Hello Selbel, 

A warm welcome to Cancer Chat. You did the right thing to go and visit your GP and it is reassuring that she mentioned that she didn't feel concerned about it but given your other symptoms, she did the right thing to refer you to the breast clinic. Try not to worry too much though - it is great they are being thorough and it won't be long now until you get some definite answers. You've been through the process of being referred to the breast clinic before and I hope that this time again you will be given the all clear. 

Hopefully you will hear from others on the forum who have experienced similar symptoms before and they will be along shortly to share their story with you. To help you get more replies from other members who have recently been referred to the breast clinic, I hope you won't mind but I have slightly edited your title to make it more specific.  I hope you will hear from other ladies here who have been in a similar place before. 

Keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be fine. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Selbel,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about your breast lump and sincerely hope that this doesn't signify anything untoward. Waiting for an appointment at the breast clinic is always a worrying time. It is however good news that your GP doesn't seem too concerned. There are a number of different causes for lumps and many of these are not cancerous.

Have you got a date for your appointment yet? I hope that you don't have too long to wait. in the meanwhile, try to keep yourself busy to help distract yourself from the wait. Whatever you do, steer clear of the internet.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Lucie and Jolamine for the replies. I haven't been given an appointment as yet. The last time, I received a text message the same day that I was referred. But with Covid, this must be different now. 

Yes the internet is not the best place. I made the decision last night to stop googling my symptoms. I have tried to keep busy and tried to be more positive. My husband has been fantastic and so supportive. 

I can't even find the lump myself. Not sure if this is a good thing or bad. I had to ask the doctor to put my finger on it when she was checking as I couldn't feel it. I did feel it when she did and it was only small but now both myself and my husband can't find it. I was told the last time by both the doctor and the consultant at the breast clinic that my breasts are quite 'nodular'. 

I was 35 when I attended the clinic the first time and they did a mammogram and a breast examination but did not do an ultrasound. I have now read that mammograms aren't the best way to check a woman under the age of 40 so that worries me a bit too. Has anyone else had a mammogram under 40? I am now 37. 

I have just called the clinic and have been told my appointment is a week today! I am so glad I don't have to wait too long.

Hi Selbel,

I am so glad that you now have an appointment which is not too far away. It is good that neither you nor your husband you can find the lump, as this must mean that it is very small and hopefully just one of the nodules you had last time you were referred. If not, you must have caught it early, which is always a good thing. Many ladies have naturally lumpy breasts, so here's hoping that this is so in your case. Not all lumps are cancerous. There are a number of less serious reasons for them, so please try not to panic.

I find that the easiest way to find a lump is to soap myself well in the bath or shower then to gently feel around. You could try this and see if it works for you. Having said this, you don't want to keep feeling around or the area will become sore from being probed so much.

The reason why women under 40 are not routinely given a mammogram is that younger breasts are denser and do not show up well. It is not unusual for a consultant to use this method with some ladies, perhaps where the breast is not quite so dense. They may well carry out an ultrasound as well this time.

I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for you next Monday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply again. I really appreciate it. 

I usually check myself in the shower, but will try soaping myself tomorrow morning and see if I can find it. 

I have read a bit more about mammograms and it looks like 35 is the cut off for the minimum age. I'm not sure if my breasts are dense but they aren't the perkiest after having my little one in 2015 lol . I do hope they do an ultrasound this time as well. 

I am trying not to worry and trying to stay positive. It is hard though...but Monday will be here before I know it hopefully xx

Hi Selbel,

It is always a good idea to draw up a list of questions for your consultant before any appointment. There is no harm in asking for an ultrasound if it is not offerred.

I agree that it is difficult to remain positive, but do try, as it makes all the difference in dealing with this situation.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx