I could have written this myself. 
I noticed a lump while showering but honestly I'm really prone to cysts so didn't think much of it. Couple of weeks later it's still there do I went to the doctor yesterday and I got my referral appointment today. I don't really have anyone to chat to about my worries. My husband is great but my best friend had cancer and I feel like I don't want to upset her. 
I'm also really anxious to speak to my boss as I'm due in work when my appointment is

Hi KTTurner,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you find yourself in this unenviable situation too. You have done the right thing in getting this investigated. When is your breast clinic appointment for? Hopefully, if you are  prone to cysts, this is just another one.

Theres always someone here who knows the agonies you are going through, as they have experienced them for themselves, so don't hesitate to chat about your worries. It sounds as if you are doing what we all tend to do and trying to deal with everything at once. Try to cope with one problem at a time - you'll find that enough to manage at the moment. 

It is a known fact that only 1 person in ever 8 referred to the breast clinic will receive a cancer diagnosis, so here's hoping that you'll be one of the lucky ones. Please keep in touch and let uknow how you get on. 

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you so much for your reply and advice. I really appreciate it. I'm taking solace in the fact that it's very soft, squishy and moves around.. but I keep swinging between emotions. 

I'm also worrying as I have no idea how long it's been there, you really have to press quite firmly to feel it as it's not obvious. So I keep panicking that it's been there ages and I've not realised. 

Louise X 

Hi  Louise,

I am not a doctor but the way that you've described the lump sounds hopeful. It is only natural for you to swing between emotions - most of us do this. If you are finding it difficult to locate the lump, this also sounds hopeful that you have caught it early, so try not to give too much rein to your imagination.

Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I just wanted to update the thread incase it helps someone in the future. My lump is a cyst, so relieved. Apparently I have a few of them and didn't know it. Really glad I got it checked out though. The one I can feel is small at 7mm so they said they would leave it and if it gets bigger in the future or causes issues they can then drain it. Relief is not the word! 

Louise X 

Hi Louise,

Thank you for the update. I am absolutely delighted to hear that you are cancer free and that your lump is just some small benign cysts. I am sure that you feel mightily relieved.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much x 

Hi

I had been experiencing pain in my left boob/ nipple for a couple of weeks when I finally got a gp app.

There is also a lump in my armpit which is also quite painful when touched.

She said she would refer but it will take months to get seen ? I'm only 28 with 2 kids. My youngest being 7 months and I am so scared and anxious and now to have to wait months for an app.

Has anyone went private. I have been googling private places but most won't see under 40.

So scared and stressed 

Hi Miss Livi,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about the wait that you're having to be seen at the breast clinic. Younger people often have problems in getting referred in the first place, because they are less likely to have cancer. Most people are referred under the ugrent 2 week pathway. It sounds as if your GP hasn't done this and that yours is just a regular referral, which can take some time. 

Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, hormonal or fibrous changes. It is a fact that only 1 person in every 8 who do attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. You can sometimes get your first appointment sooner by going private, but there can then be a delay in getting back to the NHS for treatment if needed. You are quite likely to see the same surgeon in the private as well as the NHS setting.  Why don't you phone your GP and ask if she can refer you under the 2 week pathway?

If you know which consultant she has referred you to, you could also phone their secretary and say that you are willing to take a cancellation. The hospital switchboard will put you through if you don't have the telephone number..

I know that this is a worrying time. Try to keep yourself busy during this wait - it helps to make the time pass a little quicker.

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

I called this morning to find out my referral just got done on Friday 4 weeks after my initial app.

Beyond angry with the Dr and very stressed now even more. 

She gave me rhe hospital contact which would be the one I would be going too .

Called the hospital and they said it will be a few months as it is so busy.

Hard not to worry when got 2 young kids and on mat leave so spend days at home and find myself crying qlot while my oldest is at school xx

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear of the delay in sending your referral - this is unacceptable. I am glad to hear that you called the hospital, even if they didn't give you any good news about waiting times. Did you ask them to put you on the cancellation list? This can  be helpful in getting you seen sooner, as a number of patients are cancelling due to having Covid.

Don't worry about crying so much. Most of us find ourselves in the same situation whilst waiting.  Crying a lot is not such a bad thing, as it helps to relieve some of the tension you are under. You will find it easier to cope once you get a diagnosis and know what you are dealing with.

Kind regards,

JOlamine xx

Just wanted to say hello. Had a lump on my right breast that I noticed about 3 weeks ago, doctor told me to come back today after my holiday. I did and it's still there. The day after I had my original appt I went to the dentist and found out I had an infection and needed emergency root canal. I could only have the first appt because I was going on holiday and had a load of antibiotics. I only got back from holiday yesterday and had doctors today. She's referred me to the breast clinic but I have raging tooth ache and need to get myself back to the dentist. Could it be possible that the lump could be caused by the tooth infection? 
 

I have my breast clinic appt in 2 weeks today and as expected I'm freaking even though the doctor was clear that she thought it would be ok: I'm due to start ivf meds 3 days before the clinic appt and she told me to start them as expected. 
 

I know no one has an answers and this wait is horrible but I am just venting a bit 

Just wanted to say hello. Had a lump on my right breast that I noticed about 3 weeks ago, doctor told me to come back today after my holiday. I did and it's still there. The day after I had my original appt I went to the dentist and found out I had an infection and needed emergency root canal. I could only have the first appt because I was going on holiday and had a load of antibiotics. I only got back from holiday yesterday and had doctors today. She's referred me to the breast clinic but I have raging tooth ache and need to get myself back to the dentist. Could it be possible that the lump could be caused by the tooth infection? 
 

I have my breast clinic appt in 2 weeks today and as expected I'm freaking even though the doctor was clear that she thought it would be ok: I'm due to start ivf meds 3 days before the clinic appt and she told me to start them as expected. 
 

I know no one has an answers and this wait is horrible but I am just venting a bit