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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Breast lump and NHS

33 replies

VladTheDictator · 27/03/2020 20:50

Asking basic advice so I won’t waffle. About a month ago I noticed a lump in my breast. I had bumped into something so put it down to that. Two weeks ago it was bigger. Now it’s sore. With everything going on I don’t want to waste the time of NHS and am not even sure I’d be seen. I am a keyworker (not NHS) and don’t have much time off. Is this a case of leave it and it’s tough luck because of everything going on? Or do I book an appointment and risk someone else’s more serious issue being sidelined?

OP posts:
chipsandpeas · 27/03/2020 20:51

get to a docs - may be nothing but best get checked out asap

Bigearringsbigsmile · 27/03/2020 20:52

Book an appointment

DontBe · 27/03/2020 20:53

Get it looked at, you will be seen. Some things are still a priority within the NHS.

Advice79 · 27/03/2020 20:57

See ur gp they should refer you to be seen within 2 weeks (This is the national guidance for lump in breast) I work in a hospital- these will definitely be seen

StampMc · 27/03/2020 20:58

Book an appointment ASAP and get into the system. Not because it’s probably urgent (it probably isn’t - suspicious lumps usually aren’t sore) but because it does need to be looked at and right now outside of London hospitals are in the calm before the storm phase. In two weeks time things may be different. At my hospital routine breast screening has stopped but the clinics for lumps etc are still running and, frankly, are over staffed.

Original poster
VladTheDictator · 27/03/2020 20:59

Thank you so much for frank advice. I will book an appointment. I didn’t want to be a timewaster but it’s better to do it now than later it seems.

OP posts:
lljkk · 27/03/2020 21:00

yeah, I would go with the "they actually have time to see you now" rather than in 4 weeks when you might decide you're still worried.

I had a lump that came up after a bump, and went away only slowly. It was nothing.

SlaughteredChicken · 27/03/2020 21:00

My MIL found a lump last week, had biopsies this week and starts treatment next week. They're feeling positive because they caught it early. PLEASE ring your GP surgery today and tell them the issue. They'll look after you.

Ruby8719 · 27/03/2020 21:01

@VladTheDictator I sincerely hope it’s nothing serious and I’m sure it won’t be BUT there is a small chance it could be serious!!
You can save your own life now by making that appointment - weeks make a difference if the diagnosis is cancer.

You are just as important as someone who has an obvious illness - please seek medical advice.

Sweetpea1989 · 27/03/2020 21:03

Can I jump on this? I have a strange lumpy mole that’s growing and appeared on my nipple. The GP said it was just a wart, a month later they call me out of the blue and want another GP to take a look. I have an appointment for Monday but after talking to husband he’s asking how urgent it is I’m seen as I’m 29 weeks pregnant and probably shouldn’t visit the GP/public place?

Sweetpea1989 · 27/03/2020 21:04

Good luck with your appointment OP.

Ruby8719 · 27/03/2020 21:07

@sweetpea1989

Your husband is not a doctor - it’s more of a risk to your pregnancy if you leave a potentially serious skin condition to develop.

Most skin conditions are non cancerous but some can be nasty x

Princessdebthe1st · 27/03/2020 21:09

SweetPea
It is important you are seen. The GP would not call you in for an appointment if it wasn’t important given the current situation. Please keep your appointment.

Original poster
VladTheDictator · 27/03/2020 21:13

@sweetpea yours is more important than mine. You are carrying a baby. Best of luck. See a doctor xx

OP posts:
Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 27/03/2020 21:13

Clearly you should go and be checked op but just a word of warning - my friend had an appointment for the breast clinic under the two week wait on Wednesday it was cancelled and my dad had an appointment for a biopsy (suspected cancer) last Thursday, also cancelled. My hospital has also cancelled all chemotherapy.

Sweetpea1989 · 27/03/2020 21:23

Thanks for the helpful advice everyone I’ll head on in!

Absentwomen · 27/03/2020 21:29

OP, you book an appointment.

I do think we have to get over this 'at this moment we cant put the NHS under pressure'

Despite what is going on, you still have a right to be seen and have a consultation.

Sn0tnose · 27/03/2020 21:47

Definitely get it seen. It’s more likely to be nothing than something, but any lumps or bumps on boobs should absolutely not be ignored or put off, even with other stuff going on 💐

SouthWestmom · 27/03/2020 21:51

I had this. Rang in the morning and over the phone they agreed to refer to the two week clinic. Didn't see me in the circumstances.

excitedforbaby9 · 27/03/2020 22:00

Please get checked. I called my GP last night because i found a lump between my breast and armpit, i was in first thing this morning. Even though mine turned out to be nothing she assured me it is NEVER ever ever wasting time. Please get checked lovely x

Original poster
VladTheDictator · 27/03/2020 22:08

Thank you so many supportive and realistic comments. I will make an appointment.

OP posts:
AvocadoPrime · 27/03/2020 22:09

Book appointment. This is still essential. I had a 2 week wait appointment recently. Its important to get it checked.

mummysherlock · 27/03/2020 22:12

OP please do get checked: it may be nothing but in one of my sisters cases it turned out to be the C word... she had a mastectomy and lymph node removal yesterday. As it was caught early things are looking positive x

incognitomum · 27/03/2020 22:13

I could have written your post. Except I haven't knocked mine. I'm also a key worker.

I think I'll try for an appointment?

speakout · 27/03/2020 22:17

I had a breast lump last year.
Referred to NHS breast ckinic- the soonest appointment they had was 6 weeks away.
I was beside myself with worry.
I phoned up local Bupa hospital ( I have no health insurance) they have a One Stop Breat Clinic, I was given an appointment the next day.
The appointment and consultation was £250. I was given examinations, ultrasound, and immediate results. All finished within an hour.
Thankfully all clear.
The consultant I saw at the Bupa Hospital was the same one I would have seen at an NHS hospital in 6 weeks time.
Bupa run One Stop Breast Clinics throughout the country.
Worthe very pennt for me.