isnt pleasant it can hopefully but your mind at rest and get all the worrying over as its constantly on your mind isnt it. Good luck with your appointment.

Hi Mrs Hutch,

I am delighted to hear that you got good news eventually. It is always good to get this and to pass it on to others on the forum, who are struggling with the wait to be seen. 

Kind regards,

Jolmine xx

Hi Jolmine and others,

I hope everyone is ok. I have got covid! so had to push back the appointment by another week - it is now the 7th Feb. I have come to the conclusion that the lump under my armpit is my lymph nodes as the same lump has appeared under my left armpit. I do not know whether this should calm me down, or scare me. Still a long wait for me :( 

Hope everyone else is doing ok.

Best, Bella 

Hi Bella,

I am so sorry toear about the Covid and hope that it hasn't been too severe.It is disappointing that you had to reschedule your appointment as a result of this, but 7th Feb is not that far away.

Have you asked if you can bring your partner along?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi everyone

I found a lump in my right breast Saturday night, went to the Nurse today and have been referred on an non urgent referral due to being 26. 
I have 2 young children and feel sick thinking about the appointment, as you all have experienced I can't stop thinking about the what if's. 
I'm so glad I found this forum to have similar people to talk to who have been through this. 
Now the agonising wait begins. 

HI Emmal2309,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you hae found a lump, but I'm glad to hear that you have got it seen to quickly. It is a good sign that the nurse has referred you under a non-urgent pathway. If I were you, I'd be a lot more worried if she had insisted on an urgent pathway. Not all breast  lumps are cancerous, especially in younger people. It is a fact that only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Many lumps turn out to be benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes.

It is difficult to remain calm at this stage. We all tend to give rein to our imaginations and it is perfectly normal to fear the worst - fortunately this seldom happens. Breast cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer nowadays. I myself, have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

Try to remind yourself that "it isn't cancer until you're told that it's cancer". Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine

You have reassured me a lot, unfortunately under 30 I dont think they do urgent referrals from what the nurse said. I'm hoping I get my appointment date soon even if its weeks away, just so I then have a date I know I'm going to be checked. 
Will keep you updated 

Emma

Hi Emma,

Some young people can find it difficult to get a referral at all and really have to push to get one. However, anyone can be referred under the urgent pathway. I hope that you don't have to wait too long before you get an appointment. Do you know what hospital you've been referred to? If it's taking too long, perhaps you could phone them and see where you are on the list. It usually takes two weeks from the date of referral to get an urgent referral, so perhaps you could contact them after 3 weeks?

I look forward to hearing how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello everyone. 
 

sorry to jump onto this post, I read through the entire thread and everyone seems so helpful and even better is that everyone understands what we are all going through here. 
 

I am 27 almost 28. For the last couple of months I've had spots all over my right breast and collarbone pain, I ignored it and just thought I'd strained it and my breast was irritated by like washing powder or something. Then on Sunday my right breast felt weird and I had noticed that my nipple had completely inverted and this had never happened before, my breast is also looking a lot bigger. I made an appointment with my gp and she saw me immediately. She said my nipple definitely looked weird and felt a mass in my right breast, there's also a purple spot under my breast too, which I hadn't noticed with the rash. The pain is now through my collarbone, armpit and breast, but idk if my anxiety is making it worse. 
 

due to covid and living in London the soonest I can be seen is February 24th! I don't know how I'm going to last another month of worrying! 

Hi Graceybaby,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry that they are causing you. It is unfortunate that you  are having to wait so long to be seen, as this is always an anxious time. It might be worth phoning your consultant's secretary to say that you are happy to accept any cancellations that arise, as this sometimes gets you seen a bit sooner.

It is unusual to have breast pain with breast cancer, so here's hoping that this rash is more of an allergic reaction to something. Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, hormonal or fibrous changes. The younger you are, the less likely you are to have cancer. It is also a fact that out of every 8 people who attend the breast clinic, only 1 will get a cancer diagnosis.

Anxiety at this stage, can often make our symptoms appear worse. I do hope that you manage to get an earlier appointment. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello, 

Thank-you so much for getting back to me and easing my worries! It turned out the pains were just anxiety. I've started doing yoga and long walks to help keep my mind off of it. I think the unknown is always the scariest part. I've checked in with the hospitals and was told the other London hospitals all have the same waiting time and if a cancellation comes up they will give me a call! So fingers crossed! 
 

I hope you have a lovely weekend and I will let you know if anything happens 

Grace xx