Found a lump

[Colabottle10]

I'm 38, stopped breast feeding 7 months ago and DS is now 19 months. Periods returned last April quite heavy and frequent. Since Sept I have been on the mini pill and finally after Xmas started on Noriday which seems to have them under control. I forget to take it now and then and have a period. This happened around a month ago and one night during my period I was feeling my breasts, and I found a small lump in my right breast. Felt tender. Kept and eye for a couple of days and then forgot about it.

Forgot the pill again this mon and Tuesday and started period Tuesday night. Yesterday in the shower I felt the lump again. Got an appointment with the advanced practice nurse who I've seen before and respect. She had a good examine. Could feel it sat up, couldnt feel it lying down. Said that was a good sign and the fact it felt moveable and was tender were also good things.

Because I'm on my period she suggested going back in 2 weeks to see women's health Gp for her to feel. Nurse said she does and has referred lumps and even if I wasn't on period she wouldnt refer this one.

I thought about it yesterday and rang the practice back and asked for them to refer me for a scan as I'm so worried.

I guess I just want to know ASAP what I'm dealing with. No history of any cancer in family at all. I'm hoping it's a cyst or a blocked duct from breast feeding.

Just need a hand hold really. How long will a referral take? Have called closest private hospital and they don't have a breast clinic so am hoping the other one further afield does.

Aren't referrals a standard 14 days? You should be able to have it seen soon xx

Ah but maybe it would take longer if the nurse thinks non-urgent. My scan was in 10 days (I was fine) xxx

Nurse didn't want to refer it and was very black and white saying even if I wasn't on my period she wouldn't refer it.

However, I need it looking at and someone to tell me exactly what it is or I'll drive myself mad with worry.

Rang last thing on Friday and asked the secretary to ask the GP to do the referral. Will chase them up on Monday morning.

Can't stop feeling for it or touching though.

Try not to keep feeling it as you'll make it sore.

Why wouldn't they refer, what reason did they give? I assumed a distinct lump that doesn't go away is a standard referral under the two week rule. I'd be absolutely insisting. However, are you sure what you are feeling is a lump? The only reason I say this is because I thought I'd felt a lump a few years ago and the doctor wouldn't refer me either as they couldn't feel anything but glandular tissue. What I was feeling was normal.

If you insist because it's causing you anxiety, I'm sure they will refer.

Nurse said here is definitely something there but because I'm on my period that we should wait two weeks so I'm mid-cycle and review it.

I'll be in there on Monday pushing for a referral.