Huge mass in breast aibu to go to a&e ? **Diagnosis in and treatment underway for the OP** Title edited by MNHQ

[needabitof]

Last week I went to the doctors - my right breast has a big mass in it that has appeared in the previous week.
He checked my liver, lymph nodes, so I know what he's thinking, and referred me to the breast clinic under the 14 day rule. Except it isn't 14 days, it's over three weeks before you can be seen. The gp can do nothing to speed things up apparently.
I thought I need to pay for a private mammogram, it's £400. I'm desperate - imagining the worst constantly.
Managed to get a referral sent by the gp to the private hospital, only to be told they're breast clinic has been cancelled for the next three weeks.
Aibu to go to a&e to get some medical advice or wait? The mass is getting bigger and painful each day.
What would you do? Thanks in advance.

I'm sorry to hear this, OP. Wishing you well and hope the treatment goes well.

I’m sorry to read this update OP.
I hope you make a speedy recovery

@needabitof

I saw the consultant today - it's breast cancer. I will have an mri next week then an operation at the beginning of December, either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy depending on the mri results. Not the news I was hoping for but the care is impressive.

Really sorry to hear this. Hopefully you’ll get treated quickly 💐

I am sorry for the news. I've had breast cancer twice and a double mastectomy with chemo. Stay strong, glad you pushed for your care.

I’ve been exactly where you are - this is the worst bit. Once you know what you are dealing with, it gets easier.

I'm sorry about the news and wish you all the very best for treatment and recovery. I had breast cancer nine years ago and had a mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment, followed by an elective mastectomy and reconstruction. These days I tend to forget I ever had cancer. I hope you will one day too.

I am so sorry for your update, hope your treatment goes well

So sorry to read your update. I went through this in 2017, i had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, this is the worst bit, the nhs are amazing, take things a day at a time.

So sorry to hear this. Hope the op goes well and you get rid of the cancer. So awful.

Sorry to hear your news. Very best for the next stage of your treatment.

Aaarrggghhh, I was hoping for the best for you. I hope you have good support at home.
I’ve been there too - 8cm mass + another 3.5 cm mass and a completely overwhelmed lymph node. I had 6mths chemo, mastectomy, radio, 12mths Herceptin.
Thing is though, that was 12 years ago and I’m still here. And I’ll bet the treatments now are massively improved since then and prognosis far better.
If you enjoy books, I recommend The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton. It’s not religious it’s about the power of the mind over the body and it certainly helped me at the time. 💐

I'm so sorry to hear this OP. Stay strong, good luck with the treatment x

I'd get myself to any clinic that would see me pronto to put my mind at rest and get treated, but it sounds like a flare, and of course you should be seen and treated.

But I've spent the last few months being treated for breast cancer, and am just about to start radiotherapy after a lumpectomy, and honestly once you and the NHS know what they are dealing with, and IT IS an anxious moment, then you will start to feel very well cared for. I could not have wanted more kindness or opportunities to ask questions than I have been offered.

Take a deep breath, and focus on what is important. As it has happened so quickly, it is probably a fast growing cyst which is easy to fix.

Sorry to hear. . Hoping all goes well, my thoughts are with you.

I'm so very sorry and I want to give a very unMN hug. Went through very similar with my DH. All power to you xx

I have no medical knowledge at all. I had breast cancer 5 years ago though so do know that a huge mass that suddenly appeared is highly unlikely to be cancerous.
Please do go and get checked out at A&E, though.
All the best 💐

Oh gosh, I’m so very sorry. I’m a fool, I didn’t read your full thread.

Sending love.

@XingMing

I'd get myself to any clinic that would see me pronto to put my mind at rest and get treated, but it sounds like a flare, and of course you should be seen and treated.

But I've spent the last few months being treated for breast cancer, and am just about to start radiotherapy after a lumpectomy, and honestly once you and the NHS know what they are dealing with, and IT IS an anxious moment, then you will start to feel very well cared for. I could not have wanted more kindness or opportunities to ask questions than I have been offered.

Take a deep breath, and focus on what is important. As it has happened so quickly, it is probably a fast growing cyst which is easy to fix.

You need to read the full thread. Especially the OP’s last update…..

Another breast cancer survivor here. Double mastectomy with reconstruction with implants (love my pert boobs!). Where you are now is what I found hardest, sitting and waiting for it to start. I made sure I was fit and ready for surgery (vitamin pills, exercise, meals in the freezer), and cried myself to sleep a fair bit. Once you’re in the system , it felt better. Get the chocolate and wine in and be kind to yourself. Xx

Very sorry to hear this, hoping things go well for you. The recovery rates for breast cancer are very good these days, glad that you are getting good care x

All the best OP, and good luck with your treatment
💐

So sorry to hear your news op. I hope things go well for you. 💐💐💐

best wishes and good luck op

It will be quick and it will restore your faith in the NHS. They leap on breast cancer and the treatment is so expert and very personal. I send you love and support for a great result, but please don't be too frightened. Caught early, it is really well treated.

Sorry to see the update OP, thinking of you and wishing you strength and a speedy recovery.