Non Urgent Referral from GP to breast clinic seems to have been sped up!

[AngryFeet]

I popped into GP today to discuss a slight rash by my armpit and also the breast issue that I have noticed in recent months/years that the top outer quadrant of my left breast seems to sink in when I am lying down and raise my arm above my head. This makes my nipple sort of bend to the side. None of these happen if I am upright and raise my arm though.

Anyway he felt and said it was a bit lumpy there and I mentioned there was a lump there which I had biopsied in 2004 which was benign. He said he wasn't concerned but would refer just in case.

An hour later I had a call from the Breast Clinic saying I have an appt next Thursday! :S

Should I be concerned?

Breast clinics are mostly notoriously good at providing patients with quick appointments. This is primarily because they are well-resourced and well-funded compared to many other specialties.

So I would bear that in mind and try not to worry. But if you're anything like me, saying 'don't worry' is about as effective as saying 'don't breathe'. But I'm sure that there are plenty of people on here who've been through breast clinics who will be able to hold your hand between now and next thursday.

Try not to worry. I think it's standard to be seen within two weeks. It if they're able to see you earlier then they will. I saw my GP recently and he was very concerned, got an appt at the breast clinic for two days later and it turned out to be nothing. Most breast lumps/issues do.

Please try not to worry.

No, not a sign of anything untoward at all to get a fast appointment

Also, fwiw, breasts sinking in and having patches of less resilient-looking flesh (for want of better way to describe it) has also happened to me over the past ten years and, thankfully and sadly both, tis to do with the normal ageing of breasts. Also being a bit lumpy, happened to me in my 40s (and onwards) and also so far unremarkable.

Hang in there, its horrid waiting for any sorts of tests - but honestly, don't take the speed of referral on as anything negative at all!

Thanks all. I am less nervous having been through it before 8 years ago so I know what will happen etc etc. Glad to know the speed of referral doesn't mean anything.

Elibean you have made me feel MUCH better. Hopefully that's all it is (not that I want to have aging boobs but not much can be done to stop that )

Thank you for this thread Angryfeet as reading Elibean's answer has reassured me too. I have my appointment tomorrow afternoon after showing my GP (last Wed) a slightly inward curved area of my right breast. My GP said that any breast referral gets dealt with very quickly as standard, it does not mean the GP marked it as urgent and not to read anything into it.

Hi Nemno,Just wanted to wish you luck for your appointment today,mine is tomorrow so I have an idea how you feel.
let us know how you get on.

And not much longer,Angryfeet.Hang in there.

That's very kind of you l4k, thank you. I will report later (but it will be in the evening as I have a very late appt). Will you want all the details about the process or just how it went in general? I am happy to provide either account. Take care :)

Good luck both, no matter how reassured one is/has been, appointments are still nervewracking IME - perhaps thats the reason your lovely clinics got you fast appointments: so you'd have less time to worry in

Can I jump in? I had a biopsy last Thursday and should hear the results today or tomorrow. I just feel a bit paralysed waiting TBH. The biopsy process was fine, they anaesthetised the area so it wasn't painful at all, and I could see what was happening on the ultrasound screen. However I am in the US so the procedure may be a bit different.

Everything crossed for all of us.

Hi everyone. Well that went well. There was not much hanging around. The consultant bit with exam was first and he was already very reassuring. The mammogram was not painful or anything and luckily I was able to wait for the radiographer to look at xrays and compare with some old ones which I brought. She was happy nothing was amiss. In and out in 1hr 45mins and everyone was really friendly and helpful.
Keeping my fingers crossed for the rest of you too xx

So pleased for you nemno. Thanks for letting us know. X

nemno, that's fantastic news - really good to hear you're clear.

howdoo, have you heard yet?? Really hope results go okay. Will keep everything crossed for you. xx

Thank you everyone. I'm willing it all to go fine today for you l4k and howdoo.

Hang in there AngryFeet, I know the day before the appointment is a strain x

Just had a call from the doctor and my lump is not cancerous so I am all clear! Very relieved obviously. Hope everything goes well for AngryFeet and 14k - let us know how you get on. I think they are very very cautious these days and check everything out as soon as possible. Keeping everything crossed for you.x

Fantastic howdoo :) Now do something nice for yourself, I know that however relaxed you tried to be you were in knots inside. Do something nice to unclench!

Yes, still sending good wishes to those waiting xx

Yeay for howdoo! Brilliant news.

Howdoo,that's great.Mine was fine too,no need for biopsy.So relieved!!
What time are you due to be seen,angryfeet? loads of good luck for today.

That's great l4k. Really happy for you :)

All the best AngryFeet x

@AngryFeet I know this is a super old post but I was wondering what came of your appointment and was all OK? I have a similar issue