I’ve been referred to the cancer clinic…

Hi,

I have been getting a lot of breast tenderness underneath in my left breast for around a month now. I just assumed it was due to my period but as it never really subsided after my period I started to get a little concerned. I have been doing self examinations in the bath and I have felt some lumpiness there too. I rang my doctor today and they saw me right away, she asked me about my family medical history and then did a self examination. She focused quite a lot on the area that I said was sore and she explained that she could feel a few pea sized lumps that were movable. Upon this she seemed to think they were breast cysts but has referred me to the breast cancer clinic at the hospital within the next 2 weeks. She said that if they are cysts then they can just be drained, but I'm really worried they might be cancer. She could see that i was getting abit upset but she didn't really give much away or put my mind at ease. I'm not sure what to do, who to talk to. Im hoping that they're just cysts and nothing sinister. I just don't know how im going to wait 2 weeks until I can be seen :( 

 

Has anybody else had anything similar and can share their experience? 
 

Thank you,

 

Brittany 

  • Hi Brittany 

     

    im Stephanie (I am 19 not sure about youre age but I had a similar scare). Just over 3 months ago I got referred to the hospital because the GP thought I had melanoma due to an abnormal mole which had all the melanoma markers. I had just over a 2 week wait and I'm not going to lie to you it is the scariest 2 weeks of your life. I can't deny it is going to be difficult. I saw the consultant and he wasn't too worried about them, however I had to have medical imaging done and then saw the consultant again today and got the all clear again and discharged from the hospital. I know it's hard but try not to worry too much - by your picture you look quite young so don't worry yourself. My consultant said to me that I'm so young it was probably nothing anyway. Best thing to do is stay calm until your appointment and remember you're in control. Any questions ask away. Sending you lots of love  

  • Hi Stephanie,

    I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to me! And for your honesty too! I'm sorry that you've been through a tough few weeks, that sounds so scary but I'm really glad to hear that you've been given the all clear today! I bet you feel so relieved and can go into the weekend with your mind at ease

    I'm 26 so quite young for it to be anything serious, I don't have any family medical history and I'm otherwise healthy so I really hope it is just a cyst and nothing more. I've been reading up alot online and I think it's just precautionary, which in a way is actually really positive because atleast I'm getting it checked by a specialist. And the main thing is that we're checking these things and acting on them right away if we feel something isn't quite right. I was just taken back because I was really expecting to go in and to be told that everything felt fine and to just carry on as normal. But when I was told otherwise and that I'm being referred to a cancer ward, it freaked me out! I mean no one wants to hear that word

    I will take all your advise on board and try to stay calm. I moved into my first home early this month so there's a lot to do to take my mind off it in the meantime.

    Thanks again

    Brittany x

  • Aw Brittany I understand everything you're feeling! My consultant specialised in melanoma and skin cancers and I felt a bit shocked being referred to them. It's the best precautionary measure and in these moments I'm very glad we have the NHS and the amazing work they're doing. Try and keep yourself nice and busy (sounds like it with your first home!). Keep me posted and all the best x

  • Also I'm not sure of you're situation but I'm in NI and had to go to all my appointments alone which is obviously scary! Just be prepared have questions ready if you're seeing a consultant and just stay calm (if you can I know it's hard in theory!!) Wishing you all the best x

  • Hi Brittany 

     

    checking in to see how you are? Did you get an appointment?

     

    hope your well

    stephanie x