Breast clinic appt next weds

Hi all,

Just had a call from the breast clinic following my GP appt on Friday and been booked in for next Wednesday (27th May) at 9.10am. Scary! 

I'm pretty sure it's invasive ductal carcinoma. There's a central lump which is bumpy and has drawn the nipple in. The GP shook her head when I asked if it was benign and said it's too suspicious - the location, shape and effects are pretty classic. It's more a question of determining which stage it's at. The lump is around 4cms I think (give or take a cm, it's so hard to tell. It's big, anyway).

Of course I've been trying to convince myself that it could still be benign, and of course that would be great! But realistically it's unlikely. The GP couldn't find any lumps in my lymph nodes so fingers crossed it's just at stage 2.

Just posting as it's all I can think about, but I can't talk about it constantly! So writing about it helps a bit. The next couple of weeks will be a rollercoaster I'm sure!!

Good luck to everyone else who's waiting xx

  • Hi all,

    My left breast is clear but the lump in my right breast is cancerous and I'll have to have a mastectomy. Not looking forward to that! On the plus side it's slow growing and there's no sign of it spreading to my lymph nodes so that's good. I think they're going to give me hormone treatment. I won't know about chemo until after the mastectomy when they'll do further tests, but there's a chance I might not need it, fingers crossed!

    Thank you for all your support xxx

  • Hi. Im like you. Im waiting for a breast clinic appointment, urgent referral. I can't think of anything else apart from cancer and dying. I don't want to but im a worrier. Im constantly seeking reassurance but it gets my family down. Sorry to hear you're going through this ordeal too. I hope your appointment goes well

  • Hi Amy,

    I'm sure you'll find lots of support on here from people who understand how hard it can be to cope with the fear and anxiety when you're waiting for a referral/results. Family and friends can find it difficult to give constant reassurances so you've come to the right place!

    I'm sure you know that about 80% of urgent referrals turn out to be non cancerous, but it doesn't stop the fear that you could be in the 20%. There again most breast cancers are highly treatable - I'm counting myself lucky because although I've had a cancer diagnosis, it's slow growing and not very aggressive. My biggest fear was that it might have spread, but there's no sign of that so I'm really relieved about that!

    There are lots of positive stories on here so try to focus on some of them, and also don't hesitate to share your fears on here where you'll find lots of support. Keep me updated and good luck with your referral xx

  • Thanks for your reply. I left talking to the dr for 3 to weeks. I was hoping it might be mastitis or hormonal. Theres no lump (i think) in my breast. It feels hard and my nipple is more inverted and ive got a dent at the bottom of my breast. Im trying to not think too far ahead, but the dr said my symptons sound suspious so im think the worst. I think if its cancer and its treatable i can focus on that but im so scared ive left it too late

  • When my nipple first became inverted I dismissed it because I'd just had a period of rapid weight loss due to stress and that can be a cause. That was over a year ago, and it's still only stage 1 to 2. I'm sure that a delay of just 3 weeks won't make a huge difference especially as you can't feel a lump. Once your GP refers you things move pretty quickly so 3 weeks isn't a long delay xx

  • Hi Evie, 

    Sorry to hear it's cancer, but I know you were pretty much expecting that. That's great news though that it's slow-growing and hasn't spread. Hopefully you can relax a little now, knowing where you stand. Fingers crossed that you don't need chemo, but I get the impression that you are a strong person with a great mental attitude so you will be able to deal with whatever lies ahead. Lots of love x

  • Thank you hun. I'm trying to focus on the positives and it could have been worse, in a way I feel I've got off lightly!

    Hope your nipple has fully healed now and you're enjoying your time with your baby boy :) xxx