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Original poster

Breast referral - feeling very afraid.

28 replies

MistyWhiskerson · 12/04/2012 20:34

I went to see my GP today as for the last few days I have been feeling a slight pulling sensation in my left breast. It's not painful, but noticeable and I was a little concerned. I had examined myself and couldn't feel anything there.

Anyway, the GP examined me and said she could feel a slight 'thickening' where I had indicated that I felt the pulling sensation. She didn't seem too concerned and did say there was nothing that really worried her there but was referring me to the breast clinic anyway. She said this was to 'put my mind at rest'.

I am now freaking out a little! I stupidly didn't ask any questions. I was shocked when she mentioned the thickening; I was expecting to be reassured and sent on my way. I don't really know what she meant by thickening and didn't ask.

Does anyone have any experience of how long the referral is likely to take? And what might happen during the appointment? My DH has mentioned paying privately to put my mind at rest sooner, but I would prefer not to do this, as we can't really afford it.

I am 33 and have no family history of breast cancer.

Thanks for any help/advice you are able to offer. I am feeling quite frightened tonight.

OP posts:
LetsKateWin · 12/04/2012 21:08

I don't have any advice, but just wanted to offer some support and bump this so that someone with more knowledge can answer you.

I know it's silly to say this, but try not to worry, and focus on what the doctor said about not being really worried. Whatever you do, resist the urge to Google. However strong.

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 12/04/2012 21:11

I was referred a few years ago after finding a lumpy area. I was seen within two weeks and it was a bloody scary time but...when I walked in to the clinic I was greeted by several posters that said all lumps should be investigated but 97% turn out to be innocent, luckily mine was. I hope it is that way for you too but I'll hold your hand for the next few days if it helps?

Roseformeplease · 12/04/2012 21:20

Referral took about 4 weeks and, thankfully, it turned out to be nothing. All very professional and well organised with results immediately and a clear explanation. One Medical student watching but having given birth twice I found flashing my tits positively easy. I don't have statistics to offer but I know loads of people who have found out it was nothing and by being hyper vigilant you have done the right thing and will get seen quickly. Thinking of you as the wait is not fun. If you ring up you can sometimes, once on the list, get a cancellation to be seen sooner.

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 12/04/2012 21:29

I was lucky. When the consultant examined me he was pretty sure it was nothing, I had a scan and a mammogram which pointed that way too. Had they not been sure I would've had a needle biopsy too.

Original poster
MistyWhiskerson · 12/04/2012 21:31

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I have certainly found that google is not my friend tonight! No more searching.

It's reassuring to know that others have been through similar with positive results. Looks like 2-4 weeks for appointment, so some time to get through yet. Will try to be positive and not dwell on it.

Thanks for the support and handholding, much appreciated.

OP posts:
tazzle · 12/04/2012 21:34

when I had a suspicious area on a routine screening I was seen within three weeks at the regional breast clinic.

At the screening I was given another examination and an ultrasound .... did not take long.

Its hard not to worry but it is good to get these things checked as a reassurance as your gp says. The medics do tend to check everything out for just that reason cos they know thats what we need cos we are always getting told to check our boobs and we need a positive NORMAL rather than just the drs opinion.

positive thoughts for you

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 12/04/2012 21:35

Google is not your friend in these situations. step away. There is a Tamoxifen thread over on health and the lovely ladies on there would gladly hold your hand for a bit.

MaryAnnSingleton · 12/04/2012 22:09

2 weeks is the standard time for breast clinic referals. The waiting is scary but it's always best to be checked. You will probably have a mammogram/ultrasound and possibly a biopsy (doesn't hurt !) Do nip to the Tamoxifen thread for a hand hold x

pinkyp · 12/04/2012 22:15

I found a lump and went to my gp, got reffered & was terrified. It was fine- they did a scan and the nurse who did it had to get a dr - make me even more terrified! Mine was a group of clusters, they did a biopsey too which sounds worse than it is. You will be well looked after please try not to google Smile

AwayWithTheWeeFolk · 13/04/2012 16:23

Hi Misty

I went to the Dr with the same sensation as you, my Mum had breast cancer and although my GP was sure it wasn't cancer she sent me to the breast unit. I only had to wait 8 days.

It was a three stage examination, first looked at by consultant, she said I had more mass in aching breast than other, so sent for mammogram. Got the results from that in under an hour, no cancer so they gave me a biopsy. I had to stay and wait for the results (about an hour) as if there were anything bad going on I would have been admitted immediately for surgery. Turned out to be cysts nothing frightening.

No treatment but to cut out caffeine and take Evening Primrose oil, the EPO really helps and I have no pain now.

It was a frightening time waiting but the staff were all lovely, top tip: wear an easily removable top!

Take care and good luck.

Original poster
MistyWhiskerson · 13/04/2012 20:42

Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone. It does make me feel a little more in control knowing what to expect.

Away - your experience does sound really similar to me. Maybe I do have cysts or something similar. In my calmer moments, I know the odds are that I will be ok and this will turn out to be nothing, but the mind goes to some really dark places when you are feeling afraid.

My DH in his lovely efforts to reassure me, keeps insisting it is a pulled muscle as I lift my daughter (2) on the left side, and I have mentioned before that I can feel pulling when I pick her up. Have tried explaining that there is no muscle tissue in the breasts, but to no avail. He thinks it fits, so that's my answer.

I have to stop dwelling on it. Am back at school on Monday after the Easter break, so hopefully that will be a distraction and keep me busy.

OP posts:
frostyfingers · 13/04/2012 21:56

Please don't panic - anything like this is bound to set you worrying and when it happened to me I'd practically written my will and my funeral service. It could be something really simple or it may be more complicated, but whatever it is you will be seen quickly. I think it has to be within 14 days maximum.

Original poster
MistyWhiskerson · 14/04/2012 09:50

Got my appointment this morning. I have to go on Wednesday. God, that's quick! I'm impressed.

OP posts:
frostyfingers · 14/04/2012 10:29

That's good, they are generally pretty quick. Try not to think about it too much over the next couple of days, easier said than done, and it will be Wednesday in no time.

MaryAnnSingleton · 14/04/2012 18:33

Good - that's nice & speedy. Most likely to be nothing to worry about, but if it's anything nasty remember that treatment is really v good these days .

2sugarsandadog · 15/04/2012 06:38

Thank God it was so quick. Went through the same thing this Wednesday. Leant over the kitchen table and wondered what was digging in to me and it was me digging in to me. I expect you'll have what I had: mammogran, scan, biopsy. Have to go back in 6 weeks as they didn't get enough cells from the second lump but apparently all looked ok on the scan. I know it's really really hard not to worry but GPs have a duty to refer you for an appointment as soon as possible - I nearly flipped until he explained that. And don't forget that nine out of ten lumps are benign. And don't Google. Will be thinking of you and checking back on here to see how it went.

AwayWithTheWeeFolk · 15/04/2012 11:26

So glad you got a speedy appointment! Do let us know how you get on.

2sugarsandadog · 18/04/2012 06:33

Good luck today Misty. Let us know how you get on.

MaryAnnSingleton · 18/04/2012 08:00

yes good luck - will be thinking of you x

NedSchneebly · 18/04/2012 08:59

I've been thought this too misty. Thinking of you today. Let us know how you get on x x

SparkleRainbow · 18/04/2012 11:04

Good luck misty. I too have been through this and can synpathise with how you feel. x

thegreylady · 18/04/2012 21:31

Hope it went ok misty xx

Original poster
MistyWhiskerson · 18/04/2012 22:24

Hi Everyone,
I'm feeling very relieved tonight. All clear, thank goodness. I was examined and the consultant was fairly certain straight away that it was just normal breast tissue my GP had felt. They did an ultrasound anyway, just to check and all clear.

It's been a difficult week but I'm am so glad it's all over and will be sleeping well tonight.

I'm so impressed with the NHS. I really feel like I've been looked after really well; I am amazed at the swiftness of my appointment. I imagined weeks of worrying and fretting, but here I am, less than a week after visiting my GP, all sorted.

Thanks everyone for all your advice, support and thoughts. I'm so grateful to you all taking the time. You've really helped and reassured me.

OP posts:
MaryAnnSingleton · 18/04/2012 22:46

yay ! am very pleased for you and yes,they are impressively speedy- relax and celebrate !

NedSchneebly · 19/04/2012 07:54

Nice one misty great news! X x

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