Hi Rach8653.

I hope you've managed to get somewhere finding out about your appointment date. I'm in a similar boat to you really (visited the GP on 4th May about a lump in my breast after waiting a month on their advice to see if it went down after my period, received a letter on 11th May stating I was on the waiting list for the Breast Clinic and now nothing since). I'm 29 and have no family history of breast cancer so the GP said she's referring me as a non-urgent case (although I do turn 30 at the end of this month). I tried ringing my GP this morning to see how I could go about contacting the breast clinic as there is no number on the waiting list letter I received and they didn't know who to contact either so suggested contacting the hospital switchboard and asking to be put through to someone in the breast clinic department. I'm based in Cardiff and so was just wondering whether you went down this route and whether you were successful in managing to get through to the clinic and finding out about whether waiting times have been further delayed due to COVID 19? 

Thanks very much x

Hi EmH90

So sorry you are going through the anxious wait of a breast clinic appointment, it's not nice at all is it. I now have an appointment on Thursday 18th May, whcih will make it 4 weeks from my GP appointment to the referral. I was told id be expected to be seen within 2 weeks however due to COVID that seems to have doubled the wait time. The 2 weeks wait was for urgent appointments i have been told and mine was urgent due to a strong family history and the fact that I am over 30. 

In the end i contacted my GP again and she told me to call the booking line to see if an appointment has been made. I am in Port Talbot so I contacted the relevant bookings number and they told me the date and time as it was in their system. I finally had a letter yesterday. 

I had a look online so worth giving a try and asking if an appointment has been made as it may have been and a letter may not have yet been sent, just like my situation. On the pgone they told where the appontment would be too so they had all the info. 

It's a horrible time is't it, especially as the wait times have increased.  

I do really hope you have some luck as even knowing  my appointment was made put my mind at ease. Let me know how you get on x

Hi Rach8653,

Thanks for replying, Rach8653. I'm so glad you've been able to get through to the booking number and finally have an appointment date. I completely agree that having a date in mind would help ease the worry somewhat as it's something to work towards. I think the current situation is exacerbating the worry too as there are no distractions in the house!

It's so kind of you to take the time to find that out for me - thank you. I will definitely give them a call and let you know how I get on. All th best for your appointment, too. x

Unfortunately Rach8653 they've just told me that as I'm not classed as an urgent referral, I'm looking at a 5 month waiting time and that December referrals are only now being seen. I suppose at least I know now and won't be waiting to receive a letter every day. Really hope all goes well for you and thanks again for providing me with the contact number - much appreciated!  Take care x

My referral was delayed for 5 months during the covid period. I was classed as an none urgent case and I would be seen after covid. I went back to the doctors several times due to my anxiety with the wait . I was finally was seen in July when I complained. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have just had a mastectomy and the tumour was 12cm. I urge anyone to go back to the doctors if they are concerned. Good luck with everything. 

My referral was delayed for 5 months during the covid period. I was classed as an none urgent case and I would be seen after covid. I went back to the doctors several times due to my anxiety with the wait . I was finally was seen in July when I complained. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have just had a mastectomy and the tumour was 12cm. I urge anyone to go back to the doctors if they are concerned. Good luck with everything. 

I'm really sorry to hear that @Sam789. You are definitely right to say that it's worth going back to the doctors. I hope you are on the road to recovery now. 

I've now been seen and thankfully it was nothing to worry about - just lumpy tissue. Thank you for your good wishes though and I wish all the best for you with your recovery. 

Hi if you don't mind me asking how old were you when you were reffered? As i'm in a similar boat to you were but because i'm 19 i'm facing a longer wait so wanted to compare it with yours. 

Hi, 

I was 33 when I discovered my lump. The wait would have been a lot longer if I didn't persist, my GP surgery advised I wouldn't have been seen until 2021. I complained offically to the NHS and my complaint was upheld and they advised I should have been seen within two weeks. The GP surgery got some learning outcomes, it didn't really make me feel any better but least they will think twice about referring someone. I am so glad I did listen to my body and perservered as I may not have  been so lucky. I am now over a year clear of the big C. 

 If you are concerned I would advise going back. Check to see if there are any changes to your lump/ breast , my nipple turned inward and the lump felt like it got bigger but that may have been in my head. Report any new changes even if you think it's only a slight change. I hope you don't have a long wait, that really is the hardest part. And  Remember most lumps are nothing to worry about. Take care x