Two week breast cancer wait

[Plancina]

Hello ... hoping for some positive stories here. I saw GP today for an urgent appointment after finding a large lump on one of my breasts. He said it was irregular in shape and needs investigation on the two week cancer pathway at the hospital. He said it’s in my favour that the lump moves when he touches it but of course I am terrified. I’m 34 and have no children yet, was hoping to start a family this year.

[ForeverBaffled]

The two week wait is the worst but totally standard protocol - it’s most likely something totally harmless but always worth checking. I read 9/10 lumps are benign. I hope you get a confirmed appointment soon You’ll be okay.

[iklboo]

I had something similar the other week. Saw two lovely lady doctors, very reassuring. Scan & ultrasound found it was normal if just a bit lumpy breast tissue. No treatment needed.

Sounds like an odd question but have you lost weight recently? Apparently it can make your breasts seem lumpier as the skin moves about more easily.

[m0therofdragons]

More often than not it's non cancerous. Distraction is all you can do for the moment. Best wishes x

[ScreamingCosArgosHaveNoRavens]

Yes, it is standard to go onto the two week pathway with any breast cancer concern. I had an almost identical experience to iklboo (although sadly I can't attribute my lumpy tissue to weight loss). I was at the hospital all morning, but most of the time was waiting around, so my tip would be to take something to read. It's horrible while you are waiting for your appointment date. I hope everything is OK for you .

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

I had an irregularity and was put on 2 week pathway-

GP said that it's standard practice and the threshold is very low to have this protocol swing in-

I had a blocked duct that did require several investigations and surgery but every step of the way everyone was fantastic and I felt as if I was very well looked after.

Am signed off now all clean and tidy

[Plancina]

Thanks all fingers crossed for a speedy appointment at the hospital. I’ve recently moved house so that’s an added complication as I only just registered with the GP today! He says he will personally make sure it all goes through. It’s the not knowing that really sucks.
Sadly no recent weight loss but I think DP orI would have noticed this lump before if it had been there so I don’t think it’s been there very long.

[ScreamingCosArgosHaveNoRavens]

I had a GP appointment on a Friday afternoon and got my appointment letter the following Tuesday, so it was quick. The appointment was then the Wednesday of the next week. Hopefully, you'll hear next week but you can always give your GP a nudge if you haven't heard by next Friday. I think they are targeted on meeting the two week timescale, so they do pull out the stops to get you seen.

[Mumma1984]

I had an app a few weeks ago, the appointments in my experience (I've had a few) are so organized and quick and thorough! And there are many benign causes x

[Madvixen]

The two week wait is completely normal but it doesn't stop the worrying. I found my lump in early December last year and went through the same thing. Biggest tip I can give is please, please don't ask Dr Google for information. I know it's really tempting but it honestly doesn't help. If you want to chat it through, give Breast Cancer Care a call rather than hitting the internet.

Because of your age, you'll probably have an ultrasound rather than a mamogram. Take some baby wipes with you as the gel is a nightmare to get off with the paper towels they give you. Wear a top and trousers rather than a dress, you'll be stripping off (a lot) and this makes life easier.

Take care of yourself over the next fortnight. Plenty of tlc and self care x

[PollyFeather]

Had all this in January. Was utterly terrified and Sod's law I found it on a weekend. I literally cried and panicked all weekend

Booked to be seen privately as didn't see how I'd manage the 2 week wait but also made an appointment with my own dr. She felt the lump and told me she wasn't concerned but she'd refer me as they do with everyone. She was so reassuring and told me to cancel my private appointment and save my money. Trust me, they know when they're feeling something suspicious so the fact the doctor has reassured you would be enough in my book to relax a little - knowing what I know now

Anyway she calmed me done enough to wait the two weeks - ten days in my case. I was still concerned but was ok ish. Upshot was it was absolutely nothing

So stay away from google and keep the faith!

[Plancina]

Thanks polly I have also considered a private scan, as the wait is so torturous. It depends how quickly I can be seen and if it is even affordable for me. It’s all so stressful and worrying, I can’t stop thinking about it. Need to stay busy.