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urgent breast lump referral downgraded, Scotland

josew
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I went to my GP 3 weeks ago with a large lump in my left breast.  I'm 49.  She made an urgent referall to the hospital immediately saying I should have heard something within a couple of weeks.  However, today, I called the Breast Clinic to see if there was any appointment as I still haven't heard and was told by the receptioninst that my urgent referral was downgraded to 'new routine' and an appointment would take longer than 12 weeks.  The receptionist advised me to call my GP and see if they could push it through.  I called the GP and she said for me to go back to see her on Thursday.  

I wasn't worrying because I thought I would  find out quickly, but the thought of not finding out until next year is overwhelming just now.  The lump is still there, still hard, still deep...

Has this  happened to anyone else?

Thanks.

Jo

  • Hello Josew
    I'm sorry to hear that you've found a lump but that the hospital have downgraded the referral. 
    I hope that your appointment with the GP is productive today. It could be something as simple as a missing piece of information from the referral form so hopefully they will be able to get things sorted for you quickly. 
    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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    Hi Jo,

    Welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear that your referral has been downgraded. Having had 2 bouts of breast cancer myself, I know how scary this waiting time is and, you certainly don't want to extend it to 12 weeks.

    I'm glad that you have an appointment to see your GP today and, hope that s/he can explain what has happened and why. Here's hoping that your appointment can be upgraded to urgent again.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks.  I went back to the doctor yesterday and she said she was furious.  It shouldn't have been downgraded, so she examined me again (lump still there) and sent the referral again, this time she said she would be 'strongly wording' it.  I'll just have to wait again.  I have a short time in the morning where I allow mysellf some worry time - as the night is turning to day...  Time drags when waiting though.  Thank you :)

    Jo x

  • Offline in reply to josew

     

    Hi Josew,

    I am so glad to hear that you have gone back to your GP and, that she has sent a strongly-worded referral this time.

    Here's hoping that the hospital will fit you in quickly when they get her referral.

    Keep in touch and let us know when your appointment comes through.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to josew

    Hi jo I am glad you got back to the doctors I hope your referal comes through quick for you. I am also from Scotland age 47 and have my appointment on Tuesday at the breast clinic. Keep us updated on how you get on. Can totally understand the emotional feelings you are going through. 

  • Offline in reply to Scottishwifie

    Thank you. I'll keep in touch definitely. I hope your appointment is good news Scottishwife. Xx

  • Offline in reply to josew

    Thanks hope you get good news as well.

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