Breast referral in Wales

Has anyone been referred to a breast clinic in Wales?

Gp said I should expect an appointment in 2-3 weeks. It's only been a week, I'm just having a panic that I'll be pushed to a non urgent. Some days my anxiety is just horrific.

Pretty sure what I have is a fibroadenoma, Gp said the same. I've never had a lump before so have never felt the need to dig around. I keep thinking the tissue under the round lump that seems stuck to it feels awful lumpy. The lump itself is certainly smooth and moveable to some degree. How do you stop yourself obsessing and checking

I'm going to be 39 on sunday, does anyone know what checks the clinic are likely to do? 

 

  • Hi, you could try abs phone the breast clinic -highlight your concerns and ask for a cancellation if possible.

    I waited just 5days and took cancellation.

    Effffie x

  •  

    Hi Opt123,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your worry. I don't know what the waiting times are like in Wales at present. You should be seen within 2 weeks from referral nationwide. Due too Covid, some areas are taking a little longer. The usual first visit to the breast clinic involves a chat with your consultant, followed by an examination of your breasts. You will then possibly have a mammogram and/or an ultrasound. If there is anything suspicious, or if the consultant needs confirmation as to whether or not your lump is benign, you may then have a bopsy. It normally takes another 1-2 weeks to get the results of these tests.

    If you have a straightforward fibroadenoma, the consultant can sometimes diagnose this without further tests. Some people have naturally lumpy breasts. It is also a fact that only 1 person in 8 who is referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. The fact that your lump is smooth and moveable is usually a good sign.

    Please let us know when your appointment comes through. I hope that you don't have much longer to wait. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thankyou so much, this put my mind to rest a lot. My breasts are very fibrous anyway so I think this may be what I'm feeling around the lump. I wasnt too worried at first just seems the waiting is getting to me. 

    I will keep you updated I get a letter before the weekend 

  •  

    HI,

    The staff in most breast clinics are very pleasant and understand just how worried you are. It is natural for you to find the wait a challenge. We all do. Try to find something to keep you occupied in the meantime. Keeping busy helps to shorten the waiting time.

    Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • This going to sound totally shallow.

    I've had my appointment through for Dec 17th, a fair wait but I presume its because the GP is pretty confident. As much as I do keep checking totally crazed I'm nit overly anxious.

    How likely is it that I will need a biopsy? how sore is it likely to be afterwards. Its my only planned Christmas night out that same day. The place I'm going is notoriously busy and people have usually had a skin full. 

  •  

    Hi,

    It's not shallow at all. 

    I'm delighted to hear that you have got a date through.

    I cannot really say how likely you are to need a biopsy. If it is a straightforward fibroadenoma, you may not need one at all. If you do need one, you will have a local anaesthetic first. It can be a little tender afterwards, so shield yourself if you are walking around the venue, or get a friend to walk in front of you if this helps.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Had my biopsy on the 17th and was expecting a call this morning.

    Consultant said he would call and possibly cancel my appointment if it was fibroadenoma(imaging lady was so sure she really didn't want to biopsy and made me feel a bit silly being there). It was all totally positive.

    I had an appointment booked for 1 today but can't attend as I have covid, called the clinic and due to unforseen circumstances my consultant wasn't there today. Can I presume no other Dr would have looked at my results?

    Lady on the phone was adamant my results will have to be given in clinic. They've booked me with a different consultant for new year when I'm out of isolation. do you think they'll still let me know all is well beforehand?

    I put on my best (anxiety) smile and went with all the positivity at my appointment and I'm 99% sure all is well but that 1%teamed with isolating is very daunting over Xmas x