Horrible experience at the breast clinic

I was sent to the breast clinic today as a referral from the urgent care doctor due and was completely dismissed and made to feel a fool and wasting time. Before I had even had a chance to speak I was told I was too young to have anything seriously wrong with me. I'm 29 and I know it's rare he's but this is not unheard of! Honestly the attitude of this consultant absolutely blew me away.  How can you tell someone they don't have cancer when you haven't even examined them or let them speak. 

I was examined in a tender area but did not have a chance to explain other symptoms such as nipple changes and discharge. The consultant said he's certain it's nothing serious and he will get them to scan the tender area. The scan was done on one breast only and only in the tender area where she said it was normal tissue, the rest was left out where the lumps are. My lymph nodes have been up and hard for the past 5 weeks and I asked the radiologist to check and she said she couldn't find them and then said oh they are deep under the skin. Before I could ask any questions I was given a leaflet and she left the room and told me to go home. 

I feel so confused and left with so many questions. I was expecting so much more from this appointment. 

  • That's is disgraceful , and unforgivable .... yes they are right ... it is extreamly rare .. but we have had a few 20 odd year olds on here that did test positive ... they should hang their heads in shame....

    If I were you, I'd find who to complain too ... and even a letter to your M P ... please if anyone reads this and knows the way to lodge a complaint, please put information on here ... it is your body , and if you are having a few symptoms, they should be thougerly tested ... trust your instincts... my granddaughter was fobbed off for a year with symptoms of myeloid leukaemia.... at the time we had no idea and trusted her Dr.... it was only picked up in A and E .. she was 17 at the time ... I will never forgive that Dr who just said she needed iron and sent home each time ... 

    Please be calm but firm ... ask for another consultant ... yep everything crossed it's all fine .. but don't wait like my amazing Jess.... you do what you have to ..  let us know how you go ... Chrissie x

  • Wow, I'm really sorry to hear about your experience! Please file a report because you shouldn't be made to feel like this. They should be reassuring without talking down your concerns..

    sending hugs. I have an appointment on Thursday & I'm dreading it worrying I'll be in the hands of someone dismissive & doesn't care..

  • What an appalling way to treat someone, particularly when they're scared and vulnerable. 

    I suggest you go back to your GP first thing tomorrow to talk about the situation and ask for a new referral to a different hospital.

    At the same time, I suggest a formal complaint to the hospital in question.  See this web page: How to complain to the NHS.

     

  • Thanks for info ... hope your well ... 

    Plus please inform them there have been a few 20 odd year olds on here that did test positive...  like you said it's improbable but not impossible... good luck ... try that link telemando has done ... xx

  • Thanks everyone for the support. I will make a formal complaint, I totally understand how busy the clinic is with reduced capacity due to Covid but I just didn't expect to be so dismissed and not checked thoroughly. No one should have that with symptoms. I've ended up booking a private scan on Friday, I need peace of mind. The waiting is absolutely the hardest thing ever, days feel like weeks!  I've forgotten what it felt like to not have this hanging over me. X

  • How awful for you to be treated in such a way.  My daughter was 23 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer which was very young but not totally unheard of.  I hope your appointment goes well on Friday.