Breast clinic appointment tomorrow - what to expect/ask?

[LEMmingaround]

I have a lump, it could be due to an injury to my breast about 6-8 weeks ago. Maybe less than that - my mind is shot. It is in that general area and at first the Dr suggested i return in two weeks as she thinks it could have been due to that. My anxiety went into overdrive and i couldn't cope so my Dr referred me sooner. This was friday. Hadn't heard anything so called them today, thank god i did as they were trying to contact me on my landline but that is not working just now (bloody BT say its not due to teir stuff, well it isn't ours!). So they have a cancellation tomorrow

I am terrified - absolutely paralysed. I am on citalopram anyway, but Dr given me diazepam too.

I was told i will be seeing the consultant and having a scan - does this mean they think its bad if im straight to scan already?

What sort of questions should i ask?

I know this sounds ridiculous but i want a mastectomy, definately if there is nothing wrong but i actually think i want it anyway. My health anxiety is so high that every little thing is driving me mad - i check my breasts obsessively anyway - so at least i know this lump hasn't been there long.

My Dr suggested that it might get smaller if its what she thinks it is (haematoma), she said that she wasn't sure but suspected it was a bit better on friday, but im not sure - it seems smaller in the morning, but ater if poked it all day its the same i think. DP thinks its a bit smaller but my mind is too frazzled to say.

Will they be nice? I was sobbing on the phone to the secretary when she told me my appointment was tomorrow.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

IME you will see the consultant he will take a history including how long in total if at all you ave taken the pill. He will examine you with a nurse present as a chaperone he will feel both your breasts and in your armpits for your lymph nodes. (I say he it could be a woman).
You are likely to have an ultrasound and a mammogram. Based on these results the consultant may perform a fine needle aspirate to examine in the lab.
They are used to seeing worried people. If you are going on the NHS you are likely to get a preventative mastectomy unless you carry the breast cancer gene and have a strong family history.

[LEMmingaround]

No family history thankfully - but still petrified :( Dr said that they might not do a mammogram because im still young 43 isn't young! and the breast tissue is still quite dense due to hormones apparently. I was just told consultant and scan, but quite frankly they can do what they like as long as they fix me. Thanks for the info.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I was 41 and had mammogram and scan on day 1.

[LEMmingaround]

I get the impression that this is a new thing lonecat as i think many of the mammograms in younger women were giving false positives. I could be wrong though. I guess it depends what they see on the scan.

[LEMmingaround]

I hope it all went well for you x you are a vet aren't you? I would have been there with the ultrasound and FNA myself if i were - i wouldnt have been able to stop myself (ex vet nurse, i know what vets are like naughty)

[LEMmingaround]

shameless bump

[Varya]

Breast clinic staff are exceptionally kind. You may have m/grams, scan and a biopsy but it will be conducted with great care and sensitivity. Good luck when you visit the Breast Clinic.

[LEMmingaround]

Thankyou - i don't mind what they do to be honest, i just want to be ok, my DD2 is only 8. DD1 is 24.

[malteserzz]

I had a mammogram first and I was 41, then a scan and biopsy. Good luck and like people have said they will be very used to seeing scared people. You might have a bit of waiting around so be ready for that

[LEMmingaround]

Thanks malteserzz - i hope i am home by school pick up :( appointment 9am.

[Jellykat]

When i saw the consultant he scanned me then and there in the same room, so no waiting around nervously elsewhere. My mammogram was a few days later. A biopsy isn't necessarily a given, depending on the scan etc.

I know at least 3 friends who found lumps, and each of us got the all clear (trying to put your mind at rest a wee bit) Best of luck LEM

[LEMmingaround]

It was a cyst. I am very happy xx

[malteserzz]

That's great news ! Pleased for you

[Jellykat]

Excellent news LEM!

[BigPawsBrown]

Yay!

Watch out for the anxious mind scanning. Don't be surprised if you suddenly latch onto something random and worry about it... If you're aware your anxiety might do this you'll fare better at dismissing it!