Hi,

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear about the bother you're having with your breast. If there has been no improvement since your GP put you on to antibiotics, there should be no 'if you go back', but 'when you go back'.  You need to go back and see her as soon as possible.

Chances are that she will refer you to the breast clinic. This is usually carried out within a 2 week time scale and referred to as an 'emergency referral'. Don't let the title scare you. Most of us are referred in this way, so that we can catch anything untoward as soon as possible, which gives us all a better chance of fighting the disease.

There are usually 3 main tests carried out at the first appointment - a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy. You then have a wait of 1-2 weeks to get the results of your biopsy. It is only then that we get to find out whether or not there is any cancer present and, what type and grade it is.

In general, only 1 person in 10 referred to the breast clinic will get a positive diagnosis, so there is a good chance that you will be ok.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi.

thank you for your reply- sorry I worded it wrong. I have an appointment booked the day my antibiotics finish so will most definitely be going. I’m just so worried Incase they don’t work. :( 

Hi,

Try not to panic. If there is an infection present, it may take a couple of courses of antibiotics to clear it completely and, worrying won't make it disappear any quicker.

I am glad to hear that you have an appointment already made for the day you finish your antibiotics. The lymph nodes can swell up due to infection. Sometimes they settle down again, but it is not unheard of for them to remain swollen, without being cancerous.

I sincerely hope that your lumps are fibro cysts and that nothing sinister is found.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you. I’ve been referred to the breast clinic. The full ness and lumps haven’t went down with the antibiotics. Doctor said she doesn’t think it’s serious. Maybe just a bad infection or fibrocysts. Still very nervous  

Hi,

I'm glad to hear that you have been referred to the Breast Clinic just to make sure. You'll usually get your appointment within 2 weeks.

Once there your consultant will discuss your findings, give you a physical examination and do some tests. Waiting for the results is another worrying time and, most of us manage to convince ourselves during this time that we are looking at the worst case scenario. Fortunately, this seldom turns out to be the case.

Just remember that worrying doesn't change the outcome, so do your best to keep busy to distract yourself from the wait. Try to avoid consulting Dr Google, as much of the information is out of date, poorly researched and downright scaremongering. If you must consult the internet, stick to reputable sites, like this one.

Do you have someone you can take with you to your appointments? It is usually a good idea to do this, especially when you are going to get any results. It is also helpful to draw up a list of questions for your consultant before each appointment. These will change from one appointment to the next, as you get to know more about your condition. I usually ring my hubby. I give him a duplicate list of my questions and he writes down the answers as I ask the questions. This sounds crazy I know, but it is all too easy to forget iimportant questions and answers in the heat of the moment.

Do please let me know when you get your date through, and I sincerely hope that your GP is right and there is nothing untoward to be found. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

Found lump left breast which was red to the skin slight brushing on breast as well very painful I been taking strong antibiotics but lump remains???

Hi KitKat,

Welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear that you have found a  lump. How long have you been taking the antibiotics for? You may just need another course, so please go back to see your GP again. If your GP is at all suspicious, he will refer you to the breast clinic for further investigation.

It is unusual to have pain in the breast with cancer, so here's hoping that there is a simpler solution.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,
Jolamine xx

Hi Kitkat,

I'm glad to hear that you have been referred, but sincerely hope that they don't find anything untoward.

Only 1 person out of every 8 referred will get a positive diagnosis, so here's hoping that you have nothing to worry about. Have you been given an appointment yet, or are you still waiting?

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi there I was wondering how you got on with your problem? I hope you don't mind me asking but I'm the exact same. Swelling in armpit. Hard breast. On and off pain. Antibiotics haven't helped at all x