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Original poster

Breast referral - I'm worried!!

10 replies

adozenroses · 18/07/2006 09:34

Went to doctors yesterday as I my left breast felt uncomfortable, heavy and sore around the lymph nodes. It has for a couple of months, but I've been ignoring it

Doctor felt all around, then he seemed to go quiet and sat by his computer typing an email to referral clinic. I sat down and saw what he was typing. He said there was swelling and a mass. He then told me to contact breast clinic today to arrange an appointment. Well the hospital rang me yesterday, about three hours after my doctors appointment to give me an appointment for this Friday.

What is a 'mass'??? I leaned over the arm of the couch last night and leaned on my breast. It felt sore and I felt something like a ping pong ball in there, but I can't feel it with my hand. Anyone had any experience with this??

I am now very worried about Friday.

OP posts:
aragon · 18/07/2006 09:42

Hi,

Sounds like an infection or a cyst given all the soreness you're experiencing. Your doctor is playing it safe - most breast clinics are now a "onestop shop" where you'll get everything done in one day. As a result most people are seen fairly quickly. In most cases breast masses or lumps are not cancerous but are cysts which may or may not become infected but which can feel sore either way.

What time is your appointment on Friday?

mell2 · 18/07/2006 09:52

Agree with everthing aragon has said. GPs are not experts, they cannot tell just by examining you,so it really is best if they refer you to a breast clinic.

Don't be surprised if you have a triple assessment at the clinic (mammogram, ultrasound and maybe fine needle aspiration)

I have lumpy breasts and both times the GP has referred me (turned out to be cysts and normal breast tissue).

Try not to worry and it is good that you have an appointment so quick (not so long to worry for iyswim)

Take carexxxxxxxx

Original poster
adozenroses · 18/07/2006 10:17

Thanks. I can't believe I am so worried about this. My appt is at 9:40am, so at least it's first thing in the morning.

I think your mind always thinks the worst. I can't wait for friday to be over with.

OP posts:
aragon · 18/07/2006 10:23

Keep in touch with us and let us know how it goes. You've got an early appointment because it's often an all day thing. At least you'll know after that what the problem is.
My friend had to go recently and they did lots including a fine needle aspiration and then told her there were cell changes and they wanted to see her again after a more detailed check - and guess what - she was given the all clear after this - just a week later.

lalaa · 19/07/2006 21:52

sorry to hear this adozenroses. just wanted to say that i was diagnosed last september with breast cancer so if it does turn out to be bad news, there is support here for you. I'm not the only one - there are others too. in my experience, the waiting is the worst bit. you've done the hard and sensible thing by seeing your GP and it's great that he's taken your symptoms seriously and has arranged such a fast appointment. i do hope it's good news for you, but if it isn't, there are people here who can help and support. a cancer diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean the worst possible end result - it's just a bit of a hard slog.

crossing my fingers for you.

jackieglyn · 20/07/2006 14:10

Hi,

i had a lump in my breast and was seen at the hospital within 10 days. i was thinking the worst, everybody does but there was no need as 80 % of lumps are NOT cancerous. Mine was a large cycst and they took it away there and then with a needle.

Have you recently been pregnant? How old are you?

Original poster
adozenroses · 20/07/2006 17:14

Thanks for your replies. My appt is tomorrow and I am in a terrible state today. I keep telling myself that everything will be fine, but then something hits me with the idea of 'what if it's not?'

JackieGlyn - I had my second child 2 1/2 years ago and I'm 29. But there is breast cancer in our family that strikes fairly young.

I'm gonna have a nice relaxing bath tonight and try to put it out of my mind. I have been busy baking loads of cakes today to keep my mind off everything - in this heat as well!!!

OP posts:
mell2 · 20/07/2006 18:04

Will be thinking of you tomorrow - is someone going with you?xxxxx

jackieglyn · 21/07/2006 16:11

Hi how did you get on today???

Original poster
adozenroses · 21/07/2006 16:27

Hi all. My breast is inflamed. The doctor was reluctant to test further, due to my age so is treating this as in infection on the chest wall for now. She told me avoid coffee, alcohol and take anti-inflammitory tablets for a month. Then I have to go back again and see how things are.

Fingers crossed, everything will be fine. I am gonna start the alcohol ban tomorrow, though. I have a bottle of wine that I plan on drinking tonight as I have been completely stressed this week.

I am going to completely change my lifestyle, starting with a detox then a strict diet. I am overweight and I want to feel healthy and active again.

OP posts:
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