Waiting for a breast clinic appointment during COVID

Hi everyone, 

I've never posted on anywhere like this - but I feel like I'm going out of my mind and need somewhere to let it all out! 
 

On 30th December I found a lump on my right breast, quite large (in my opinion) can be found very easily with my fingers and feels hard and doesn't really move significantly. 
 

I went to the doctors on NYE and she was brilliant - said it would more than likely be a cyst but put me through for an urgent referral and definitely mentioned cancer - but I was so petrified I didn't take much of it in. 
 

I was hoping people might be able to help with how long I will be waiting for an appointment, particularly as we are in a pandemic! It has been three days but this includes a bank holiday and two weekend days, so I don't think these days will count within the two week period? 
 

does anyone also know if i would be able to take anyone with me to the appointment, and if there's any benefit in contacting the Breast clinic directly? 
 

I feel like I'm losing my mind, I've barely had a minutes respite in the last few days and it's completely ruined the start of my new year. Any advice/tips/support would be greatly appreciated. 
 

ive also been experiencing some pain, and both of my breasts feel harder/more tender/bigger than normal. I am constantly feeling the lump and I'm fairly convinced there are several other smaller lumps. Am I doing any damage by poking it/feeling it? Is it likely that my pain is psychological? 
 

thank you! 

  • Hi thought I would reply. I had a urgent referral because of bloods being raised. I got a phone call few days after the gp did it to ask to come for ultrasound. Then a letter followed . U most likely will hear about appointment tomorrow or very soon. I know it's while hard waiting and worrying. But it could be a cyst. My friend found a lump and had all the checks and turn out to be a cyst. She now keeps getting them and has them drained. Even with covid when there's an urgent referral and there so quick. Which is good. Dosen always mean anything bad. Hope u get one soon 

  • Hi!

    there is something called the 2 week wait, suspected cancer needs to be seen to at the breast unit within 2 weeks. Have a look at the current statistics at your local hospital! I went on a Monday, and it was 2 weeks later on the Wednesday I got seen. Had an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy currently waiting for results. 
     

    I don't think you can take anyone to the appointment due to Covid, however I was told I can bring someone when I get my results. 
     

    feel free to add me on here and drop me a message! My lump is also on my right boob, feels so big but was measured at 1.7cm on the ultrasound! X

  • Thank you! Fingers crossed I hear soon! Appreciate the message x

  • Thank you for the message! How soon did you hear about your appointment, and did it come via letter? 

    how was your appointment? Fingers crossed you get the results you want and it's all fine! Did they give you a suspicion of what they thought it was? 

    thank you! I have no idea how big it is but I can fit it comfortably between two fingers - I'd guess it's around the same size as yours from what I can feel! 
     

    how old are you if you don't mind me asking? 

  • Hi,

     

    I hope you don't mind me joining. I found a lump in my right breast in December and was referred by my GP to the breast clinic straight away. I had my appointment 13 days from when the GP saw me, but I received a call to book my appointment in after about a week. 
     

    I wasn't allowed to take my husband with me due to COVID unfortunately. I had an ultrasound and 3 core biopsies taken, but am still waiting from the results. It's been nearly 3 weeks and I'm going out of my mind with worry.

     

    Hope you get your appointment really soon! X

  • Ah thank you for joining - the more the merrier in the little worry zone! 
     

    I really hope you get your results soon - did they give you an idea of what they thought it was? 
     

    every day/hour seems to pass so much slower with this weight over my head - I'm so glad these forums are here as I feel like I'm boring/burdening prople with my constant worry/fear

  • God I completely know what you mean! It's all I think about, I have found it easier to read these threads rather than talk to my husband. I don't really know what I'm trying to search for! 
     

    The consultant didn't really give too much away, but said I'm young so try not to worry. It hasn't really helped! She spent quite a bit of time scanning around the lump and also in my armpit. I know she sent the biopsy samples as 'query breast cancer' because I heard her dictating to the ultrasound assistant she had with her. I suppose that's nothing unusual though given the need for taking the biopsies in the first place. If you do have to have the biopsies done, don't worry it's quick and painless (other than a little sting in from the local anaesthetic). The worst bit for me was the loud clicking noise when they were taken.

     

    Results wise I was initially told 10 days but that there could be a delay due to Christmas and COVID (my appt was the 16th Dec) - rubbish timing. I was told I would come back to get the results. I've heard absolutely nothing so called my GP last week who told me there could be another 2 week delay. I can't see anyone else having these length of wait times and when I've searched online in general it seems like everyone else is hearing within 2 weeks. It's hard because I'm always checking my phone for missed calls or waiting for the postman! 

  • Bless you - it's horrible enough waiting for an appointment never mind waiting for results! 
     

    Sending all my best wishes and hoping that you get good news very soon! 
     

    can I ask - has anyone else struggled to wear a bra? I wore one for the first time today since I found the lump and it feels like incredible pressure against my ribs and it's making me out of breath. Only wore it for about an hour to go to the shops but it's incredibly uncomfortable! Is this normal? 
     

    thank you all so much for your responses - nice to feel I'm not alone!

  • Hi all,

    I will jump on aswell as I am in the same boat. I called my GP on the 24th December and got an appointment the same day for a lump I found. The GP found a 2nd smaller harder lump too in the same breast.  Made another appointment for 2.5 weeks to check no change and was then referred to the breast clinic on the 11th January. Think each region/health board must be doing things slightly different. I received an appointment for a mammagram and went on the 27th January but the breast clinic is another 7 week wait and told I wont get any results from the mammogram until I am at the breast clinic. 

    Trying not to google much and holding onto the 1 in 8/9 its nothing to worry about. Unfortunately it does seem Covid is a large factor in the waiting time.

      

     

  • Hello,

    I found a lump in November in my left breast I visited my dr who referred me for an urgent appointment 15 weeks later still no appointment I have phoned the clinic they have told me there is a 5month waiting list due to covid . the stress of it all is making me ill I have 3 young children.