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How long is wait for breast clinic referral appointment?

Rubyred16
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I felt a lump in my left breast about 10 days ago and had my GP appointment yesterday.  The GP confirmed there was definitely a lump there and has referred me to get a mammogram.  She said not to worry and it was just because I ticked a few boxes in terms of my age (it is a new lump, I’m in early 40s, never had lumps before - even pre-menstrual).  She said the clinic would probably say silly GP doing a referral but she didn’t want anything to be missed.  So I didn’t get the absolute reassurance that it was nothing to worry about.  But I’d still worry even if she’d said it was 99% ok!  

Anyway my main question is, with it being so close to Christmas and New Year how quickly am I likely to get an appointment?  My GP said it would be within 2 weeks but I live in Scotland (east of Scotland) and I know there are not the same 2 week guidelines that England have.  I’ve not told my husband about the lump and I don’t plan to until I get my appointment date as I don’t want to spoil his (and my kid’s) Christmas, especially as he’s a big worrier about even silly little things in life!  

Anybody with experience of wait times in east if Scotland would be great.  

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    Hi I am in North East Scotland. I went to the doctor on 11th of November found lump on right breast. I got my breast clinic appointment letter in the post on the 16th of November and my appointment was on the 26th of November which is just over the 2 weeks from seeing the GP. After a mammogram ultrasound and fine needle aspiration i was diagnosed with a benign fibroadenoma. Because of my age 47 I am getting a core needle biopsy done on the 8th of Jan just to double check the diagnosis which is good they are being thorough. After the biopsy in January I will get the results in 2 weeks. Hope this helps. The waiting is the worse, try and keep busy. There might be a delay due to holidays. I told my husband after I had gone to the GP and told kids and parents the evening before I went to the breast clinic. I know exactly how you feel about not wanting to worry family and friends. But I did feel better after telling them about the clinic appointment as I could share my feelings and worries. This forum has been fantastic so many lovely caring people hope all goes well thinking of you keep us updated how you get on. Hope you don't have to wait too long.

  • Offline in reply to Scottishwifie

    Hiya! I'm in Dunfermline, my referral appointment only took about a week so hopefully you won't have too long of a wait.

    it is reassuring what the go has said as mine was pretty much the opposite. "Keep your whole day free as they will want to do a biopsy and scans". Needless to say I left that appointment a little upset lol.

    My local clinic was at the hospital that has a one stop clinic so once I had seen the consultant I was sent round for a scan and mammogram then back a couple hours later for a biopsy xxx

  • Offline in reply to Scottishwifie

    Hi, thanks for the very kind reply and for the update about you’re waiting time.  I’m thinking I’ll be near the 3 week mark for any appointment what with the public holidays.  Christmas is a double edge sword really.  It’s hard to enjoy everything going on but equally it’s a busy time so it’s a good distraction too.  I’m feeling ok about it overall though as I’ve managed to convince myself my lump is getting smaller! Maybe just in my head but the thought is keeping me calm!

    Thank you so much once again and I hope all goes well for your next appointment and beyond that in 2020. 

    Cx

  • Offline in reply to Lesleys

    Thanks for taking the time to pass on your experiences so far.  I really hope it’s a one stop clinic that I go to, so that if I need more than the mammogram then it’s all done in one day.  I’m half thinking my lump is hormone related and is party of my cycle.  I’ve not had lumps during my cycle before but the timing of it would match that.  Especially as it seemed to appear quite suddenly and I don’t think that’s true of any serious lumps.  AnywT either time will tell orcmy appointment will!  I just want my letter through now so I can plan ahead and book time off work if needed.  I think then it’ll feel more real again as at the moment it’s a wee bit surreal - especially with everyone around me so excited for Christmas.  But at least I have that and my wee kids to distract me.  I’m just enjoying every last second of them at the moment.  

     

    Thanks again for your support and I hope the outcome of your appointment was a positive one.  Cx

  • Offline in reply to Lesleys

    Hi there how are you doing now? Can you tell me how long your biopsy results took to come through. This is day 11 and still not heard anything yet. X 

  • Offline in reply to sugarg

    You should hear from them within 2 weeks if you don't contact the clinic xx

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