Waiting for breast clinic

When I was getting undressed on Wednesday evening I noticed a pain/ache in my right breast, I woke up multiple times during the night due to the discomfort, Thursday morning I got up and my right breast was swollen, different colour around the aerola/nipple.

I saw the GP on Friday and upon examination she said there was a lump around 3-4cm in size, she has put me on a course of antibiotics but also referred me to the breast clinic under the 2 week rule.

 

I have had a few lumps in both my armpits since January, I did the the nurse in March but she told me it was due to ingrown hairs! Antibiotics at that point didn't help either.

The GP said yesterday that there is still a lump in my armpit too.

 

Due to the swelling in my breast I have found its putting a lot of pressure on my chest, leaving me breathless, my nipple itself is really itchy.

I am 36 years old but had a total hysterectomy in October last year and have been on Tibolone ever since.

The lump is running underneath my nipple too, I have been trying to find information online that points to it NOT being IBC but whenever I put my symptoms in, it's coming back with hits about IBC

  • Hi Debbie

    The 2week rule is England and I live in Wales where it's 3. Unfortunately I've waited almost 5 weeks for my appointment which is this Thursday. Covid has lengthened the waiting time.

    I too found a lump a couple of months ago. I was also given a course of antibiotics which didn't work. Whilst I've been waiting my breast has swollen dramatically, the skin has thickened and looks like orange peel and my nipple has inverted. I also have a lot of pain, heat and darkening of the breast. My symptoms come up with IBC too and I'm terrified that the delay in being seen will lead to a stage 4 diagnosis. 

    I know that a biopsy will be done at my appointment on Thursday but that also means another 2week wait for results. I'm so frightened and frustrated. I do hope that you're seen promptly and fingers crossed for both of us that it's a benign lump. Take care, B x

  • Hi,
    I have my appointment tomorrow - have had pain in breast for while and more recently noticed retracted nipple but... well, Covid and not wanting to go to dr. I put pain down to peri-menopause but knew had to do something as wasn't sleeping for worry. 
    GP lovely and referred me to clinic.  
    Not looking forward to it but it is what it is. Am absolutely terrified what tomorrow might bring :(
    K

  • Hello, I'm sorry you have had to wait so long. When I had my biopsy the breast care nurses told me straightaway. I had IDC and an op and the treatment. Here's hoping yours is benign. Try not to let your mind runaway with you. Mine was grade 2 and the early treatment prevented it from spreading further. Once you know what you're dealing with it will be easier.

    Best wishes

    Silver 

     

  • Thanks Silver

    I was convinced that the not knowing was worse but now it's almost Thu I'm scared of going. Mad I know. 

    I hope you're on the road to recovery and have kicked cancer in the butt.

    Bx

  • Good luck today. Let us know how you get on.

    Bx