Scared about what this could mean

[Ilovepugs2017]

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!

Oh I feel for you, this has happened to me and I remember being beside myself with worry. I've actually been referred to the breast clinic three times, and had a biopsy done (absolutely painless in case they do this for you). Each time everything was completely fine. I have 'lumpy breasts', lucky me! On another occasion it was glandular tissue which inflamed the week before my period and then subsided.

Each time I went the staff were wonderful and very reassuring. When I had the biopsy the consultant told me to really try not to worry unless he told me there was something to worry about. And there was nothing to worry about. I try to remember that every time there is a health issue in the family. I naturally tend to catastophise and this pulls me back.

Wishing you the very best 💐

Thank you all I think it just threw me a bit when I looked it up and realised it was a place specifically for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

I think I assumed I’d be seen at the main hospital rather than a place of its own iyswim

It's absolutely standard for all lumps and bumps to be referred to the cancer unit - it doesn't mean you have cancer at all!

Hey there, try not to worry, I know easier said than done. I found a lump four weeks ago, went straight to docs, they referred me to clinic and it turned out to be a simple cyst. They’ve not drained it either, said small enough to leave! I worried myself sick and so know how you feel. Have you been referred, when is your appointment? Breast clinic are so lovely btw, all scans etc were painless, even the mammogram (my first one). Apparently cysts are sooo common and 9/10 referrals are simple cysts. Try not to worry x

OP, there is some really good advice on this thread. It absolutely could be something like a cyst. However, even if it isn't, treatment for breast cancer has come on leaps and bounds. Don't assume the worst. And whilst it is uncomfortable at times, it is doable. @Tillow4ever had some good advice, focus on what is in front of you and don't look too far ahead.

Similar happened to me - went to docs due to colour changes on my breast (in hindsight I wondered if the dog had jumped up at me and bruised me because it did go away, but didn't make this connection at the time). Had an exam and one breast felt dissimilar from the other so I was referred on 2 week wait. I also went home and cried, and worried for the entire 2 weeks. The appointment at hospital was fine, they found nothing sinister and said that lots of people come in with lumps that aren't anything to worry about. Not downplaying, anyone who has lumps should get checked out ASAP, but just assuring that a lump doesn't always equal cancer. Best of luck OP x

On my first smear test my results were abnormal and I had to go for a hospital appointment where they looked with a camera. I was hpv positive but completely fine and it cleared.

I've been referred 3 times now to the breast clinic, and have had a few lumps that have come and gone in between, it's hard not to worry but in most cases everything is fine, I'm blessed with getting cysts and last time I was also told I have lumpy breast tissue! I'm always referred to a separate clinic too, I think that's standard.

This is completely normal OP - everyone on the two weeks pathway for breast cancer will be seen at the nearest breast clinic. The majority of people referred to this clinic do not have breast cancer. I was referred last year after finding a lump so I completely understand the horrible worry - I found audiobooks really helped take my mind of it as I had something to listen to that wasn't my own thoughts!

I had an ultrasound and it turned out to be normal lumpy breast tissue - I can still feel it now!

Hi Op just want

Thank you all so much for your advice and support. Wednesday can’t come quick enough! Just feels like a weight on my mind until then. Away from home at the moment visiting a friend and she’s planned some things like meals out, a gig etc so that’s helping to take my mind off it all a little.

I have noticed though the right breast (the one the doc is concerned about) does feel different to the other one. Don’t know how to describe it though, guess it just feels heavier and a bit tender? Anyone had this?

The threshold for referring for those tests is very, very, low (and while scary at the time, I think it's a good thing, as it then puts your mind at rest).

I got referred earlier this year, at 40 and with no family history of breast cancer, because I had been experiencing breast pain for over a month. Both the ultrasound and mammogram showed I was fine and they said the pain was an inflammation of the chest/ribs in that area.

A lot of breast clinics these days are separate from an acute hospital, but will still see everyone referred on an urgent potential breast cancer referral - less than 10% of them turn out to be actual cancer. You don't say how old you are, but it's extremely common to develop breast cysts (often multiple) as you approach the menopause - often these cysts are quite large.

Please don't worry until you know for certain - 90% of the time it's nothing to worry about. I'm 51. I've been referred to rapid access breast clinic three times since I was 30. Each time, it's been benign cysts and nothing to worry about. I had my first screening mammogram earlier this year and that was normal

Sorry I should have mentioned in the original post I’m 36

Is the cream helping?

I hope everything is ok and they tell you straight away to stop you worrying. I've had a few tests for cancer and I know how you're feeling. Mind is full of what ifs?

I found a lump in my breast and was referred on the 2ww. Had a mammogram, was a cyst. Then, on way home got a phone call from the hospital, could I go straight back please. Turned out the senior radiologist had reviewed my scan and found a tiny lump deep in my breast. Biopsy done - inconclusive, 2nd biopsy still inconclusive. They decided to remove the lump - got the news on Christmas eve that it was benign. I had been convinced by this point it was cancerous.

It's a specialist clinic. You'd be alarmed if they sent you to ENT!
All perfectly normal and routine. Of course you will worry, that's natural, but until you get the results, it's pointless
I say this as a bod who has been through this process.
Have a large wine. And then have another!
X

I felt that a vein on a breast looked more prominent so I went to the Dr and was in having a scan the next day - it was nothing but they found quite a lot of cysts. I’m in Aus and every lump bump, change, everything gets referred on for ultrasound and/or mammogram and I assume it’s the same in the U.K.

Fingers crossed you’re totally fine - breasts are lumpy things!

Have you been trying to feel to lumps OP? Breasts are very sensitve, mine was heavily bruised from me continually poking and prodding my 'lump' whilst I was waiting for the scan. It's likely that any swelling/tenderness is down to you/the doctor palapting the breast.

Hi,

Just an update with good news. Been to the breast clinic this morning and it’s just fibrous tissue! Apparently my boobs are generally quite lumpy because of this. Relieved is an understatement! ❤️ thank you all so much for your support and advice 🌺 X

yes, I had the exact same, went for unrelated pigmentation question, dr gave me a check and found lump, referred me, all was well, no probs, they're just being careful. Wishing the same for you.

Oh, good news!
I too have very lumpy/dense boobs. They are a pain in the arse (so to speak!) Mammograms are painful as a result, and you need to get to know them so that you can idebtify any new lumps/dumps
Very happy about your result!

Amazing news! I was thinking of you today, hope you have a good sleep tonight!

Good news OP
I had a referral for lumpy boob once, not aided by my sizeable norks GP scared me as I have had older women in my family with BC.

Pour a big wine, hope you sleep better now!