Red flag referral

How long did it take for you to get an appt once referred urgently?? ( I'm from Northern Ireland)

4 month ago I started having  pain in my left breast, thought it may be hormones so let it go until 1 month ago I attended my gp and she referred me as routine appt as when examined my breast was very glandular but no definite lump. Gave me naproxen for the pain but I was still in a fair bit of discomfort.

Last night after I showered I noticed an indentation under my nipple and my husband could notice it too, so phoned gp this morning and she brought me in for another examination - she said she can feel a nodule to one side of the indent and a small lump behind it so has re referred me red flagged. I am trying not to think about it but its so hard an just wondered how long I will possibly wait to be seen.

  • Hi Dani96 I'm from Northern Ireland as well. My wait was 3 weeks but I think that's because the clinic downgraded it, should normally be around two weeks as far as I know

  • Thank you for your response, was you referral also to the breast clinic if you don't mind me asking? 

  • Yep it was, Dr red flagged it but then the clinic themselves downgraded it, had ultrasound and mammogram which were clear but still having issues so going back to specialist next week 

  • Hi and hope you're ok. These are such scary times for us. It's 2 wks approx for us in the Republic of Ireland as per guidelines set by the hse and  thankfully mine is bang on 2 wks from the day of referral from my gp to my appointment next Tuesday. I've similar symptoms. I'm hoping it's hormonal or fibroadenema etc. having quite a few sharp pains in one & both very lumpy. I hope you don't have to wait too long for your appointment

  • I hope all goes well for you!

  • Hi, my gp told me I could ring the booking centre on Monday and ask what the waiting times are like currently so I am goingnto do that.. I'm trying to remain very positive that mine is hormonal or a cyst of some sort but it is hard when its so painful most of the time its always at the front of my mind! What other symptoms do you have? Fingers crossed for your appt on tuesday

  • I had a benign fibroadonema biopsy 5 yrs ago. I was told at the time it would disappear it's self or I may develop more pre menopause and just be aware of new lumps esp ones that feel different. Over the last year the old one has increased alot & many more lumps developed. They feel similar to the others but in September I found a tiny new one that feels completely different to these ones. It's harder, perfectly pea shaped not squishy feeling & I had a patch of dry skin spread one breast only (the one that gets pains) for a good month before I went. The nipple on that side inverts a little and then next day seems back out. I came across an article about Sarah Harding's denial & unfortunately terminal diagnosis & it was the kick up the bum I needed. Gp referred as urgent and told me concerning but can't tell until scanned. I'm feeling very sick this wknd from nerves, I have no one to go with me, my husband has to get our kids to school & it's a 2 hour drive to Dublin City. I'm aged 40, I've 4 kids with autism & even leaving them Tuesday with their dad needs preparation as I've never not been there. The thoughts of a diagnosis for that reason alone scares me. Wishing the best & hopefully Monday when you phone you'll have some answers.