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Original poster

Breast Clinic

23 replies

topsyturner · 27/04/2011 15:38

So I saw my GP last friday as I found what I presume to be a lump in my breast .
She had a good grope around and agreed was quite definitely a lump and not my imagination (or that is wasn't the fatty breast tissue I had convinced myself it was) . And promptly referred me to the hospitals Breast Clinic .

I got a phonecall from the hospital this morning asking me to come in in 2 weeks time . The lady on the phone told me the sppointment would take a minimum of 2 hours and that they would carry out any investigations or proceedures neccessary and give me the results same day .

My question is , does anyone know what tests they are likely to be doing ?
Mammogram I presume , but am I likely to have a biopsy too ?
And also does anyone think the rapidness of getting this appointment means anything ?

OP posts:

BurningBridges · 27/04/2011 16:45

I'd say this is normal, I have had a similar problem 3 times, each time the lump was diagnosed as a hardening of the tissues, which does happen (depends how old you are but its not that unusual).

Each time, I had my appointment sorted out within a couple of weeks, if not sooner. My appointment went like this - get examined by the consultant. Sent to x-ray dept for mammogram (which they can do regardless of your age, I had my first one at 39), then for ultrasound which is normally performed by a consultant. Then go back to original consultant's room and he/she will normally tell you there and then what the problem might be, if any, and explain what happens next. So that's been my experience 3 times. I know you will be worried, I couldn't believe it when I got the all clear the third time. Good luck I am sure its nothing.

KurriKurri · 27/04/2011 17:16

2 weeks is a standard amount of time - breast clinic referrals are nearly always quick, so don't read anything into that.

You'll see a consultant who will examine you, and decide what procedures you need. These will include a mammogram, possibly a biopsy, and an ultrasound.

For a biopsy, they give you a local anaesthetic and use an instrument which is a needle which sort of grabs a sample of your lump - its slightly uncomfortable, more of a tugging sensation than anything. Usually biopsy results take slightly longer, ultrasound they can tell you at the time.

It sometimes helps if you can take someone with you for a bit of moral support and company - it all takes a while as you go from one bit of the hospital to another.

Good luck, try not to worry too much, they tend to err on the side of caution when referring people for breast lumps.

Original poster

topsyturner · 27/04/2011 17:42

Thankyou .
I was a bit worried about the speedy turn around !

My gp did say given my age (41) that an urgent referral was the norm .

Also good to hear what might happen at the clinic .
Hubby got the day booked off work , so will have some support . (although he's more freaked out than I am)

Thanks for the feedback

OP posts:

smee · 27/04/2011 18:56

topsy, I always trot this out, but 9 out of 10 referrals to Breast Clinics turn out to be benign, so just focus on that. It's probably just a cyst or something.

SparkleRainbow · 27/04/2011 19:03

It sounds like the completely normal timetable, nothing to worry about, and if they do a needle biopsy after the ultrasound and mammogram it takes a good chunk of the waiting out of the equation. I know it is difficult, but try not too worry too much, and smee is right, most referrals turn out to be benign.

Original poster

topsyturner · 27/04/2011 19:29

Thanks Ladies .
So far I have been fairly laid back about it all , am quite a pragmatic person anyway.
And the nurse at the clinic said I should get same day results from any tests done , so thats good .

Am just going to ignore it all now , and keep busy for the next 2 weeks !

OP posts:

smee · 27/04/2011 20:11

Keeping busy's definitely a good idea, but come back if you need hand holding. There's a fair few of us who've been to the Breast Clinic, so we definitely know how it feels.

Original poster

topsyturner · 28/04/2011 07:59

Thankyou smee

OP posts:

lilruthie · 05/05/2011 16:40

Hi all
My partner found my lump and from finding the lump to being diagnosed with breast cancer to having a mastectomy it took exactualy 4 weeks. I guess i was 1 of the unlucky one's had my surgery on the 15 april this year and am now waiting to see oncologist to find out when i start chemo. So i would say from my experience so far it is common to be seen and treated very quickly.

What to expect from my experience....
1st had a mammogram, then had ultra sound, then biopsys (and yes they do hurt lol), then seen by surgeon in the same appointment.
You might not necessary find out that day if it is cancer, i had to go back a week later due to how they test the biopsys then found out it was cancer. Had my appointment for surgery the day of results which was 10 days later.
Day of surgery i had a sental node biopsy and was unlucky to find out i had cancer cells in them but very lucky as i didn't have to go back for surgery as they removed them under the same operation as my mastectomy. Was discharged 5 days later. Then had a follow up appointment 2 weeks after surgery to be then informed due to cancer cells found in my lymph nodes and having invasive cancer i had to have chemo, which up to date am waiting for an appointment to see oncologist to find out when i start chemo.

Hope this was a little helpfull information for all you ladies who have sadly found a lump in breast.

Hugs Lilruthie xxx

HarrietJones · 05/05/2011 16:47

I've been a couple of times. 2 weeks is standard due to the risk of cancer. Best unit i went to was a bit of a conveyer belt(didn't feel it though . Consultant, mammogram, possible biopsy, consultant.

smee · 06/05/2011 10:25

waving to lilruthie. Really well done on getting through the op. Hope you're not feeling too bad. Come back over to Tamoxifen thread if you feel up to it. x

topsy, fingers crossed still for you. lilruthie's advice is great, but she's right she was one of the unlucky ones. Doesn't mean you will be too.

pinkstarlight · 07/05/2011 18:07

as far as i know its standard to see you within 2 weeks so dont panic yet,in my case i had a mammogram ,ultrasound then biopsy then a weeks wait for the results. i just wanted to wish you luck smee is right the tamoxifen thread is very supportive so if you want to ask anything pop over and say hello.

Original poster

topsyturner · 07/05/2011 18:13

My appointment is 9am , this Wednesday . And I'm actually really calm about it all .
I have learnt (in the last couple of years) that it is a waste of time getting worked up about things I cannot control .

I am very thankful though that we have such a great system in place for dealing with these lumps and bumps !
And I am also amazed by the amount of women who have gone through this .

I will be back (hopefully wednesday afternoon) and let you know how it went .

OP posts:

candyfloss66 · 07/05/2011 20:20

My thoughts too Topsyturner. I usually get myself in a right state of worry but like yourself I am calm. My appt is on Mon so I don't know how I will be feeling tomorrow night I have been trying not to dwell on it too much. I have been getting breast pain for a few of months that radiates under my armpit & down my left arm. My Dr can't find any lumps but gave me a referral to get checked. Good luck on Wed hun and please let us know how you get on :-)

smee · 08/05/2011 18:45

Just wanted to wish candyfloss well for tomorrow. I'd bet this time tomorrow night you'll have a huge smile of relief on your face.

Topsy, will be thinking of you on Wednesday too. Not that long to wait now. You're right, the NHS is astoundingly good for Breast issues. Odds are that after Wednesday, you won't need to test it any further.

candyfloss66 · 08/05/2011 19:20

Thankyou Smee, I am getting very worried now I am praying that it's nothing but can't help feeling negative at the moment. I will let you know how I got on tomorrow :-)

smee · 08/05/2011 19:42

Candy, I'll have everything crossed for you.

candyfloss66 · 08/05/2011 19:57

Thankyou hun :-)

candyfloss66 · 09/05/2011 13:14

I went to see the consultant at the hospital today, he examined me & said he couldn't feel any lumps but I do have more glandular nodules on my left breast this is where the pain is. I had a mammogram as well so have to wait 10 days for the results he said I could have waited for them today but Im could be waiting a long time & he's not too worried about my breast. He did say that the pain I am experiencing could be cynical breast pain. I am so relieved that he didn't find any nasty lumps so I am praying now that the mammogram is clear :)

smee · 09/05/2011 16:51

Hey Candy, that sounds okay. I know you have to wait, but from experience they tell you straight away if they're worried. Cautiously brilliant news then!

candyfloss66 · 09/05/2011 21:03

Thankyou for your support Smee it is greatly appreciated hun.10 days is a long time to wait for the mammogram result so praying that all is ok but yes I'm sure that the Dr would have told me if he had found anything abnormal :)

candyfloss66 · 09/05/2011 21:04

Thinking of you on Wed Topsy let us know how you get on hun :)

smee · 11/05/2011 09:38

Got everything crossed for Topsy today. Let us know how it went, Topsy.

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