Worried about breast clinic referral

[AuntieMaggie]

I've just (today) been referred to a breast clinic for a sore breast - please tell me not to worry!

[Heartsease]

Don't worry! Most people have nothing to worry about, and it's a relief to get these things sorted. Good luck .

[sandripples]

Don't worry but if there is any cause for concern please be aware there is lots of support on MN and elsewhere. I have been having treatment for breast cancer for nearly a year and found the support invaluable. And don't panic - lots of us are here to support you having been through treatment. One step at a time.

[AuntieMaggie]

:( thank you ladies...

the doc couldn't feel any lump but I definitely am very sore on one side of my breast, though I am worried that she couldn't feel anything cos my boobs are so big

just feel tearful for a number of reasons including the fact that the doc I saw today (lady doc not my normal gp) was the same one who found the problem that meant I had to have major surgery a couple of years ago so it's a bit de ja vu ish...

[AncientStarlight]

Auntie Maggie, I've been referred today as well, here's a virtual hanky and a hug. I'm trying to concentrate on Sandripple's good advice and just take a step at a time.

[AuntieMaggie]

Thanks AncientStarlight - sending that hug back :)

[smee]

Totally human to worry, but reassuring here as 9 out of 10 referrals are found to be benign. And as SR says there's a few of us on here that can help/ have been there. If you want to know anything about appointments, just yell. I found it helpful knowing what to expect.

[UnholyMoley]

I'm not sure if it's nationwide, but I know that in my area (I'm a medical secretary) that all breast referrals are now 2 week waits, so try not to worry about the appointment coming through very quickly. Good luck.

[AncientStarlight]

Thanks Auntie Maggie. How are you feeling today? You should hear something soon; the hospital have just phoned me with an appointment for 2 weeks' time. Thank God for the NHS.

[AuntieMaggie]

Wow that was quick AncientStarlight! How are you feeling?

Been feeling a bit delicate emotionally, mainly in the evenings when I'm sat around. We had couples counselling last night so that took my mind off it for a while. DP is annoying me though - I know he's not doing it on purpose but I just want to strangle him sometimes!

I've been through this before with a lump on a major organ but it doesn't make it any easier :(

[AncientStarlight]

Aunite Maggie, how's things this evening? I'm a bit wobbly. I'm glad the appointment's come through, but scared at the same time.

Sorry to hear your DP's being annoying, it's not like you need any more hassle. DH keeps telling me that it'll all be fine which isn't really helping.

Like you, I've been through this before when I had a tumour, which turned out to be benign. Hope that doesn't sound like I'm trying to be competitive wrt to illnesses .

Sending you lots of positive vibes and another hug.

[AuntieMaggie]

Wobbly is probably a fair description here too.

DP keeps saying that to. He's not being annoying on purpose, I'm just sensitive atm. He's also been ill this week which hasn't helped!

Last time I had to have an op to remove the lump and I still have to have 6 monthly scans so having been through something similar almost makes it worse, IYSWIM.

[Mum72]

Hiya. I have just been referred for a lump.
I have a mammogram booked for Monday afternoon and an appointment with a breast specialist at the end of the month.

So I know how you're feeling. I am trying to keep it together but keep feeling weepy and scared.

Good luck for your appointment.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

hello - I am just here agreeing with what smee and sandripples have said and to let you know that there's lots of support on the tamoxifen thread - don't be alarmed by it's name - everyone on it has had the experience of breast clinics and testing (or is close to someone who has).
You are bound to feel horribly wibbly - I promise that once you know what's what you'll feel much more able to cope -chances are it'll be nothing to worry about and if it is then feel reassured that you'll receive the best care - take one step at a time, don't google and do ask if there's anything you want to know

[AncientStarlight]

Auntie Maggie, How are you? I get what you mean about being sensitive, atm it seems as though anything sets me off. Having the extra worry of the 6 month scans sounds horrendous (that?s not the right word, I don?t mean to be tactless).

Mum 72, hi. Fingers crossed for you on Monday, please post (when you feel ready) how you get on. It's so tough trying to keep everything normal.

MaryAnn, thanks for that, will probably take a look, it?s reassuring to know the support is there.

[AuntieMaggie]

Hi all.

I'm ok thanks AncientStarlight - still no appt tho. Trying to concentrate on other things but am not very tolerant of DP atm. I don't know what more I need from him but at the same time "you'll be fine" just doesn't cut it. Also, old resentment from when I had last diagnosis has resurfaced tho only in my mind (I got a call at 7pm on a Friday to tell me about tumour and he was out with work friends already having drunk quite a lot so not much comfort to me. I know this wasn't his fault but it still hurt.) I haven't said anything to him.

How are things with you?

Fingers crossed here too Mum72.

MaryAnn - thank you too for your reassurance.

[Mum72]

Hi auntiemaggie,


My appointment took a while to come through. I went to my GP on Thursday 26th August but only got my letter last Wednesday. Sadly I have been down this road before but not since moving here. I am under a new health authority and they seem to have a different system here. Where I used to live - it was a one stop clinic. You found out on the day what was what, needle biopsies (amongst all the other scans etc deemed neccessary on a case by case basis) done and you sit and wait for the results. Here my letter says to have a mammogram (my 1st time) and the radiographer will look - at it before I leave. Not sure what happens if they see something not right. I had a seperate letter come the same day with an appointment on 30th Sept to see the Breast Dr. So either way it looks like it will be dragged out. Just hope they dont say anything too worrying on Monday.


I am losing it a bit tonite here. Am fighting back the tears I am so freaked out. Today one side of my lump infested breast is agony just to touch the skin without applying any pressure. Not sure if that is a good or bad sign but its making it very hard to ignore all this and push it to the back of my mind.

I was sort of coping ok until my hospital date came through. Now it seems real and I cant ignore it.

I hope your date somes through soon and you're not waiting about too long either.

[Mum72]

Forgot to say - thank you everyone for your kind words of support and sorry auntiemaggie for hijacking your thread somewhat.

I just wanted you to know that you're not alone going through this anguish.

[navyeyelasH]

sorry to hear so many of you are going through this, I don't know if it helps any but I'm 26 and have been referred 7 times for 6 different lumps all of which were "normal".

I think 90% of referrals are returned as normal so try not to let it worry you.

HTH

[MaryAnnSingleton]

mum72 - so sorry that your appointments seem to be so spread out - the waiting I know is very.very hard...will be thinking of you tomorrow and send lots of good,positive thoughts to you.

[AuntieMaggie]

Will be thinking of you tomorrow too Mum72. Hope you're feeling better this evening.

Have been kinds lazy this weekend - was supposed to be going out last night and today and made excuses (well lied) to get out of both of them as I just couldn't get myself together to go. Have been eating shit too so I know I've put on weight :(

Thank you for all the support and reassurance - it is much appreciated.

I have a weird thing about hospitals in that I get really anxious leading upto the appts but when I'm there it's almost like I'm coming home and feel completely calm the minute I walk through the door so I know on the day I'll be fine but its the time leading up to that...

[MaryAnnSingleton]

yes, me too-once I'm in the doctors/dentists/hospital it's ok,the waiting beforehand is hell
Rescue remedy might ease the anxiety a bit - I think it's more of a placebo thing really. Anyway,we are here for you..take care.

[AncientStarlight]

Mum 72, thinking of you today, sorry to hear the appointments are so spaced out. Fingers, toes and everything crossed for you.

Auntie Maggie, it's funny (well, not funny, but I think you know what I mean) about hospitals, there's a sense of relief when you get there.

Lots of hugs and support to everyone :)

[Mum72]

Well I am just off to have my mammogram. I have awoken with pre mentstrual tender boobs today so I fear it wont be a pleasant experience but I just want it done now despite having to wait 2 1/2 weeks for the results.

My appointment is at 3pm but I have no idea where the hospital is, being new to the area so am giving myself plenty of time to get there and park etc.

Oh well - todays fun and games will hopefully be over 2 hours from now.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

thinking of you now- hope it's not too uncomfortable -it isn't much fun I know