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Original poster

One stop breast clinic

33 replies

Nousernameforme · 14/12/2019 12:47

Has anyone done one of these and can walk me through it please?

Is there a chance of getting the all clear at the end of it or is it always a 2 week wait.
I am seeing a consultant then there will be tests I have read online that it will probably be an ultra sound due to age rather than a mammogram.
and there is likely to be a biopsy with a fine needle.

I like to plan ahead and i think the uncertainty is because I don't know what to expect.

OP posts:
Harleyisme · 14/12/2019 12:55

They give you all tests in the first appointment they generally have an idea after ultrasound of results. If you need a biopsy there is a wait for results. Most of the time they can tell you in first appointment. I got the all clear at my first appoinment after ultrasound.

ninnypoo · 14/12/2019 13:17

I've been to two. Both times it was initial consultation, bit of a wait for the ultrasound and then a biopsy. I was told at both appointments that my lumps were benign but they decided to operate the second time because of growth so I also did all the pre op checks while I was there to save coming back in on a separate date.

AuntieStella · 14/12/2019 13:26

I have been referred incompletely under the 2 week rule (it's 2 weeks from GP referral to clinic appt, not 2 weeks for results after that appt)

Yes, they may well be able to give you an all clear on the day (I walked out with a benign cyst diagnosis)

My visit, which I believe was tyoupical, went like this:

a) filling in forms with medical history
b) seen by doctor - or in my case senior nurse practitioner who was training a consultant that day - to go through history plus physical examination
c) ultrasound
d) manmogram

and in my case, that was enough to confirm diagnosis and send me in my way with instructions to see GP if it did not spontaneously resolve in a week or so, and always to go back if I was worried about future lumps (ie never assume off your own bat that it's just another self-limiting cyst)

other people

e) biopsy
f) final discussion about actual or possible diagnoses and what next

Good luck OP, and try not to fret too much. I've read that about 90% of those referred to breast clinics do not have cancer.

nilcarborundum · 14/12/2019 13:33

I found a lump and was referred to the one in our hospital. I had a mammogram, then an ultrasound and biopsy. I mentioned that I'd had cysts in the past, and the consultant said " this is NOT a cyst" I was afraid to ask any more but was called back within a few days to a meeting and told I had cancer. So it was very quick . I hope you have good news with yours x

Starstruck2020 · 14/12/2019 13:49

Sounds like such a great service. I’ve been back and forwards getting updated referrals and waiting extra time: eg. Mammogram (which was a two week wait). Then advised U/s which took another two weeks; then recommended FNA which again took 2 1/2 weeks to book. Now I have to wait until next Friday for the results. And they were so dead pan in the appointment I have no idea what to expect next week. It’s been a very stressful time especially given it’s Christmas :-/.however this was partly because they found a lump they weren’t expecting on the ultrasound- the mammogram only showed dense breasts so the GP didn’t ask for a FNA as thought the ultrasound would be clear.

The positive side though it’s all been bulk billed.

Original poster
Nousernameforme · 14/12/2019 14:22

Sorry you are being given the run around @Startstruck2020 fingers crossed you get your all clear on friday.

@nilcarborundum how are you doing now?

My appointment isn't until the 23rd so I have a week to wait and I am fine in the day but its night that your brain starts whirring away. I am hoping I can get the all clear on the day it's something i can focus on as a best case scenario.

I have some structure to how the day will go now so thank you all. The letter they sent says be prepared to spend 3 hours there not the all day that was alluded to over the phone.

I know its unlikely but there is always that "yeah but what if...." voice that likes to chime in.

OP posts:
nilcarborundum · 14/12/2019 21:46

@Nousernameforme After my diagnosis, I had a special mri scan and It turned out I had bc in both breasts. So I had lumpectomies, followed by chemo and radiotherapy. Gruelling treatment but that was 2 years ago and I'm still clear 🤞

Starstruck2020 · 15/12/2019 05:55

Thanks @nousernameforme good luck on the 23rd. Hopefully by that night we will both be celebrating:-)

Rainallnight · 15/12/2019 06:16

I’ve been twice. Both times it ran along the lines that everyone else has described. One other thing to be aware of is that you’ll be given a gown (or two, in a complicated layering arrangement) to wear for the duration.

There’s quite a bit of to-Ing and fro-ing and waiting around outside different rooms, such is the nature of the one stop shop. But it’s an excellent service.

Bring snacks and a drinks because you can’t easily get away. And a book.

One tiny thing, I know you’re very worried, but people generally use the term ‘all clear’ when they’ve had cancer and then are told that they’re free of cancer. You will hopefully be told instead that you have nothing to worry about, a cyst, etc.

Beat of luck and do let us know how you get on if you can.

Original poster
Nousernameforme · 15/12/2019 09:13

@nilcarborundum That's amazing congratulations

@Starstruck2020 I shall be cracking open the baileys early

Ack I thought I would be keeping my trousers on. Best shave the legs as well then. Snacks will do I am taking some crochet with to work on and my sil is coming with as well.

Noted on the all clear thing.

OP posts:
Starstruck2020 · 15/12/2019 09:35

I kept my trousers on... well it’s 40 here so I probably had shorts and my legs are not summer ready but... who cares Grin

Darell04 · 15/12/2019 09:46

Hi, hope you don't mind but I'm following this thread as have the same appointment tomorrow and this has really helped. I got a letter which said, amongst other things, that I would be expected to undress from the waist up. Can anyone tell me what they chose to wear bra wise? Were you sore after the biopsies and if so, would a soft sports bra be a better option?

Davros · 15/12/2019 10:08

I went to Bart's recently and it was amazing. All female staff which I assume is deliberate but not sure. I'm having a single mastectomy on 7th January as, although lumpectomy would do, I can't tolerate radiotherapy due to Scleroderma. Amazing service

Rainallnight · 15/12/2019 10:16

Sorry, I meant you only had to strip off your top half and put the gown on.

Good luck to everyone on this thread having treatment.

Murinae · 15/12/2019 10:21

Mine ran like this
Everyone got like a short cape hospital gown thing and a basket for your clothes. Kept trousers on. Changed in a cubicle to the gown things. Then a mammogram, then ultrasound, then talk to doctor and then fine needle biopsy. Between each step back to the waiting area. Then I was given an appointment for the results but they rang me a few days later with the all clear and cancelled the appointment.

Murinae · 15/12/2019 10:33

I just put a normal bra back on after biopsy. Had a dressing on the site and didn’t really hurt.

Darell04 · 15/12/2019 10:39

Thanks murinae... I have a huge needle phobia so really nervous about tomorrow. Good luck everyone else waiting on the same thing xx

Starstruck2020 · 15/12/2019 10:55

I wore a sports crop for a couple of days (apart from in bed) and also put some ice on it that night. My breast looked lovely and youthful too as it was a little bit firmer with mild swelling- no bruising though

To be honest it really didn’t hurt. I had two biopsies taken so two separate FNAs. I’d say a tetanus injection was more painful and a Pap smear more gross. I wanted to look at the screen and watch but that was just a little bit too much so I just turned my head, closed my eyes and concentrated on deep breathes, and squeezed the crap out of DH’s hand. All of which really helped. It was over so quickly. I took some Panadol and neurofen that night and the next day and it was all good. Really not bad at all. You’ll be fine @Darell04, it’s just the thought of it.

Murinae · 15/12/2019 11:07

My biopsy was done by the mammogram machine. Well it seemed like that! She loaded some cartridge into the machine and put the breast between two mammogram plates just like a mammogram and then it went click and that was it. I didn’t see a needle at all. Not sure if that helps or not! It didn’t hurt really at all.

Darell04 · 15/12/2019 11:56

Thanks guys. It's a totally irrational phobia and not even the pain that frightens me... more the concept! I'll just have to be brave haha. My GP said that I may not have a mammogram due to my age - apparently something to do with density of the breast and an ultrasound being more effective. I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Thanks again for the advice and reassurance :)

Rainallnight · 15/12/2019 13:07

You may very well not need to have a biopsy. If it’s a cyst, they can often tell just by looking.

Original poster
Nousernameforme · 15/12/2019 15:00

I think it is under 40 and you have a ultrasound from what I've read though my breasts aren't exactly dense anymore after many years of bf so will see what I get. I quite like the idea of the mammogram biopsy machine sounds a bit like getting your ears pierced

OP posts:
Harleyisme · 15/12/2019 17:33

Under 40 usually is ultra sound. I am 32 and had ultra sound only.

Darell04 · 15/12/2019 20:35

I am also 32 so that must be why. Getting really nervous now and not expecting much sleep tonight but hopefully all will be over by this time tomorrow!

Original poster
Nousernameforme · 15/12/2019 23:26

Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Let us know how you get on.

OP posts:
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