AIBU to be a bit worried?

[EmilyRosiEl]

I went to the GP yesterday and he is referring me on a two-week referral to a breast clinic for redness, texture change and bite-like marks on/in my bust. I also have a painful chest.

I wasn't sure what it could be so googled and found 'Inflammatory breast cancer' a few weeks ago (when the symptoms started)', which is a rare, fast spreading condition that can affect younger women and is diagnosed at a late stage (3/4). I'm 30 and don't even have my own family but was planning to.

AIBU to feel a bit scared?

Hi purple

Thanks guys, yes I was thinking it might be £400 (credit card debt!) well wasted!

LEMtheoriginal- I'm sorry you went through that but so glad it was a cyst. I have anxiety issues too but this is the first time I've been worried about my own health really.

Thanks Namechangeforthis, I feel a bit funny about posting in case I'm just being silly but that's so lovely that there's a supportive group. Maybe when the panic sets in again later this evening I will :)

You’re not being silly! The whole point of the thread really is that waiting for the bloody two weeks to be up (and for subsequent scan results if you need them) is absolute hell. That applies to everyone- including the vast majority of people who get great news and put all of this behind them.

Essentially- you're supposed to be stressed and anxious and sad and second guessing everything. Anyone would be. So be kinder to yourself

Thanks namechange- I am scared and convinced that I do have IBC.

I might pop along to the group :)

or if you’d rather.

Totally understandable. But most people who have these referrals do not go on to have a cancer diagnosis. And then of those who do, the vast majority get fixed up. That’s for your logical brain. For the rest of your brain which is just in free fall, take the flowers and cake.

Aw lovely- thank you for the flowers and cake!

Just wanted to say I was referred under the two week wait a few years ago. My doctor had me convinced it was cancer as it was ‘that type of lump’. I was so petrified I paid to go private and was seen quickly. It was absolutely nothing. Just a lump. But for my peace of mind paying for it was absolutely worth it. Xx

I was referred in the summer for a lump and discharge. I got a cancellation and it all turned out fine but I was a wreck leading up to the appointment. Lots of tears and what ifs. Perfectly normal but awful and very stressful. Step away from google.

@EmilyRosiEl my mother has just been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer which was not picked up on an MRI (nor a mammogram or ultrasound!!) so I'd save your money and wait for the referral. Hoping everything's fine for you.

Please don't panic. My friend has a rash on one of her breasts and the GP was concerned so referred her - turned out to be nothing sinister. And try not to Google - I know it's hard not to though!

I've been on a 2 week referral too, and it's v scary, but in my case all was fine, tho due to family history I get annual mammograms now. But I wouldn't get into debt for a scan. I'm sure that they will see you as quickly as they can, and whatever you do, don't Google!

I've had the 2 week referral twice also.
Mine also had multiple symptoms (lump, pain, skin changes and discharge) but mine is periductal ectasia.
I had ultrasounds and on one of the times a biopsy which was looked at there and then. As I'm older now the last was a mammagram. It's to do with density of the breast as if you are younger an ultrasound is best if above 40 a mammagram.

Thanks Hansolo, Panicmode- it's so good to hear that you had urgent referrals and were OK and that your friend's rash was nothing malignant either MrsPob.

StuntCroissant I'm so sorry to hear that. Was it diagnosed on biopsy? Thinking of you and your Mum.

Thank you RonBurgundy, that must have been scary- so glad you are OK though.

Thank you Chicken75- that must have been a huge relief after having multiple symptoms of IBC.

I wish my referral letter would come through! The anxiety is horrible!

Oh Emily is horrible to wait on this. Would some full-on exercise help? I find the endorphins really lift anxiety, and it combats those horrible adrenaline and cortisol effects on the body.
More , sending positive vibes for you,thinking of you

I was JUST thinking that Emily. Can they just get on with it for you now?

How are you doing today?

Thank you Shriekingbanshee and Namechange! :)

That's a good idea Shrieking, I'll go for a run tomorrow- I love running and it will help me to cope with the panic!

Thanks Namechange! I checked and the referral definitely went out on Friday (GP appt. was Thurs) but I think perhaps I won't get an appointment until next week now.

I was OK this morning- I managed to convince myself that I was being silly but I have been struggling again this evening. I'm wheezy and have a feeling of pressure in my chest every time Iie down, which could be panic related but as I have IBC-like symptoms on both breasts my anxiety is making me jump to very silly conclusions!

I might call to check if there are any cancellation slots available.

Oh bless you. It's advisable to run is it, with your symptoms, I mean? They sound as if the might make running problematic? I do hope not and that you can have a great run

I would definitely pay private. The NHS is wonderful but this is one of the reasons we have private health care... my husband had a tremor and we were so worried, we used our health care and had a next day appointment and our minds were put at rest within 24 hours, I am a worrier though. If you have the money to spend I would do it. Good luck!

Another handhold from me. A couple of years ago at 31 I had a scary lump, was referred under the two week schedule, saw a breast surgeon and had ultrasounds. There is a history of breast cancer on my maternal side. I wasn't panicking because it seemed surreal, but it was a stressful.

Turned out to be a change in the breast tissue from having type 1 diabetes since childhood.

Don't panic and make sure to tell the consultant your full medical history - even things you don't think could be connected

Cancellation is a great idea. I always say that with scans and stuff they can call me at basically no notice and I will get there! It’s definitely got me seen sooner a few times

Thank you Namechange, Absentminded, LittleRen and Shrieking.

I'll phone tomorrow to ask about cancellations.

I am unsure about the private MRI OR private breast clinic thing. My family think a private check up or MRI would be excessive and might well be unnecessary.

Shriekingbanshee, I think I could jog lightly even with the wheezy feeling- I'm used to asthma anyway and I don't feel dreadful in myself, just a bit concerned!

I think if you have all the symptoms (which didn't know about and looked up on the CBI website), don't be talked out by your family. They are quite specific about enlarged breasts, red and sore, and heavy. You say you have all this. I would happily pay for immediate scan, hope a cancellation will come through for you. Thank goodness for the two week protocol!