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Original poster

Scared about what this could mean

53 replies

Ilovepugs2017 · 10/09/2024 14:34

Been to docs today as noticed a itchy red rash on my right breast over last couple of days.

Doc said the rash could be that skin has become irritated from a bra or change in washing detergent etc and prescribed some cream for it to help with the itching and redness.

While I was there she asked if I had noticed any lumps or bumps to which I said I don’t really check so I don’t know (bad I know :( )

Anyway she asked if she could do an examination to check and has found a couple of lumps in the right breast so has referred me on the 2 week pathway to breast clinic. 😭

Came home and broke down in tears to DH as I’m just beside myself with worry now! Wasn’t even aware there were any lumps there til today and just the shock of being referred on a 2 week wait has got me so anxious and thinking all sorts!

Has anyone had anything similar happen!?

Im meant to be packing to go away this weekend to a friends but cuddled up in my dressing gown worrying about what it could be!

OP posts:
Catza · 10/09/2024 14:45

They always refer on 2 weeks emergency pathway. It doesn't mean anything. I noticed a lump, got GP appointments two days later, scan a week later and then a rather non-eventful diagnosis of a cyst.
Same happened for a mole. Two weeks emergency pathway to be told everything is absolutely normal.
It's just what they have to do, not an indication of anything serious.

ShouldITell101 · 10/09/2024 14:46

Hi OP.

First of all - hugs 💐
Second - My mum had this, she was even given a leaflet saying "So, you have breast cancer"! Turned out, after her mammogram, she had benign cysts.

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry, or at least not to let the worry consume you. Have a lovely weekend away, you'll benefit from it hugely x

Tillow4ever · 10/09/2024 14:46

I haven't experienced this, but didn't want to read and run!

You're obviously in shock at the minute - you were already worried about the rash, add 2 lumps in and your brain is going to go to worst case scenario.

It's good that they have referred you and are getting you seen quite quickly. Try to enjoy your weekend even if just to make the time pass quicker. If you are someone that worries - stay away from Google! If you are someone who feels better armed with knowledge and worst case scenarios, use only reputable sites (Google Scholar is a good place to start). No one here can tell you it's all going to be ok, because it might not be... but equally no one here can say it's going to be terrible news - because it might not be!

Deal with what's in front of you right now, and don't let things out of your control crowd your thoughts. Try to find things to distract you.

It's very scary, and I hope it turns out to be nothing. Good luck!

Katiesaidthat · 10/09/2024 14:47

Well, I went for a mammogram and the scans came up on the screen and the very young tecnician went out of the room and someone in her 40s came in and took a look, then she went out too and the big boss of the clinic came in himself. I thought "I´ve had it". Seriously. There was a 4.5 cm whatever in my left breast and my tissue is very dense and hard for scans to see through. I called my uncle (doctor) from the waiting room as I was really worried (horrified) and he said the most normal explanation is all kind of cists and bening tumours which populate woman´s breasts, contraty to popular belief. Your worrying is a totally normal reaction and while with no evidence to the contrary the most common outcome is what my uncle said. Try to keep it in check by telling yourself that.
P.S. He was right in my case, it was a hamartoma, a bening tumour. I had it out a couple of years ago.
All positive vibes for your appointment.

mindutopia · 10/09/2024 14:49

It’s great it’s getting checked. Breast cysts are very normal and so is itching/irritation. More than likely, it will all be fine, but I’d try to think of yourself as being fortunate it’s being taken so seriously.

I am currently under consultant care for cancer (not breast cancer). We did pretty much know at the referral stage that it was cancer as I had a very obvious tumour and there wasn’t really a benign explanation for it unfortunately. The consultant saw me a week after I saw the GP and I had an operation to remove the cancer two weeks after that. I’m now waiting on a scan and what further treatment will be needed. It is scary, but I feel very grateful they moved so quickly. My mum (who lives outside the UK with private health care) had to wait 3 months to have an operation and start treatment! It’s really reassuring to be seen quickly and just know what’s next.

Have a day in your dressing gown and then pick yourself back up and enjoy your lovely weekend away.

Badburyrings · 10/09/2024 14:51

I think they have a pretty good duty of care on putting you on the two week pathway. I am in the same situation as my right breast just doesn't feel right. I went to the drs and they did they same. However, weirdly I am not worried, in fact I feel very relieved they are doing something although I suspect it will be nothing, and if it is, then we will deal with it. I can't tell you not to worry but they do this as a preventative, it doesn't necessarily mean they think you have cancer and are referring you.

The language they use is standard for everyone, it is scary getting the letters but it does not have to lead to anything serious.

Member984815 · 10/09/2024 14:55

As hard as it is , don't let your imagination run away with itself. Could be cysts equally could be just lumpy breasts . Stay positive and meet whatever it is with the attitude you can get through this. Don't stop living your life until the appointment , please enjoy your weekend away .

sunsetsandboardwalks · 10/09/2024 14:58

Nine out of ten people referred on the pathway don't have cancer - so please try not to worry, though I know it's really difficult.

ForPearlViper · 10/09/2024 16:25

I have been on the fast track pathway twice. It is terrifying and no amount of 'don't worry' helps much. I actually did research on the internet and found it quite helpful. However, I looked at very specific sites - mainly the communities of the major charities which in your case would related to breast cancer. There was a lot of reassurance there. For me it also helped to have factual information about next steps if the worst happened - but that of course was just me and may not be remotely helpful for you.

On both of my occasions I was declared clear (although I am still waiting for some biopsy results).

Just keep in mind 'this too will pass'. At least the fast track means that you hopefully won't have to worry for too long.

BMW6 · 10/09/2024 16:44

OP I found a lump when I was 17. My maternal GM died of breast cancer because she was afraid to see her doctor in case he told her it was cancer.....

My biopsy showed a non malignant lump so they left it in place.

I'm now 67. I've had cysts show up on mammograms but no other problems.

Try not to worry

BrigadierEtienneGerard · 10/09/2024 17:01

DW had this. Turned out to be nothing. On the other hand, the sooner investigations and, if necessary, treatment is started the better.

Best of luck.

LakieLady · 10/09/2024 17:13

I had a small lump in one of my breasts and was referred to the breast clinic. The doctor took a sample from the lump with a syringe, and the lump disappeared!

He said he was 99% positive it was nothing sinister, and the analysis confirmed it was some harmless kind of cyst and nothing to worry about.

It's never come back, and I've never had another one in the 15 or so years since.

Mama2many73 · 10/09/2024 17:14

I was put on the 2 week pathway for cancer (not breast). As other have said you will worry but be grateful its being dealt with so quickly. There are several things that can be flagged up and it is more often not cancer.

A friend (23)of our DiL went to the docs because she found a lump. Her aunty and nana (maternal sude) both had breast cancer and even with that history, her doc was not going to refer her because she was 'too young for cancer '. She left the room, put in a complaint and refused to leave until she spoke to another doc. They were horrified and immediately referred her and thankfully it turned out to be cysts.

Just take your time, lots of self care until your appointment x fingers crossed it's nothing untoward. X

Horses7 · 10/09/2024 17:14

Try not to worry most are benign

JLM1981 · 10/09/2024 17:30

Hugs OP. I've never had a lump checked but I see you've had a few reassuring responses. However I've had an itchy red rash a few times and if I change my washing powder it goes away 😁 this happens especially if I'm a bit lazy and throw yesterday's bra on x

Rory17384949 · 10/09/2024 17:32

Poor you, of course you're worried but this is very common and often nothing serious but the GP has absolutely done the right thing sending you to get it checked out.
I would advise staying off Google and just wait for your results Flowers

Trickabrick · 10/09/2024 17:33

ForPearlViper · 10/09/2024 16:25

I have been on the fast track pathway twice. It is terrifying and no amount of 'don't worry' helps much. I actually did research on the internet and found it quite helpful. However, I looked at very specific sites - mainly the communities of the major charities which in your case would related to breast cancer. There was a lot of reassurance there. For me it also helped to have factual information about next steps if the worst happened - but that of course was just me and may not be remotely helpful for you.

On both of my occasions I was declared clear (although I am still waiting for some biopsy results).

Just keep in mind 'this too will pass'. At least the fast track means that you hopefully won't have to worry for too long.

Same as me, apparently I have “lumpy breasts” 🙄

Just take it a day at a time and don’t google if you can help it! Good luck x

Coffeeisnecessary · 10/09/2024 17:38

Same happened to me, was very efficient appointment where I had a mammogram and ultrasound and given the all clear. The 2 weeks were a nervous wait but try not to worry, it's most likely nothing to worry about but always good to get checked.

TomWambsgansSwans · 10/09/2024 18:54

I found a lump and was put on a two-week pathway. I had a mammogram and biopsy but it was all very calm overall although I was nervous.

It was a non-cancerous tumour and they put a metal clip in as a marker so they can find it if they need to - they didn't even bother taking it out.

Best of luck OP.

Original poster
Ilovepugs2017 · 10/09/2024 20:30

Thank you all for taking the time to reply to me and for your reassurance and positive advice at this worrying time. 🌷

I think it’s the shock more than anything, expected to go in to the docs be prescribed some cream and off I go. I am grateful that they have referred me and hopefully the wait won’t be too long.

Trying not to worry about the worst case scenario of what it could be but I am a natural worried which doesn’t help.

DH has been very supportive and said he will come with me to any appts etc if I want some moral support.

DC can tell something is up as I’m not my usual self, though trying to put on a brave face for their sakes.

I guess it’s the unknown that’s the worst part of all this.

Gonna give myself a kick up the butt tomorrow and pack my things ready for the long journey on Thursday. 7 hour journey on the train to my friends so I’m gonna take some books to keep my mind distracted hopefully 🙏

OP posts:
Zanatdy · 10/09/2024 20:35

Totally understand the worry. I found a small lump whilst wiping something off my top and was referred under the 2ww too. I was actually seen in 2 days. It was a very good service. In my case I was told it was just dense breast tissue but many lumps so turn out to be non cancerous so try not to worry too much (easier said than done of course)

Original poster
Ilovepugs2017 · 12/09/2024 12:08

Just had a call from the hospital to book an appt. It’s on Wednesday morning so not too much of a wait but when I’ve researched the place I’ve got to go to it’s a breast cancer care place so now that’s got me worried 😢

OP posts:
TinyYellow · 12/09/2024 12:11

Any lump in a boob or nearby will be screened for breast cancer.

I got sent to one on the two week pathway and it ended up being a harmless cyst.

GravitasShortfall · 12/09/2024 12:12

Try not to worry OP. I was referred to the breast cancer clinic for lump investigations, it’s the right place with the right staff. They are set up for doing quick painless biopsies if needed. Mine was just cysts and yours could be something like that too.

JLM1981 · 12/09/2024 12:12

OP there is a similar place in Glasgow and I know several people who had checks there and it was a cyst. This doesn't mean anything different from the advice given hopefully 🤞