Urgent referral for lump - how long did you wait?

[Spudlet]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, please feel free to move it to the right one MN.

I saw my GP on Friday because I found a lump in my breast. He is relatively confident that it isn’t cancerous for a few reasons which he did explain, but said he can’t be totally sure so has referred me as a suspected cancer case. I received a text from the hospital acknowledging the urgent referral yesterday, saying they’d be in touch when an appointment was available, but they didn’t say how long that might take. Was just wondering if anyone has been through this recently, and how long they waited to be seen?

I know the odds are probably that it’s nothing, but I’m really scared.

Oh this happened to me a couple of years ago and the wait is so horrible. I was seen by the GP on Monday and ended up booking private for the Wednesday as I couldn’t face the wait. Surprisingly the nhs clinic called on the Tuesday morning to offer me a Thursday appointment! I told them no because I’d pre-paid to go private (so would’ve lost money) and I figured that way someone else would get my slot and be seen quicker. I was expecting to wait at least a week. This was also during one of the lockdowns (school was closed so I was working from home) so I was really impressed. That was NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Private clinic were able to examine and scan on the same day so I found out immediately that it was nothing sinister. My understanding is that the nhs breast clinics are the same -you can get examined, scanned and a biopsy on the same day. Hope all goes well for you. I feel for you so much ❤

Thank you for replying and I’m so glad it turned out well for you ❤️ Yes, the GP said the clinic could do everything on the day so I’m hoping they will be able to tell me and not leave me waiting. It’s horrible - the sensible part of my head keeps telling me that it’s almost certainly fine, but the silly part keeps thinking about how on earth DH would manage to raise DS all alone, how will I tell my mum, how will I explain it to DS (6 years old with ASD)… then I just start crying and have to give myself a bit of a (mental) slapping.

I hope they’re are efficient down here in Norfolk as they clearly are north of the border!

I've been referred 3 times for this over the last twenty years. First time was 2 weeks, second time was 4 days. And this year was 9 days, which wasn't bad considering the way things are with the NHS.

It is very scary, I totally understand how you are feeling. When I checked my NHS app after seeing the GP, it said 'referral for suspected breast cancer', but it was just a cyst in the end . The clinics are good and will try and do all the tests etc in one visit. Easier said than done I know, but try not to get too anxious. 💐

This happened to me a few years ago.

GP had a booking link on their computer and arranged the referral during my appointment. 4 working days (but straddled a weekend, so seemed like forever).

It should be no more than 14 days (national target)

And yes it was a one-stop shop

Started with a consultation and examination from a senior BCN (breast care nurse) who was inducting their newly-appointed consultant that day. Then ultrasound, then mammogram. And for me then the all clear - obviously benign cyst.

I hope your appointment goes smoothly, and that the news is good

Thank you everyone x

Not silly at all! I found mine on a Saturday morning so spent the whole weekend thinking/googling/reading all the worst case scenarios. Turns out I just have a bit of fatty tissue the size of a pea. What it did do is remind of the importance to keep checking. Fingers crossed it’s all over for you soon x

Well, I heard from the clinic. Got an appointment booked for a week on Tuesday. So hopefully I’ll know more then. I haven’t told my mum yet, or anyone IRL apart from DH… so thank you for your good wishes and stories, they make it feel a bit less scary. I think the lump may have shrunk a bit perhaps? Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking. But it’s still painful and sore, so I want it to be checked out and got rid of.

About a week - and it was just a cyst. Fingers crossed for you.

Feel for you op, it's so easy to write 'please don't stress about this' but if you can try to compartmentalise it a bit rather than thinking about it constantly until your appointment.

GPs really are cautious, I've been referred on suspected cancer for breast twice, throat once and cervical once, all were completely fine!

You should be on the two week cancer pathway so ideally no more than 2 weeks. Sorry to use the C word but that’s what the treatment pathway is called.

Hi OP, this has happened to me twice. I was seen within two weeks & the nurses at the hospital were amazing. I had a physical exam then had the lumpy boob undergo an ultrasound. They were happy it was just fatty tissue (sexy) so luckily I was told then & there it was fine. I know friends who have had biopsies & have had to wait a little longer but can't remember how long, sorry. Fingers crossed all ok for you x

Just a tiny update to say that I went to the hospital today, and Larry the Lump is now renamed Cyril the Cyst and is totally benign. Cyril also has a friend on the other side, named Beryl the Benign Fibroadenoma. And I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The people I saw were all unfailingly lovely and didn’t even make me feel daft when I got weepy when they told me I was all clear, like a great daft sentimental lump!

Thank to everyone who shared their experiences and support, and I hope if anyone else comes to read this because they’re waiting too, that you are sorted soon as well xxx

So glad all was okay for you! Thanks for updating us, you’d been in my thoughts x