Lumpy Breast - Referral but not 2 week rule

[LaFlottes]

Hi All,

I went to my GP today, as I feel like I have lumpy breasts and I find it so hard to know if these lumps are normal or bad. I've recently lost about a stone in weight too and I think this is making me notice changes in now they feel when I check them.

Anyway, Dr agreed that they are lumpy and has referred me for an ultrasound. This isn't under the 2 week rule as we've not located a specific lump, and she said the ultrasound results would then be sent back to her.

Do you think this will be in the breast clinic or not?

Any idea how long I may have to wait?

She did say she didn't think it was cancer, nothing indicated cancer, everything was mobile, not attached to the skin or deep within the tissue and not swollen glands in my armpits. She is seeing the ultrasound as a way of getting a base line and to see if this is just normal for me.

I still feel really worried though, as she obviously thinks an ultrasound is necessary so there might be a problem? I really thought she'd say it was just breast tissue and reassure me.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm 38 and my Mum had BC at 35 but is still very much with us! Due to the family history I am due to start mammograms at 40.

Thanks - am just a bit shocked I think.

xx

Hi there,
Sorry to hear you are going through this worry- I know how you feel! I was literally at the breast clinic yesterday being checked. The fear and worry leading to it was unreal but thankfully unjustified. My situation was slightly different because I'm breast feeding but didn't want to read and run.
I've got naturally quite lumpy breasts- nodular as described by my GP. Anyway to cut a long story short, I found a lumpy bit, went to the GP who referred me to the breast clinic. Appointment came through within 10 days and I have to admit the speed worried me but I have since learned this is normal. Please take comfort in the fact that your GP doesn't think you need to be quickly referred and even if you did, it doesn't mean it is anything sinister!
I assume- though I may be wrong- that you will have your ultrasound at the breast clinic. I had it yesterday. Everything came back clear, as do the majority of people's.
It's a scary time and I too was unnerved when my GP didn't dismiss my concerns but they have to cover their backs and get any breast changes investigated. I found talking through my worries with a friend really helped. I know it is so much easier said than done, but do try not to get too worked up. I got myself in a complete state which just exacerbated the whole thing. Good luck.

Thank you so much for your reply Blondie - I'm so pleased to hear your fears were not justified. What a relief that must have been for you. It's so frightening isn't it. I get quite anxious about health in general so this is really difficult. However, I'm feeling calmer now and I think I will focus on what you said, that the GP would have sent me there sooner if she felt it was urgent in any way. She did also specifically say she didn't think there was anything bad.

It's just hard when you expect to be sent off after being told everything's ok!!

I'm seeing some friends tonight but in a big group so I'll probably not mention it until I see a close friend and it's just the two of us.

I would speak to DH but he's so busy at work and away a lot just now and I don't want to stress him out as he lost his Mum earlier this year to cancer so it's all a bit recent for him.

Have a great weekend and celebrate your all clear!

I'm really glad you are feeling calmer. When it's your health it can be one of the most anxiety inducing things but well done for keeping perspective. I would definitely be focusing on the overwhelmingly positive signs:
Your GP does not think it is anything bad!
You haven't been fast tracked through.

I know the seed of doubt has been planted but don't let it grow! Enjoy the time with your friends and if you need to, confide in your close friend. A problem shared and all!

Well my appointment has come through already - they phoned me and asked if I could go on Thursday.

It was the radiology department at the hospital rather than the breast clinic which I was quite surprised about.

The Dr said she didn't know how long it would take for my appointment but that it wasn't 2 week rule as she didn't think it was cancer and there wasn't a discreet lump. But now I'm worried that this has come through so fast.

Do you think it's maybe because the radiology department was quiet enough to fit me in?

Feeling quite anxious now.

I'm pretty sure it's because they had space and they know how worrying it is to have to wait for these appointments.

I have lumpy breasts too and had an ultrasound last year. My gp also said that she didn't think it was anything abnormal but it was worth checking out just in case. I was seen within two weeks because I have a family history of breast cancer. The doctor examined me and he also said that it all felt like normal, albeit lumpy, tissue and the ultrasound confirmed this.

Good luck. You'll worry no matter what but at least you are being seen quickly.

Thanks Misnomer - I have a family history too so I guess they are being cautious.

I have been told to go to the radiology department. Does that mean that I won't see a Dr first? Literally just the ultrasound? My GP said the results would then be sent back to her.

Thanks again.

I don't really know how it's set up where you are. Here there is a breast clinic so I saw the doctor and then had the ultrasound and didn't go back in to see the doctor. I had a lump years ago at a different hospital where I had the ultra sound first, then a biopsy and then saw the consultant. I would have thought that you would see a doctor at the same appointment?

It's a bit strange isn't it! I don't actually think I've been referred to the Breast Clinic (there is one at the hospital here as I've been before) I think I've just been referred for an ultrasound. At least it's not too long to wait.

I wonder if they will tell me anything there are then? I kind of wish it was a breast clinic appointment as then I would know the drill!

Maybe a letter will come tomorrow or Thursday morning.

Thanks!

Am now a bit worried in case they find something on the ultrasound and I have to wait and go back another day...I wish my appointment was tomorrow. Don't think I will sleep tonight or tomorrow.

Hope the appointment has gone well today LaFlottes.

It did thank you. A big sigh of relief here! The radiographer didn't find anything at all that concerned her so that was amazing news.

Thanks for asking.

Great. What a relief!