Cancer Research UK main site

6 months postpartum breast cancer scare

Gskl
Offline

I found a lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago, saw my gp last week, she examined me and then told me she’s referring me to 2ww. She told me she was referring me mainly because I’m 6 months postpartum and so she’s being cautious because pregnant and postpartum bodies grow all sorts of things. I’m still breastfeeding and I guess I’m just nervous about it. I haven’t got my appointment yet, hoping I’ll hear tomorrow, but can anyone give me some idea of what to expect and how long it might take? I also don’t know whether to take my baby with me, he can be bottle fed with expressed milk if needed but I’m also nervous about going by myself if I leave him at home with my husband.

Any advice very welcomed!

  • Offline

     

    HI Gski,

    Welcome to our forum. It is not unusual for post-partum mums to have problems with their breasts, but I'm glad to hear that you are getting them checked out.

    You will normally get your appointment within 2 weeks. There are three main tests carried out at your first appointment. Your consultant will talk to you about your lump, examine you and then send you for a mammogram, ultrasound and/or a biopsy. Chances are that, because of your age, s/he may not bother with the mastectomy. The length of your appointment can vary, depending on the number and type of tests carried out, but can take up to 3 hours. You will then have to return 1-2 weeks later for the results of these tests. 

    I don't know what the protocols are in your area. In mine,babies are not welcomed, as the focus is all on you for a change. Do you have anyone else who could either look after your baby or accompany you to your appointment? It is always a good idea to take someone with you to all of your appointments if possible, but especially if you are expecting to get results. It is also helpful to draw up a list of questions before each appointment, as it is all too easy to forget to ask some important ones at the time of your consultation.

    There are many different reasons for lumps in your breasts, not all of them sinister. Out of every 10 people referred to the breast clinic, only 1 will have cancer. Here's hoping that you are one of the lucky ones.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine,

    Thank you so much for your reply. I’m trying to not think about it too much as it just makes me more anxious but it’s comforting know what what to expect in terms of tests and also to know it could easily be something other than cancer. Fingers crossed I get the appointment soon just so it’s over and done with and I know what I’m dealing with.

    When they call about the appointment I’ll make sure to ask about whether I can bring my baby or not. I can imagine that, although he’s a very good boy,  a baby  might not be something other people would want around in a time of stress. I don’t have any other family here so I guess I’ll leave him with my husband and go by myself. From what I read on the discussion boards the nurses and doctors are all very supportive so I’m sure I’ll be fine. But I will make sure to take pen and paper and a list of. questions along as you suggest, my memory is bad at the best of times.

     

    Thanks again! I’ll let you know how I get on

    Laura x

  • Offline in reply to Gskl

    im in a similar situation. my daughter has just turnt one and ive just been referred to breast clinic due to a lump. im still breastfeeding so not sure if its milk ducts or something else. hope you get on ok  and dont have to wait to long to hear about an appointment 

  • Offline in reply to moomin86

    Hi, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through it too! I’ve just received notification of my apt, it’ll be next Thursday so feel good that there’s the next step done and now just need to do the tests. Hope you’re looking after yourself and you get your appointment soon as well.

  • Offline in reply to Gskl

    Hi Gskl,

    I'm delighted to hear that you now have your appointment through and don't have too long to wait. There should be a number for your consultant's secretary on the letter. Feel free to phone her and see what the linic's policy is on bringing your son along.

    If your hubby has to stay at home to look after him, do you have a work colleague or friend who you could bring along with you when you get your results?

    I hope that all turns out well for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to moomin86

     

    Hi Moomin,

    I'm sorry to hear that you are in a similar position. I am not a doctor, but, from what I've read here over the years, there seem to be a number of other things that could be causing your problems, some of them quite easy to treat.

    I hope that your appointment comes through soon and that it turns out to be ok.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.