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Drs choice of words has made the wait hard

Jen6587
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Hi everyone, I've had a lump in my breast for quite some time now but life always got in the way of me going to get it checked. I finally went in Wednesday and the Dr examined me, when she was done she told me she would refer me to the breast clinic writing that the lump is deep tissue and fixed. She then said something that caught me off guard, she said that when they believe it is cancer they have to see you quickly she hoped I would be seen in 2 weeks but told me to ring her if I haven't been in 4, there was a pause and about 30 seconds later she said    "but im not saying that you definitely have cancer".   My husband was expecting me to come home and say that it's nothing but we've both been left feeling a bit numb from her words. I keep going over what she said and I'm worried I'm going to drive myself mad over the next couple of weeks.  I suppose I'm wondering if its normal for drs to say things like that or does she believe from something shes felt or from something I've said or her experience that I do have cancer 

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    I'm assuming you're in the UK. NHS policy is that any suspicions that someone may have cancer means that they are fast tracked and should be seen in at least 2 weeks from the date of referral. I have just been through this system and it worked for me, I was seen exactly 2 weeks after the GP sent off the referral. She may know that in your area that target is not being met hence her expanding it to 4 weeks. It is a worrying time and having to wait even a few days seems like a lifetime. 

    On a positive note, I was advised in the letter from the hospital that a very high percentage of breast referrees do not have cancer. I had a mammogram and CT scan, I didn't have a lump I had a persistent red mark, I was assured it was not breast cancer and I was very relieved. The two week wait wasn't easy but I tried to be positive and tried not to think about it too much on the basis that until I was seen there was little I could do.The only other possibility is that you go privately to see a specialist, this won't be cheap but they might examine you and if they feel there's a chance it may be cancer they can then refer you back to the NHS for the tests which are the expensive bit. 

    I hope you don't have it, there's a pretty good chance you don't ️ 

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    Hi there,

    I suppose any lump could be cancerous and your doctor is airing on the side of caution. 9 out of 10 referrals to the breast clinic turn out not to be cancer so there's a 90% chance that what you have is a benign condition. Obviously you went to the doctor because you're concerned and hearing her use the C word has caused need to be fearful but either way you need to know what this lump is. Chances are it's nothing to worry about. You'll feel better once you know. In the meantime try not to worry and have faith in the medical profession. You will have the best care.

    Good luck

    Jane

  • Offline in reply to JaneRu

    We all feel worried when sent on the two week wait to breast clinic or other specialists. Your mind goes into overdrive that it must be bad to need the refferal . The breast clinic staff nurses and doctors are really good and they can help you with your anxiety,

    l hope all goes well at your appointment.

    I end up in the breast clinic quite often due to my lumpy scared by multiple surgeries breasts the GP takes one look and sends me to see the specialist. The visits are reassuring as only there can you get a positive assessment the gp can only examine and guess. They will probably give you a mammogram and ultrasound before you see the doctor the clinic is now one stop so they can do the required tests at your appointment saving lots of visits and time.

    Susie

     

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