24 & I have been referred to symptomatic breast clinic in 2

Hey, not really sure where to begin if I'm honest. 

I have found myself reading and following many of the posts on this forum for the past 2 months. 

In March 2021, I found a large lump in my armpit. Thankfully I was seen by my doctor straight away and she advised me that it was a swollen lymph node which felt like it was already on its way down, and that it would disappear in 2 weeks. Fast forward to now, 2 months later and the lump is still there & it has gotten bigger. Was seen again last week and nurse seemed very concerned, a FBC was done and all my bloods came back as normal. Doctors advised that due to my age (I'm 24) that I wouldn't be seen by breast cancer clinic for a few months. So I left and tried my hardest to push it to the back of my mind. Got a hospital letter yesterday to state that I have an appointment with the fast lane clinic in 2 weeks, which was a big shock. 

I have since found another small lump on my collarbone, and my left side of my chest where both lumps are located looks noticeably different. It seems very swollen and asymmetric. I also feel extremely tired, have no appetite, and I'm not sleeping the best either. This is probably due to stress. 

I suppose I'm just here looking for support. 2 weeks is a long wait but I am so grateful that I am being seen straight away and within the NICE guidelines. 

Has anybody else had the same symptoms and nothing sinister has happened? I am so scared, and its hard not to think of the worst when I know I can feel two lumps in my chest. 

Thanks- and my well wishes are with everyone else who's reading through these forums trying to find some comfort in the information that other people have shared. 

 

Xxx

 

  • Hi Irishangel

    I am sorry to hear about your struggles. I do not have any advice unfortunately but I am currently waiting for an appointment so just wanted to offer some support. I am 17 weeks pregnant, 33, and found a lump a couple of weeks ago. went to GP who has sent me for an urgent referral however I phoned the hospital I have been referred to yesterday and was told that even though urgent referrals are normally 2 weeks, the current wait time is 10 weeks!! I was in shock. I live in Wales and unfortunately from what I have read the NICE guidelines are different here :( So I made the decision yesterday that I was going to sign up to private as I am lucky enough that while working from home I can afford it as spending less and there is no way I am waiting 10 weeks and worrying myself sick not eating/sleeping and no good for the baby! 

    but just to say that I am glad you are getting your appointment through and fingers crossed for you that it is just something of nothing. x

  • Hey xemx,

    My problems seem so minor now after reading what you're going through.

    Firstly I want to say congrats on finding out that you are going to be a mummy im sure you're so excited but very nervous at the same time. Finding a lump would definitely take away from the excitable emotions you should be feeling at the moment. I couldn't begin to imagine the turmoil that you're feeling. 

    Its so unfortunate that all of our guidelines are different. I come from Northern Ireland, and young girls are typically not seen unless they have symptoms relating to a cancer diagnosis. I am so grateful that I am being seen in 2 weeks time, I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to have to wait 10 weeks. 

    Have you reached out to your friends and family to see if they could provide you with emotional support as you are going through this? Hopefully with a private clinic you will get your answers quickly, and if all is positive you can go back to enjoying your bubble of waiting on your baby to arrive

    My thoughts and prayers are with you right now, I hope you get good news soon & thanks for replying back to me.

     

    A xxx