Referred to breast clinic within 2 weeks

Hello, 

So 6 weeks ago I noticed a small red/bluish mark on my left breast. Since then it has grown to the size of a 10 pence piece and seems to be growing. It's slightly raised and looks a bit dimpled. 

Went and saw gp Friday just gone who also found a lump in the same spot so referred me there and then.

Was advised to use an anti fungal cream in the meantime to see if the mark was more on the surface however it hasn't seemed to of worked.

I get a slight ache on occasion under the left armpit and currently breastfeeding and it feels like a pulling sensation when feeding on that side. 

Reason for this post is to get similar stories and also what should I expect when at the breast appointment. 

Am 29 years old with a 10month old and 5 year old. 

I know it can be anything, it's just the waiting. 

  • Hi! 
    sounds like your handling things really well and doing the right thing and getting yourself checked. 
    I'm 25 and got diagnosed with breast cancer in mid July. Don't worry before you get any definite answers. I know it's easier said than done but I drove myself insane with the not knowing and the googling etc. 
    I had a rash under my armpit when I was diagnosed and I thought it was linked however it turns out it wasn't. So don't worry about that too much. 
    the doctors know what they're talking about. 
    message me if you need anything xx 

  • Hi Lucy

    Thank you for your reply. 

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. If you don't mind me asking what's the next step for you? 

    Received my appointment today which is on the 7th September so another 3 weeks yet, hope time goes quickly. 

    Did you know something just wasn't quite right? 

    Many thanks 

    X

  • Hi! 
     

    I went through the fertility process as I'm only 25 and have no children. My chemo can affect my fertility so I've been on injections for the last two weeks and today I had my eggs harvested and frozen. 
    I start my first round of chemo this Tuesday which is really nerve wracking but obviously needs to be done. It's been about 5 weeks now since I was diagnosed which seems a long time but it's gone so quick and I've had many tests etc so don't worry too much about timing, if they thought it was really serious etc I'm sure they're doing their best to sort it. 
     

    good luck with your appointment! Stay positive. 

    i had a gut feeling something was wrong but I didn't let it overwhelm me. Doesn't mean yours will be bad news, don't worry until you have a reason to xx 

  • Hi. I had a very strange large inflamed patch on my breast which has settled down but a surface lump remains. I saw a gp 2 weeks ago who said she wasn’t worried and that it would probably go away. However I began to get some pain in my breasts so again contacted my gp. She is now on 3 weeks leave so I had a telephone appmt with a male doctor who asked me to send photos (!). He phoned me back and somewhat bluntly said “it looks like breast cancer so I will refer you to the breast clinic”. To be honest he was almost flippant and I’m the type of person who just thinks he’s wrong (and he only saw a photo). Anyhoo waiting for the appmt to come through and will take it from there. 

     

    Im guessing we will get a mammogram and maybe a biopsy? I’m in my 60s and generally fit albeit a bit overweight. I’m single with a grown son and have decided not to talk to family and friends about it until I know what the outcome is. I’d hate to worry anyone unduly especially if it’s werks before I get the results. Maybe we can swap notes whoever gets seen first? 

  •  

    Hi Wilde,

    Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your symptoms. You will find that the staff at most breast clinics are extremely helpful and empathetic. When you arrive for your appointment your consultant will talk to you about your symptoms and then examine your breast.  They will usually also send you for an ultrasound. This is the same type of machine used to see baby whilst you are expecting and, there is no pain involved. Some people would also be given a mammogram, but this is unlikely to be used for you, because of your age. Your breasts are denser when you are younger, so it is too difficult to get a clear mammogram.

    You may then have a biopsy. This is done under local anaesthetic. A needle with a small clasp-type device at the tip is then inserted and, a small sample of breast tissue is then removed. Sometimes, a few of these samples are taken. These are then sent to be analysed and, it normally takes 1-2 weeks for the results of these tests come back. You will find this wait an anxious time and, are best to keep busy to try and distract yourself from the wait.

    You are obviously worried about this, but only 1 person in every 8 will get a cancer diagnosis. There are a number of other reasons for lumps, so here's hoping that all goes well for you.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • How did you find all of this? 

    Thank you for your reply, I used to work as a health are assistant on the chemotherapy department at my local hospital and if anything like there they are amazing at looking after you.

    Do you have a lot of support around you? 

    Did you get any results on the day when you had your appointment? 

    Thank you for the positivity, my oldest goes back to school soon and am keeping my mind occupied with the busy summer holidays. 

  • Hi Jolamine,

     

    Thank you for your response it has helped alot. I am on of this people where I need to know what is going to happen and when explaining things I like it in depth haha. 

     

    I am worried but not sure if it is down to this or my PTSD. In the last 5 years I have had sepsis 3 times the most recent was last year when I was 14weeks pregnant, I also had a traumatic birth with my second where both of us nearly didn't make it. I was having therapy and on medication then covid hit and the face to face therapy stopped. 

    I can deal with the tests and outcome ect. It's more the seeing the health care professionals due to previous experience. However so far they have been great. 

    Like most people and I also say to people it's the wait that is the worst. And like you said it can be anything. 

    I am sure the appointment will come round quickly and I will update on here. 

    Many thanks again for all your support

     

  •  

    Hi Lucy,

    I'm glad to hear that you have now had your eggs harvested anf frozen. Stage 1 over, now on to stage 2.

    I hope that all goes well with your chemo next week.

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

  •  

    Hi Martha,

    Welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear how you've been treated so far. As someone who has had 2 bouts of breast cancer, I can assure you that, if the worst comes to the worst and you do receive a positive diagnosis, it is all perfectly doable.

    You should get your clinic appointment within 2 weeks from the date of referral. At the clinic, you will probably have a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. After this you will have to wait 1-2 weeks for the results. This is always a worrying time. Just try to keep yourself busy to distract yourself from the wait.

    The majority of us don't tell family and friends until we receive a definite diagnosis, but once you have this, you will find that it is good to be able to talk about it.

    I hope that your appointment comes through soon and that all is well.

    Do please keep in touch. We are always here for you. 

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  •  

    Hi Wilde,

    It's no wonder you are worried, when you've had 3 bouts of sepsis so close together. I am sorry to hear about the problems that you had with the birth of your last baby, but am glad to hear that you've both pulled through.

    I look forward to hearing your results and, hope that iot is good news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx