That's great. Yes! Do keep me updated xxx 

Okay, so I had my consultant appointment. However, I was slightly concerned with what she told me. She asked me three or four questions about my periods and family history, then she had my lay down on the bed so she could examine me. She asked me to locate the lump myself, then she felt around that area, and the other side, but she didn't examine the entire breast. She also told me that I'd been self examining my breasts wrong, despite the NHS website telling me that I was doing it right by lifting my arms above my head and checking them, and also checking them with my arms by my side. She said that she thinks the lump I felt may be a ridge on my breast tissue that has flared up, and she didnt even look at the small pock marks that I told her about near my nipples. Thankfully, she has referred me for a scan anyway, but that will take a week or two to come through. Should I be concerned about how the consultant conducted the examination? 

M x

Hey Honey

Oh! The appointment sounded all very 'abrupt' if that's the right word? I'm not surprised you feel how you do. 
 

I'm sure though that she knew what she was doing although it sounds like she was more critical than reassuring - not what you need. 
 

Far from ideal that you now have another wait to endure -  the waiting is rubbish. At least though you have been referred for a scan. That means that whatever it is will be properly looked at. Thank God she didn't just send you away with just her diagnosis - that would've left you really worrying/wondering what to do! 
 

I think, if it were me, I'd sit tight and wait for the scan. I'm a real people person and I find it hard to deal with people who are very professional and appear cold. Even though they're probably very good at what they do. Give me warm and approachable any day! One thing I've picked up from reading people's experiences on here is that the Dr's/Consultants that specialise in cancer diagnosis really know there stuff and don't tend to sugarcoat things etc. This is obviously a good thing - although can appear harsh at times. I'm sure if the pock-marks you've noticed had registered alarm bells with her she would've mentioned them - do you think? It's so hard having to put your trust in other people when dealing with such scary stuff. All I wanted was instant reassurance that it was ok! 
 

Not sure this has helped much I do think that you're on the right path to getting it investigated thoroughly though and although the wait will not be easy! You will hopefully get some clear answers/info soon. 
 

Sending love and please keep in touch - even to rant! It def helps xxxx 

Absolutely agree, I'd much rather deal with someone approachable when it comes to something like this. I do understand they know what they're doing but this is a sensitive subject, a little warmth would go a long way! It's awful waiting, but at least I know that if there's anything to be concerned about, it'll come up on the scan. I'll let u know when I get the appointment through. Thanks for your support, its really appreciated, there's only so much my husband can do! 

M x

Hi,

I was diagnosed 3 days prior to my 38th birthday with ILC and I'm now a week post op.

just wanted to say that some of the doctors can come across as a bit abrupt even if we are scared but it's not personal, what we need to remember is that they kind of have to be, for their own sake... if you take into consideration the amount of times a day that they have to tell someone that they have breast cancer and if they were to let each diagnosis even slightly affect them they would all be mentally wrecked.  
 

If you need a bit of emotional support from someone that can talk you through what's happening the cancer nurses at McMillan cancer support and others like it are the ones to talk to.  If  you do get the diagnosis you will be assigned a cancer care nurse that you can call about anything that's bothering you or even if you just need to speak about your diagnosis 

I understand that you're feeling anxious at the moment and I hope to god that it is just a ridge in the tissue.  

Try to stay positive hun x

Hello

how did you get on in the end with the scan ? 

Hi everyone,

First of all, I sincerely apologise for not keeping you all updated, I've had a very busy year! I'd like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your amazing support, and I hope I can do the same for all of you too.

The scan went well, I asked her to look at both breasts, and to look everywhere, not just the area where the lump was, and she did that. The lady conducting the scan was really lovely, and my sister came with me to the appointment, so I wasn't alone. 

It turned out that the lump was indeed a ridge that had become inflamed, but the lady was absolutely fantastic and didn't judge me at all, in fact she praised me for doing the right thing. She also said never to ignore a lump, no matter how big or small, or how often it happens, if its not usually there, get it checked. Thank you again for the fantastic support that you gave me, it really did help! 

M x