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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To use A&E for suspected breast cancer?

101 replies

MamaJustKilledAMan · 16/12/2021 19:53

Throwaway because my sister also uses MN and I don't want her to read this and twig it's me. Sorry it's long!

So I found a lump in my breast around 6 months ago, I could feel it sometimes and then not others so I put it down to a ripple or something in my breast implant.
However around 3 weeks ago I caught my arm against my breast and it felt a bit tender so I did a BSE and noticed a very solid hard formed lump in my breast tissue, my implant sits behind the muscle so this was definitely a growth in my breast.
I then had a proper good look at my boobs in the mirror and literally almost burst into tears when I noticed my full nipple had inverted and there is a crease right in the middle of my breast from left to right.
I made an appointment with my GP who I saw last week, she immediately referred me to the breast clinic under the 2ww and asked them to see me even more urgently than that due to the fact she believes this could be late stage breast cancer as unfortunately it is sadly rife in our family.
Anyway I've received my appointment, it's on 5th Jan. this makes it almost 5 weeks between my GP appointment and then. The pain has a increased a notch in the last few days, the breast has got a lot harder and is an awful lot bigger than my other.
I'm terrified. I know I aren't the only woman feeling this anxiety or fear and I know times are crazy right now and our NHS resources are much needed but I just can't help but feel this is urgent.
If it is a cyst the rapid rate it's grown in the last 2 weeks and the deformities it has caused to my breast makes me believe it could be at the point of rupturing hence the pain which could cause septacemia. So even though a cyst isn't urgent it could be if it's causing this pain. I just don't know what to do.
I called the breast clinic this morning and gave them my concerns and they promised to call me if there is a cancellation in the next 3 weeks but it really hasn't reassured me even though I know the lovely lady on the phone would have given me an appointment in a heartbeat if she could.

If I'm being out of order please just tell me as I maybe I could do with a reality check. I haven't slept for 48 hours because my mind is on overdrive. I have exhausted Google I've spent all of my time online and I'm afraid I've become obsessed with it. The not knowing is the worst. Any advice really will be much appreciated.

OP posts:
Helenluvsrob · 16/12/2021 19:58

Pointless to go to a&e. They can’t magic a 2ww appointment any. Quicker I’m afraid. Most a&e say “ we can’t refer to 2ww”( they can / should be able to that s an excuse - but they can’t push you in front of other people in the queue who also may have cancer I’m afraid ).

And the 2ww proscess is the best the nhs has to biopsy / MDT and treat cancer the best it can.

Going private even really messes up that speed and Slickness unless you are really going to self fund all treatment.

Fingers crossed for you.

Helenluvsrob · 16/12/2021 19:59

Try PALS and your MP by all means but sadly this is normal wait time and everyone is doing their best given Covid sickness etc

Lou573 · 16/12/2021 20:02

Can you go somewhere privately OP? I was seen for a breast check within 48 hours when I needed one at a dedicated clinic.

Rrrob · 16/12/2021 20:02

Can you go private just for the ultrasound/ biopsy?

HumourReplacementTherapy · 16/12/2021 20:04

I would say that your chances of getting a cancellation are quite high. With covid being rife sadly then it may mean people have to cancel. Awful to say but true.
Try one of the support charities and speak to someone. Im sure they'll offer support while you're waiting for an appointment
I wish you all the very best Daffodil

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 16/12/2021 20:04

I’m sorry you are going through this. Something similar happened to me and I called daily to see if an cancellations and I got one 4 weeks earlier, worth a try?

LizzieSiddal · 16/12/2021 20:07

I’d there any chance you could be referee to a different hospital with a shorter waiting time? I’ve recently been referred, and got an appointment in less than two weeks,

Another option would be to go private but also keep your NHS appointment. At least you would know if it’s just a cyst a bit earlier.

SpanielsAreMyLife · 16/12/2021 20:07

A & E departments are just fire fighting right now, and sadly my Uncle took nearly 11 hours to be seen a few weeks ago after a heart attack.

I get your desperation but I think you'd be pretty rapidly sent home again. It's not right or fair but it's the system right now.

WeeFae · 16/12/2021 20:08

Sadly, A&E can't get you an appointment any sooner than the breast clinic has available. You need to see the clinic for the proper tests & biopsies, A&E can't do those.

I was seen after 3 weeks, found to have a 5cm grade 3 tumour, then found another after an MRI. So 2 breast cancers at once. I didnt start chemo until November, after finding my huge lump in August. I am currently undergoing chemo now, and my pump has shrunk to less than 1cm.

glimpsing · 16/12/2021 20:08

Look up the symptoms of septicaemia. If you have them, go to A & E. There are a number of checks they can do there. Pain in the area could also be heart related. Look up that. Again if heart related symptoms go to A & E.

LizzieSiddal · 16/12/2021 20:10

Look up the symptoms of septicaemia. If you have them, go to A & E. There are a number of checks they can do there. Pain in the area could also be heart related. Look up that.

I agree with this actually, also if you’re in excruciating pain, I would go to A&E. They may be-able to do a scan which will see what’s going on in there.

glimpsing · 16/12/2021 20:10

Plus they can do a general chest x-ray. And give antibiotics. Not as good as breast clinic but better than nothing.

Daisy95 · 16/12/2021 20:10

A&E won't get you an an ultrasound normally however the fact you have an implant does change things slightly.. your implant definitely hasn't ruptured? keep an eye on if you get a temperature or start to feel unwell as I would go straight to A&e then as it could be an infection

Daisy95 · 16/12/2021 20:11

Posted too soon, I really hope you're okay. It's a bit rubbish timing with the many bank holidays coming up which will have delayed things unfortunately.

MrsSkylerWhite · 16/12/2021 20:12

Rrrob

Can you go private just for the ultrasound/ biopsy?“

This. Any necessary treatment (which statistically is unlikely) will be NHS.

minimoomoo1711 · 16/12/2021 20:17

I wish I could help with better advice but all I can say is try not to Google and look on the internet so much. It will only add to your anxiety. I hope you get an appointment soon.

4pmwinetimebebeh · 16/12/2021 20:17

If you’re in severe pain and concerned about sepsis do go (be prepared for a v long wait!). Unfortunately they won’t be able to biopsy, unlikely to USS although they may do an x ray. I second ring daily, around an hour after clinic opens. Gives people time to call in and cancel/reschedule if needed. Good luck OP and let us know the outcome. Thinking of you.

SockFluffInTheBath · 16/12/2021 20:18

OP what an awful set of circumstances, everything crossed for you.

Any chance you could pay for a private scan? If the pain is really bad you could go to A&E tland they could scan to check it’s not a ruptured cyst etc but it’s unlikely to get you up the 2 wk referral queue.

glimpsing · 16/12/2021 20:22

Tbh, I think it would s best to go. They will triage. No matter the wait. If you get worse you are in the right place. Sepsis is a very valid concern. And they can push you through to all sorts if urgent, surgery etc.

Estellelove · 16/12/2021 20:23

I really feel for you, I had a scare recently and it was terrifying.
I think if you're in such distress, go to a and e. It can't hurt, although you will probably have to wait a really long time, maybe they can do something.
I agree to call the clinic daily for cancellations.
Really hoping it turns out good for you!!!

FindingMeno · 16/12/2021 20:25

If you are in pain I would try a&e.
Best of luck Flowers

ChangeChingyChange · 16/12/2021 20:36

If your breast is suddenly getting really big compared to the other and you are in serious pain I would suggest it's something other than cancer. Or cancer plus an infection etc (sorry I don't want to influence your thinking either way so didn't want to say "it's not cancer" etc) so I would definitely go to a&e and be prepared to wait and maybe dont mention the 2 ww referral.

if you can afford to go private please do but not sure it's likely you'll get seen much earlier due to Christmas.

Good luck OP.

Starcaller · 16/12/2021 20:38

Agree re: going private. I got an appointment within 48 hours. It cost me £650 for the consultant appointment, ultrasound and draining of cyst, all done within 45 mins.

I would have waited for 2WW as it was actually a 2WW then but I was 39 weeks pregnant so time wasn't on my side,

anxiouswaiting · 16/12/2021 20:40

If you have symptoms of sepsis you 100% should go to a+e

I know someone who had sepsis due to her implant and once she started to be unwell it became an emergency very quickly.

Perhaps call 111 and see if they can suggest the best action?

ittakes2 · 16/12/2021 20:46

If you are in pain yes I would go.

An ultrasound might not be enough with a breast implant, you might need a mammogram or even a mri (I used to have them)
please try not to worry too much, breast implants can leak through the 'skin' without being ruptured and your lump could be silicon. When I had mine out they were intact but I still had some silcon lumps in my breast tissue - the surgeon who was a breast cancer surgeon was not worried about the lumps.

But no - don't wait until january if you are that worried.