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2 week wait breast clinic

Jodie98
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Hi all 

On Sunday 6th June I noticed a protruding lump on my left side, slightly down from my clavical bone and next to my sternum. I thought it was strange and felt the area and noticed it was a weird shape, hard and immobile. I booked a doctors appointment the next day and 2 nurses checked the lump and could not understand what it was. I am now on the 2 week wait for the breast clinic. 

I am only 23 years old, everything has happened so quickly and I am terrified waiting for the call to come through. It never occured to me that the position of the lump is classed as breast tissue and since I have been home, I've identified thickening in my left breast below the lump and swelling. Something about this just doesn't feel right at all. 

I have been unable to eat and sleep properly due to the worry and seeing the lump every day is a constant reminder of what I am going through. Does anyone have any tips on how to make this waiting period easier? and what I can expect from my breast clinic appointment? 

  • Hello Jodie98

    I'm sorry to hear that you're waiting on an appointment at the breast clinic for a lump you've recently found. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious and I think that most of our members here will know just how difficult this period of waiting can be. 

    At the clinic, it's likely that you will be examined by a Consultant and then possibly they will request an ultrasound of the lump which in many clinics can be done on the same day. It may help to try and keep in mind that the majority of women who attend breast clinic are not diagnosed with cancer. 

    it often helps to talk things through and I wonder if you might find it helpful to have a chat with one of our team of nurses. they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. I'm sure they will be able to offer you some information and reassurance ahead of your appointment. 

    Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hi Jodie,

    I had my GP appointment today and she gave me an urgent referral to a breast clinic for next Friday. She said it was probably something benign but I can't help feeling a bit odd about it because she gave me an urgent referral. I have a lump in my left outer breast and quite a lot of tenderness. It feels a lot bigger than my right one and is swollen. I understand the way you're feeling because I feel sick with worry about it.

    I'm 23 as well so it's unlikely but you can't help but Google it to death and scare yourself. I work so I'm going to try and throw myself into my work to distract myself until the appointment, spend time with family and friends and talk to someone if you can - a friend of mine has been really lovely and helpful when I talk to her about my worries. 

    I've not been to the appointment yet but I found this useful: breastcancernow.org/.../what-expect-breast-clinic-appointment

    Hopefully it's nothing serious for either of us, let me know how you get on :happy:

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you for your reply Jenn, I'll keep in touch to let you know how it goes. 

  • Offline in reply to oliviadiana

    Hi Olivia 

    Thank you so much for your message - it's really nice to talk to someone my age going through the same situation. It sounds like we have a lot of similar symptoms. I can completely relate to over-googling - I've stopped doing this now because it wasn't benefiting me! 

    I hope you're doing ok, I'm glad you have work to distract yourself and family and friends you can talk to. I also have a close friend I have confided in about my appointment and it's been helpful to talk through how I'm feeling. 

    Thank you for the resource, I feel a bit more prepared for my appointment. I have something booked for Monday 21st. I hope your appointment on Friday goes well, do keep in touch :happy:

  • Offline in reply to oliviadiana

    Hi Olivia 

    I hope you are doing ok, how did your appointment go on Friday? 

    Unfortunately I am no closer to answers, the consultant did not know what my lump is today. She has sent me down the cancer pathway and requested an urgent ultrasound and X-ray. This should come through soon and hopefully I will have a clearer picture. 

    Back to the waiting game!! 

  • Offline in reply to Jodie98

    Hi Jodie,

    I had my breast clinic appointment and it went fine! I had an ultrasound and she said it was hormonal breast tissue and nothing sinister. I'm still a little worried about it because it's still painful but I'm glad nothing has come up because of it.

    I'm sorry you're no closer to finding anything out! The ultrasound is painless and quick so you'll find it easy to deal with I think. I'm hopeful for you that it's something benign or hormonal like mine.

    Let me know how you get on and good luck! :grin:

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