Breast lump and waiting times exceeded

[YellowLily]

So discovered a lump over the weekend, saw GP yesterday and they made referral under 2 week referral. Got a phone call within 2 hours from referral team to say that my area is not meeting 2 week referrals and they cannot offer an appointment at this time. I asked would it be within 3 weeks and they couldn’t confirm this either. Asked about several other hospitals within the locality and none of them are meeting the 2 week recommended time scale either and they can’t confirm I’d be seen within 3 weeks either. In fact the only hospital I could be seen at within 2 weeks is at a hospital about 40 miles away.

I’ve taken the appointment because I’m terrified I’ve got breast cancer. They’ve said if the worst should happen ALL my appointments would have to take place at this hospital including any treatment. Is this right? Would I have no option to transfer back to the local hospital? I just felt very stuck wait for a local appointment indefinitely it seemed or go 40 miles but that really wouldn’t be workable If I had to travel daily for treatment, and now I’m thinking should I cancel it and wait for a local appointment not sure my nerves can take it! Does anyone have experience of this?

Thanks in advance

Anyone?

That's disgraceful! The NHS is starting to really go downhill... If you can finally be able to, can you have a mammogram/biopsy privately? Then they can refer you back to the NHS to get treatment if you need it. Try not to be worried lovely, most lumps are completely benign! My friend had the same problem. She found a hard lump in her breast but they found it was just a hard cyst. X

tbh, it sounds like the anxiety is far more hazardous to OP than the lump is likely to be.

Poor you, the worry is often worse than the result. I was in your shoes only a few weeks ago and found the wait unbearable.

Perhaps try ringing breastcancercare.org.uk
I found them incredibly helpful and calming. They will be able to talk through your worries with you and also should know what you can do to get seen..

I had this when i found a lump, i went to one hospital for my scans extra then whrn i found it was breast cancer i had ops in one hospital then treatment at a totally different hospital. It took them 7 weeks to diagnose me. I would take up the appointment at the other hospital then deal with that other problem if it gets to that! Not all lumps are cancerous but better safe than sorry! Fingers crossed for you and all the best x

That's unfair Daily. Of course someone finding a lump in their breast is going through be somewhat anxious. Plus the OP was asking a legitimate question not just stating how worried she was!

I can helpfully add that there is a 90% chance that OP doesn't have BC.
The time to stamp feet & insist on treatment at the local hospital is if she finds out she's in the unlucky 10%.

If OP gets biopsied, there is a 75% chance that she still doesn't have BC. However, if I were OP & got biopsied, I might stamp feet to avoid the extra journey to hear results, & insist on being told my results over phone at a set time (have a friend available to help comfort you, in case).

No, they ought to be able to refer you back to your local hospital for treatment. Tbh I would take the earliest appointment.

Definitely take the earliest appointment and then get referred locally if necessary. Everything crossed for you.

Thanks for the understanding, supportive and helpful messages - purposely avoided AIBU as did not want sarcastic replies but seemingly will get them everywhere.

I have taken the appointment at the more distant hospital, and I am aware that the lump is more likely to be benign than cancerous. There is always going to be a niggle of doubt though and my own mother was diagnosed with BC last year so I think that’s made me feel more anxious than I probably usually would have done.

Fingers crossed it all becomes redundant anyway and I get good news

Bring a lot of stuff to read or do because given how over-subbed they are, it's bound to be a long boring wait. Was 3+ hours for all parts of my first appointment. So many people brought nothing to distract themselves with.

I had 80 minutes wait for the 5 minute chat over biopsy results. Luckily I didn't really mind the 1 hour travel each way since my workplace is only 10 minutes from the hospital.

Appointment was yesterday - a cyst! The relief! It was worth the travel anyway to get seen quicker and know it’s definitely something benign. Thanks again for the kind replies x

Great news 🎉🎉🎉

I'm currently in the same position. I've had a change in my nipple and the GP referred me. Rang to make the appointment and was told there are none currently available. Have been informed if no-one contacts me within 2 weeks to re-contact them. I was checked out last year for a lump and had no problem arranging an appointment then.