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Women's health

Changes to breast; nurse tried to refer me but doctor said wait

28 replies

indecisivewoman81 · 17/11/2020 18:26

Just that really.

I am in a right state. Yesterday I noticed that my left breast is looking quite different at the bottom with a flattish bit and a swelling to the side. I phoned the GP and got seen tonight. The nurse had a look and feel and said she could see the change and it looked larger than other breast and decided to refer me to a breast clinic. However the computer system wouldn't allow it as I didn't fit the criteria.

She went across the hall to chat to another doctor who said given my age (39), no lump and the fact that I had a miscarriage last month it's probably hormonal and should wait and see and come back in two months.

I feel really unhappy about this. I felt like the nurse knew something wasn't right but was talked out of it by the doctor.

I'm freaking out that it's cancer and nothing will be done for months.

WWYD?

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nomorespaghetti · 17/11/2020 22:30

I’d go back and insist on being referred.

Flowers for you. I’ve just been referred as one boob seems bigger/lumpier than the other. I’m 34 and still breastfeeding, so hopefully just down to that, but I’m glad the doctor took it seriously (as much as it has freaked me out getting the 2 week cancer referral).

Two months seems a long wait. I’m sure it’s all ok, not for your own peace of mind you should insist on the referral.

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TotoroPotoro · 17/11/2020 22:34

I've had a six month period of watch and wait for an odd boob, before finally a referral for ultrasound. I'm 38, with just one odd symptom that could be caused by a previous trauma. I think your GP may have a point re hormones, but you can always ask for a second opinion.

Sorry for your loss OP

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Bellabelloo · 17/11/2020 22:36

Stand your ground and insist on being referred. Do you have private healthcare? I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my early 30s and dismissed for over 6 months. My biggest regret was not insisting on being seen.

It is most likely not anything sinister (I think something like 90% of breast lumps and changes are benign). But even if you get seen just to have your mind out at ease that will save you weeks and weeks of worrying.

Good luck. X

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jackstini · 17/11/2020 22:45

Push for a referral

I was lucky enough to get a nurse that spotted something that turned out to be a pre-cancerous papilloma

Got it whipped out very quickly and no problem left

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indecisivewoman81 · 18/11/2020 07:27

Thank you for your replies. I feel really let down by the doctor (who didn't even look himself just listened to nurses opinion).

It's a small doctors surgery so difficult to get a second opinion. But I don't think i can wait two months. I really am hoping it's hormonal but when I look online I can't see anything much about that.

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ChristmasSlayRide · 18/11/2020 07:31

You're definitely doing the right thing, I've been referred and it's a 10 week wait for scans and tests.

"Just wait two months" could easily turn into four months by the time you actually get seen.

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JinglingHellsBells · 18/11/2020 16:45

You need to insist. I don't understand what you mean by the computer said no referral. Does that mean whatever the nurse typed in didn't fit the computer's 'opinion' of what needed a referral?

They need to override the computer and behave like human beings!

Also, you need a dr to examine you.

If you get desperate you can pay for private mammograms in most town that have private hospitals. Not saying you should but the option is there is the NHS has a long waiting list.

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indecisivewoman81 · 18/11/2020 18:43

Thank you everyone.

Yep, every time the nurse tried to refer me a message popped up saying I didn't fit the criteria and for some unknown reason she didn't/couldn't over ride it.

Good news is that I have phoned the doctors back and insisted on a referral. Spoke to a lovely doctor who agreed and has made a referral for me.

First step done.

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Bellabelloo · 20/11/2020 22:47

Well done. Everything crossed that it all goes well. Your mind will be put at ease and you can put it behind you. X

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Bellabelloo · 27/11/2020 22:37

How are you doing @indecisivewoman81 ? X

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indecisivewoman81 · 28/11/2020 08:20

I'm doing alright thanks for asking @Bellabelloo .

My appointment is Tuesday at the clinic and I'm pretty nervous especially since my boob feels a bit sore for last few days it it might be because I'm prodding it!

Still haven't actually received my hospital letter yet (we are getting hardly any post at the moment) but I have an idea of where to go once I'm at the hospital.

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Wankerchief · 28/11/2020 08:27

Make sure you leave feedback for the practice manager.
Women are still given the medical middle finger by doctors putting down ‘wimmins problems’ rather than actually seeing and diagnosing.

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Wankerchief · 28/11/2020 08:28

And i hope it all goes well on Tuesday.
Should of put that in my original post, sorry

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Bellabelloo · 28/11/2020 23:16

Everything crossed for you. Hopefully you'll be leaving the clinic having been reassured it's nothing bad and the relief will be amazing! X

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Viviennemary · 28/11/2020 23:28

I think it's most likely to be hormonal. But you can't be too careful so you did the right thing asking to be referred.

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indecisivewoman81 · 30/11/2020 08:25

Thank you all.

Appointment is tomorrow. I will update you all whatever the outcome. I am very nervous x

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JinglingHellsBells · 01/12/2020 17:33

Hope you are okay @indecisivewoman81

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indecisivewoman81 · 01/12/2020 18:04

Sitting in waiting room all gowned up. Terrified.

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JinglingHellsBells · 01/12/2020 18:33

Aaah have a hand hold. You'll be okay.

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indecisivewoman81 · 01/12/2020 20:05

Just got out.

Mammogram and ultrasound both clear but consultant wants me to have a contrast dye mri to double check.

He thinks I have lost fat cells from my breast (probably result of hormones as I had a miscarriage in October)

Don't know what to think or feel really. I'm Sam cared to be too hopeful however I'm he did say it was just to double check

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JinglingHellsBells · 01/12/2020 21:10

That sounds hopeful. I am sure because of your age you are fine but they are just being doubly careful . Try to relax now- easier said than done.

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indecisivewoman81 · 01/12/2020 21:22

Thank you @JinglingHellsBells I will try x

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Bellabelloo · 03/12/2020 23:33

So pleased they are taking such good care of you. Hopefully the MRI will allay your fears. X

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indecisivewoman81 · 22/12/2020 18:15

Just a quick update. After a very long wait between MRI and consultation I have been given the all clear.

I am so relieved. Thank you to everyone x

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Passmeabottlemrjones · 22/12/2020 18:20

What on earth has the fact your are 39 got to do with it?! That's really not that young for breast cancer.

Go back and push for a referral, it's a change to your breast and needs to be investigated. Terrible practice these days for GP to 'assume it's hormonal' and tell you to wait.

You should be seen within 2 weeks, although that might be different now with Covid.

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