Fast Track Referral

[BoyMum2023]

Hi, I am sure there are many of these threads....

I have been having stabbing breast pains for around 3-4 months, but because I'd been unwell when it first started with a flu, I initially thought the pain was muscular from coughing hard.

Then, it seemed to coincide with my cycle so I thought it was related to that.

But then it became more frequent and painful, and randomised so I went to see the nurse practitioner at my GP practice. I couldn't find anything myself.

She examined me and felt a lump or thickening when she lifted my breast and felt the top. She made a 2 week referral, and instructed that I call the hospital after 1 week if nobody had made contact.

I called them exactly 1 week later, and initially, I was told there was a backlog at the hospital due to "an influx of referrals" but they called me today with an appointment for Monday.

I'm really worrying about it. My husband and sister and Grandmother (who's Grandmother died from breast cancer before she was born) have been dismissive of it, citing that it'll be nothing and I shouldn't worry...

I must admit, I don't find that very supportive. I'm an anxious person, have medical fears generally, (needles, procedures etc, generally avoid medical interventions where possible) and, simply put, I don't want to die yet. I know the stats about referrals, and that brings some calm, but ultimately, anyone can be the person who does have cancer.

My Mum was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in November 2022, and died from it in August 2023 (and although I don't think I'll have cancer and die BECAUSE she did, I am afraid of making my own kids feel the way I did/do when she died, and the lack of family they will have)

My husband's cousin recently recovered from breast cancer and it's been harrowing for her kid, who is a bit younger than mine are. And she's this stoic, brilliant woman, whereas ~I'm just a wobbly mess at the best of times.

I've read the referral letter that came today, thoroughly, so I know what to expect, but I'm really dreading it. I'm dreading the x-ray, if I have to have the needle aspiration thing, or worst, a biopsy.

Would just love some words of comfort, your own experiences, and stuff llike that.

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this, I understand why you are so worried given your Mum's passing and it's completely normal to think of all the possible outcomes. I hope your appointment comes through soon.

I had an ultrasound yesterday and a biopsy and now I await results, it really wasn't painful or anything and everyone was really nice and respectful. I think it original appointment took about 3 weeks to come through rather than 2 as they are so busy.

From what I've read on here too they will most likely tell you at the appointment of what you are facing or give you a good idea at least. Sending you best wishes 🙂

I think your family are trying to reassure you, but I understand why you are so worried. I'm going through treatment for breast cancer at the minute, and I remember the wait for the appointment at the beginning was awful, when you don't know anything. I think the other poster is right, you'll probably have a good idea on Monday what it is (my consultant wouldn't say without the biopsy results but I could tell from how he was talking). The biopsy itself isn't painful, they put tonnes of anaesthetic in and you'll probably be positioned so you can't see anything. I would take someone with you if you can, to remember this bits you don't as it can be a bit overwhelming. If you have any specific questions about the process let me know. And no googling! That's the best bit of advice I was given, it drives you mad looking things up. Best of luck for Monday

thanks. I'm just an anxious person ans I think I view any reaction other than nail-biting worry as insensitive! We've got a bunch of stuff going atm so it's come at an inconvenient time. I really am hoping it's just nothing.

I'm definitely not going to Google! I definitely don't want to read any horror stories or start speculating.

Sorry you're going through it, I hope everything works out well for you.

They likely not being dismissive….trying to make you feel better….but going the wrong way about it
chances are you’ll be fine….the breast clinic near me sees 40 new patients a week …..4 of these on average are diagnosed with cancer …..but not helpful for yo own health anxiety I know…. Having a biopsy is ok…..the needle aspiration actually hurt more I found….the good thing is , it’s a one stop shop, all investigations done on the same day….and they are very honest….if they think it’s cancer they will tell you…..the waiting for an appointment is the very worst time…..I wish you well OP

Sorry you are going through this OP .
The waiting is horrible . I had my 2ww appointment on Tuesday and was told it’s most likely cancer .
I had several biopsies but they gave me lots of local anaesthetic and as I had to hold my arm up I just held it over my face so I couldn’t see .
I was sore the next day and my boob looked huge ! However by the next day it just felt a bit tender and it’s actually ok and not particularly bruised .
I know I’m getting a cancer diagnosis but just want to know what type so I know what I’m dealing with .

However , you may not even need a biopsy , you could have any one of benign breast conditions .
Remember most referrals are actually something innocent x

Make sure you have someone at the clinic appointment, either a very close friend or your DH. If it comes to having a biopsy, ask if he can stay with you and hold your hand if it would help you.
I went on my own, unfortunately they were pretty sure it was going to be a sinister lump at the sonography/ biopsy stage and they weren't wrong. I dealt with it fine at the time, but it is probably best to have someone there.
As much as you are worried about it, deep down they will be too, and are passing it off as minor so that they don't have to deal with it either. Have a big virtual hug from me, because that's what you need at times like this. Perhaps a close friend would be better to inform, they might give hugs freely and handle it in the way you'd prefer ie. Having your fears acknowledged.

thank you. I definitely feel better hearing from women who have been through the process. I'm sorry that it's not been the best news so far. How are you all coping?

Good luck tomorrow OP. Take a book with you or laptop or something as there is a lot of waiting around! I hope you get on okay.

I have 2 weeks to wait for my results, sorry for everyone who is expecting bad news 💚

Well, it went okay today. I had a physical exam by a lady doc, who was sure it was nothing, although acknowledged there is thickening of the breast tissue, she mentioned that the pain could be glandular. I had a mammogram (ouch - really, not quite expecting it to hurt!) but it was over almost as soon as it had started. I then had a while to wait for an ultrasound, which the sonographer said was completely clear and normal looking. She said my xray was also fine.

I think she said they would write to me to confirm the findings within 2 weeks as they have to be signed off by the consultant. But I expect I might see them come up in the NHS App. She gave me a leaflet about Breast Pain which was reassuring as it states that breast pain is very rarely ever linked to early breast cancer symptoms.

Intially I have to say it took a while to sink in, because I had convinced myself they'd find something awful and the next few months of my life would be full of upheaval and worry. By the time I was back in my hometown and sipping a coffee at my local cafe, I felt tonnes better.

Thank you for the responses on my post, I am grateful for them, and please update here if you want to, for support, if you should need it. xx

So pleased to read your appointment went well and the outcome was what it was x

Really glad you've got a positive outcome 😊

That's brilliant. What a relief.