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Original poster

Breast Clinic Appointment Today - handhold anyone?

52 replies

MrsNobodyMM · 25/08/2022 09:59

Hi everyone, I have an urgent breast clinic referral appointment for today at 3pm. Since my GP appointment (two weeks yesterday) I've been getting progressively more anxious and for the past few nights haven't been sleeping.

I'm 36 and about a month ago woke up on the morning whilst rubbing a lump I must have found in my sleep on the underside of my left breast. Initially I dismissed it as hormonal but couldn't shake the feeling so made a GP appointment.

It feels large ish to me, feels smooth but a bit flat and does move away from my fingers when I press on it. I haven't touched it for a few days as it's making me more anxious. It's not painful.

Today is the day and I'm terrified. I have a young family and I'm so emotional. If anyone can share experiences / distractions I'd be so grateful. Will I know what's going on by the end of the day or have to wait for more results?

OP posts:

Hempy · 25/08/2022 10:02

I've been there MrsNobody. Consultant said 90% of lumps etc benign. You're in good hands. Handholding🌷

MrsSplendiferous · 25/08/2022 10:02

no experience but here to hold your hand

Hempy · 25/08/2022 10:04

Well done on going to the GP with it. I think it's likely you'll have an ultrasound but not a mammogram as you're under 40. Don't worry about the breast examination - the staff are lovely.

It's normal to be nervous.

(I'm cleaning the kitchen while on annual leave today 😁)

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Hempy · 25/08/2022 10:07

Actually I've been twice - first time I had fibrocystic breasts which is a benign condition. Second time was last November when I saw an indentation - that was a cyst.

Deep breaths. Do you have company for the appt?

Original poster

MrsNobodyMM · 25/08/2022 10:10

Thank you everyone. DH can't come as he needs to be at gone with the DC but I'm happier with that, I can see he's worried and it makes me feel worse! I am working (from home) this morning and will set off in plenty of time at about half one.

OP posts:

Mumzy78 · 25/08/2022 10:12

Holding your hand from Australia x

Hugasauras · 25/08/2022 10:16

Holding hand! I had very similar a couple of years ago and it was a large cyst they were able to drain there and then. I've also just had a breast abscess, so I am definitely walking proof that there are plenty of other reasons for breast lumps 🥴 but it's terrifying I know. Hope it all goes okay

Frasa · 25/08/2022 10:57

You poor thing. The worry is awful you feel like your life is on hold waiting for the appointment.

As others have said most breast lumps turn out to be benign.

I’m prone to fibroadenoma - 3 in the last year and half alone. It’s sickening to find one but thankfully they are nothing of concern.

Wishing you all the best.

Cotswoldmama · 25/08/2022 11:04

You will get your results today. They do everything in one go. I went about a year ago and it sounds very similar to how you describe and it was a cyst. I've had a few now and they usually just disappear on their own. Hope everything goes well for you.

WantSomeEqualitea · 25/08/2022 11:11

Handholding! I have been through the same this week, been planning my death for weeks! I was told on the day that they aren't worried and are almost certain it's benign but biopsy taken just in case. They will tell you frankly and quickly what they find, remember 9 in 10 breast lumps are not cancer. Best of luck.

Somanysocks · 25/08/2022 11:12

I can add my voice to say the staff are lovely, mine were all female except the consultant. Had a mammogram and a scan. If tests are negative they tell you there and then. I guess any other result will be shown and discussed with you on the day too.

Hempy · 25/08/2022 12:15

How are you MrsNobody?

You'll feel much better when you are on your way and not hanging around.

Original poster

MrsNobodyMM · 25/08/2022 12:40

I am hanging around at the moment- keep getting teary. Going to set off in about half an hour I'll be early but I'm just wasting time at home. Need to try and eat but don't want to.

OP posts:

Riverlee · 25/08/2022 12:44

There can be a wait between seeing consultant, then having mammograms/scans, and seeing the consultant again, so take a book, kindle, magazine etc, and a drink (my local hospital does a one stop shop).

I can understand your fear (ten years since diagnosed) and will be thinking of you.

Virtual hand hold.

Penguintears · 25/08/2022 12:45

Hope it goes well. I've had breast cancer and while it was a big shock and not a great experience I'm still here and planning to be for a long while yet. Just to remind you that even if it is bad news it doesn't mean you won't recover completely and go on to live a long and healthy life.

Riverlee · 25/08/2022 12:45

Also, wear tops that are easy to take on and off as you will be examined.

penelopeisland · 25/08/2022 12:47

I had a lump in my breast, a couple of years ago but it turned out to be syst…
You are in good hands, they will tell you the result straight away.

You’re not alone in this ! 💐 Good luck, we are here for you.

Original poster

MrsNobodyMM · 25/08/2022 13:35

I'm on my way - 15 minute train then a 10 minute walk. I've got the Meghan and Harry book Finding Freedom as a bit of escapism - I know I'm late to the party with that one but hopefully it will distract me.

OP posts:

CormoranStrike · 25/08/2022 13:35

I’ve been there three times - again, I was told (rightly) that lumps are normally benign and that was certainly my result each time

Original poster

MrsNobodyMM · 25/08/2022 14:43

I got here early and was taken through almost straight away. The doctor did an ultrasound scan on MT breast (didn't check the other one) and said almost straight away it was a fibroadenoma but because I'm over 25 they do a biopsy to check. The doctor said in a small number of cases some cancers can mimic a fibroadenoma so they need to make sure. They said I'll get the results of the biopsy in a week.

I'm now back in the waiting room as I have to wait to see a consultant who will give me a follow up appointment.

I thought I would feel relieved but I don't yet, still feel a bit numb. I have a habit of thinking worst case scenario and was hoping I would have a definitive answer.

OP posts:

Hugasauras · 25/08/2022 15:11

Sorry you have to wait a bit longer, but IME (as a lumpy-breasted individual who has been poked and prodded a lot) the consultants only say something when they're very sure of it, and they do often have a good idea very quickly if something is most likely malignant or not because they're doing it day in and day out. It felt like the consultant had barely touched my breast before he said 'I am almost certain it's a cyst'! I think he would have been a lot more circumspect if he felt there was a genuine risk of it being cancerous, so try not to worry about it.

penelopeisland · 25/08/2022 15:23

So sorry you didnt get a definitive answer, and now have to wait a week !

Maybe try and distract yourself a bit, dont wait around… plan in some friend time and be extra kind to yourself !

Soz I dont have anything better for you, but didnt want to just read and leave

🤗<virtual hug>

Original poster

MrsNobodyMM · 25/08/2022 15:31

I'm finding it hard now - why did they biopsy?

Does anyone know how much they can tell from an ultrasound?

OP posts:

MrsSplendiferous · 25/08/2022 16:11

They are just being thorough @MrsNobodyMM

that’s a good thing

Hugasauras · 25/08/2022 16:13

When I had my cyst drained they sent some of the fluid away for testing. I think it's pretty common just to be belt and braces. Honestly, if they've said it's very unlikely to be cancer then I would believe them - they don't say that if there's a genuine concern it's malignant. My mum has stage 4 breast cancer and they were very clear from the beginning that it was likely to be malignant.

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