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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Why won't they feel my breasts?!!

26 replies

MrsWarleggan · 27/01/2022 17:35

Found a lump in my armpit last September (I posted a thread on here) went to doctors he said enlarged lymph nodes, possibly from covid jab. Nothing to worry about, but if it gets any bigger or starts to hurt to go back. Didn't feel boobs.

Fast forward to today...well last couple of weeks. Lump is still there, no bigger but really bloody hurts and getting a shooting pain down to my nipple. Went back to (different GP) explained the pains, he had a feel of lump (reallly hurt) said it wasn't anything serious, wasn't lymph nodes and most likely a lipoma and prescribed naproxen for the pain. Didn't feel boobs.

I HAVE been feeling them and apart from an obvious lump I have no idea what to be looking for. A thickening? What does a thickening feel like?

I asked both times whether they would be examined and was told no on both occasions.

I'm anxious. I have a family history of breast cancer but feel like I'm being fobbed off.

AIBU to want my boobs felt??

OP posts:
shouldistop · 27/01/2022 17:36

he had a feel of lump (reallly hurt)

I'm confused

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 27/01/2022 17:39

Do you mean he just felt the actual lump instead of the whole breast/surrounding tissue?

Pumperthepumper · 27/01/2022 17:40

@shouldistop

he had a feel of lump (reallly hurt)

I'm confused

What about? The lump is in the OP’s armpit.

I’d go again and ask for a referral to a breast clinic.

EnjoyingTheSilence · 27/01/2022 17:41

Do they know about the family history of breast cancer?

sarahc336 · 27/01/2022 17:43

Go back op tell them your concerns and if need be they can get a female dr to have a good feel. Stand your ground on this I'd say xx

Original poster
MrsWarleggan · 27/01/2022 17:45

@SliceOfCakeCupOfTea

Literally just the lump not the surrounding area.

@EnjoyingTheSilence

Yes, because I mentioned it on both visits.

OP posts:
DaffodilDandilion · 27/01/2022 17:47

Have you specifically asked for a breast examination? The only time I’ve needed one the dr was really oddly apologetic about it. They may think you don’t want one so are avoiding as they don’t think it’s necessary without realising you need that reassurance.

Lancssss · 27/01/2022 17:48

@sarahc336

Go back op tell them your concerns and if need be they can get a female dr to have a good feel. Stand your ground on this I'd say xx
I agree, make a fuss.
sadpapercourtesan · 27/01/2022 17:49

YANBU, if a lump has been found I would expect a full breast exam to check for any more, swollen lymph nodes or hot areas etc.

I would go back if I were you - and I'd ask for a female practitioner as well. Surely they should do a biopsy to be safe?

Morechocmorechoc · 27/01/2022 17:50

Go see different doctor. Dont be fobbed off. Ask for a female doctor on booking and say its because you want a breast exam. You have a right to do that. Then detail your family history and get referal.

Sally872 · 27/01/2022 17:55

Go back. Really not acceptable. I had a lump and doctor checked it properly was very reassuring on why it didn't seem like a problem but still referred to confirm it was nothing. Gp may be confident and probably is correct but not worth taking a chance.

shouldistop · 27/01/2022 17:55

@Pumperthepumper well that will teach me for not reading properly Grin

optimistic40 · 27/01/2022 18:02

When I have asked about lumps my breasts have been checked. I would ask too.

Amberheartkitty · 27/01/2022 18:03

I had a lump in my armpit and had a full breast exam on both breasts. Then booked in for a scan. I’m surprised they haven’t taken your concerns seriously.
Mine had no markers for cancer either. 🤷‍♀️

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 27/01/2022 18:04

Ask for breast clinic referral tomorrow. It's probably nothing sinister but treatment is much easier if picked up earlier if there is a problem. Good luck!

LethargicActress · 27/01/2022 18:09

Ask for an appointment with a female doctor and tell her you’re worried something may have been missed.

Original poster
MrsWarleggan · 27/01/2022 18:11

@sadpapercourtesan

The first GP had a feel everywhere.....nodes wise. Just not the breasts....just find it really strange! Today's GP, whilst perfectly lovely, was almost giving the impression that he couldn't understand why I was there 🙄

OP posts:
Anusee · 27/01/2022 18:14

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Minniem2020 · 27/01/2022 18:14

Definitely go back and ask to be referred to a breast clinic. I've got lumps in both my armpits. GP referred me to the breast clinic where I had a full breast exam and an ultrasound. Thankfully nothing sinister

MilduraS · 27/01/2022 18:25

Very strange, all it took was a phonecall to my GP and she sent me straight off with a 2 week referral. The breast clinic seemed to be the only place not suffering with "because of Covid". They were very thorough with the tests. My lump was next to my nipple so maybe that changed it but I'm early 30s with no history of any type of cancer in my family.

cherrytopcake · 27/01/2022 18:32

Get another appointment and when speaking to the receptionist make sure you make it clear you want to the gp to feel your breasts. Make sure they allocate you a GP who is happy to do this... State clearly your expectation. State breast cancer history in family. I had a lump on my inner labia and went to see GP... he spoke about all the possibilities of what it could be without examining me Hmm yet I was fully prepared to be examine and wanted an examination - I wanted to be sure or why else would I come and see a gp ?! So I left the appointment confused to say the least. Complained gently at reception about how I believed he should have checked the lump but didn't. Receptionist gave me another appointment with a female GP straight away and apologised. Perhaps some male GPs don't want to examine without a chaperone and if you haven't requested one then they don't check so best to clarify what you need when making the appointment.

At the appointment re-iterate you've been seen twice but the GPs haven't actually felt your boobs. Tell your gp you want them to examine your breast. State breast cancer history in family. Again.

And if during the appointment you aren't satisfied with the outcome then insist on a referral to the breast clinic and stay until you get the referral you believe you need.

Don't take any chances. Bottom line, if you feel something is wrong then PUSH for that referral ASAP.

UnshakenNeedsStirring · 27/01/2022 18:34

Go back OP and demand to be seen. Women are routinely fobbed off by GP's. You have to fight nowadays. Dont give up!

TillyTopper · 27/01/2022 18:39

I also had a similar problem - with a female doctor! I went to the (f) GP and said I had a pain in my breast, but couldn't feel any lumps and asked her to check. She said she could teach me what to do myself, but couldn't do it for me. I kicked up a fuss and went for a scan even I hadn't long had one. However, the scan they found something and I had to be re-scanned... then I ended seeing another doctor and she examined and felt both my breasts for lumps. She said all was fine, don't worry, it was scar tissue. I have no idea why some will do it and some not!

Spooked102 · 27/01/2022 18:41

You should have been referred for a scan I had a tiny lump sent straight away for a scan it was a cyst

EnjoyingTheSilence · 27/01/2022 21:23

Agree with others, make a fuss

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