Breast clinic- what to expect

[Hairyfriend]

I've finally got an appointment for the breast clinic. The email has no info about whether I can wear deodorant, perfume, talc etc. I had a mammogram abroad and you couldn't have anything on your skin. Is it the same in England? I assume I'll see a consultant and have a scan, but anything else I should be aware of?

I would say you're probably best to not use anything. You are likely to have a mammogram, an ultrasound and possibly a needle biopsy or core biopsy. They usually do everything all in one appointment. They will most likely tell you on the day what they think the diagnosis is. Even if they need to wait for confirmation from biopsies they have a good idea of what they are looking at. This is my experience of the breast clinic. Good luck with your appointment.

You can wear roll-on deodorant! Just not the aerosols because there’s an ingredient that can show up and get in the way of results.

You’ll be treated very well - they know you’re likely to be worried. The only thing I can think of is wear 2 pieces (ie. top and bottoms, not a dress) because they ask you to swap your top and bra for a small gown.

That's right - no talc or deodorant, and if you have long hair, tie it back (if it gets in the way during your mammogram, they'll have to repeat it).

Usually, the day goes something like this:
*You arrive and register
*You are seen by a breast consultant, who will aexamine you and ask about any family history of breast problems, age of first pregnancy etc
*Usually have a mammogram (and get the results about an hour later)
*Often have an ultrasound scan (and get the results at the time)
*Occasionally have an FNA (results may take days or a couple of weeks)

Expect to be there most of the day, because there will be some waiting around between procedures. Take something to read (you might not be allowed to use your phone).

Most people get good news at the breast clinic and I hope you will too. If the news isn't good, they usually act quite fast, and treatment is generally very effective now. Good luck!

Thank you for all the lovely replies. I'll take a book and crochet!

I felt an 8cm long, rope/vein like structure across my breast in Dec. GP thought it would go, and it finally has, but the skin is pink in that area and I've had a pulling sensation since. Early 40's and no close family history, so not overly panicked. Just annoyed that GP took over 2 weeks to refer me, and I suspect the referral wasn't lodged properly. The appointment will be over 6 weeks since I found it, but I'm grateful to finally get it looked at.

Are you thinking mondors disease?

@Kitkat151

Are you thinking mondors disease?

It was the only thing Dr google came up with! The GP even asked what I thought it was and she'd never heard of it when I showed her the info on my phone! Its rare, I haven't had breast surgery or any trauma though to have caused it. It can be linked to cancer in rare cases.

@Hairyfriend one of the ladies at work had it a couple of years ago.... she’s fine now....she was 35 at the time.... she’s since had a baby.
Hope all goes well

Bit worrying your GP had no heard of it though 🙄

@Kitkat151

Bit worrying your GP had no heard of it though 🙄

She just seemed to be reading in detail when I showed her the info, plus asking what I thought it was! (I'm a HCP but not a Dr). It seems to be rare, and I don't expect a GP to know every single condition out there, but yeah, I was a little surprised. Good to know your work colleague was ok.

DH didn't get any info like that. My guess is then it doesn't matter, if it did I'm sure it would be in the info.

Having said that, no reason to wear anything other than roll on deodorant.

If you want what DH had. It was a fantastic service i was really surprised. Assuming yours the same it was arrive morning see consultant. Tell them med history and what found breast.

Consultant examination.

Wear clothes on top that are comfy and easy to take on a lot, rather than anything with lots buttons etc.

Then down for mammogram and ultrasound.

Make sure take mags, book, puzzle book, snacks, drinks etc. Waiting turn for the different things which is boring and for many obv means thinking about where you are and why.
Take things you really enjoy to take mind off as best can and hopefully make time pass bit quicker. And having something to eat drink is just always a good idea for this sort of thing.

After scans back up see consultant. They already have results and have a look. They tell you what they think, and how want to proceed.

Home again.

DH it was not suspicious, had some tablets for what she diagnosed. Sometime to do with fibrous bits I think.

So hopefully that is way at your hosp and no stressful waiting to find out for days.

Good luck! Xx

Sorry just said what others already said but in long-winded manner!

UPDATE: Thanks everyone. An update for anyone in the future. 2pm appointment, called for mammogram about 2:15. Another 20mins in waiting room and called for a 3D mammogram.

2:50pm called in for Ultrasound with a Dr- all looked fine.

Moved to another waiting room and waited there 1.5hrs! Finally saw the consultant who said it all looked normal and did an examination. No cause for the cord like structure I'd felt a month ago, nor any explanation for ongoing, pulling pain in 1 part of the breast. Given a 'breast in pain' brochure and sent away! I'm pleased its not mondors or something sinister, but would like the know what has been causing a month of achy pain? Just grateful to live somewhere where we have the facilities for check for such things.

The weird thing was, the health care assistant stood there, facing me, inside the curtains whilst I undressed, and got dressed again!!! I'm early 40's with no mobility/dressing issues, so I have no idea why she didn't go outside the curtain for me to flop myself into my bra, clothes etc! Very odd

Glad all was ok.

Have you put weight on. I had pain but was due to putting weight on - the fact it was only in one breast confused me. Once I wore bigger bras it went! Also as I get older fat seems to have moved from waist to tummy and breasts.

The weird thing was, the health care assistant stood there, facing me, inside the curtains whilst I undressed, and got dressed again!!! I'm early 40's with no mobility/dressing issues, so I have no idea why she didn't go outside the curtain for me to flop myself into my bra, clothes etc! Very odd

Possibly that she sees countless topless women and hundreds of naked floppy breasts weekly and is desensitized to individuals wanting privacy.

@YourenutsmiLord

The weird thing was, the health care assistant stood there, facing me, inside the curtains whilst I undressed, and got dressed again!!! I'm early 40's with no mobility/dressing issues, so I have no idea why she didn't go outside the curtain for me to flop myself into my bra, clothes etc! Very odd

Possibly that she sees countless topless women and hundreds of naked floppy breasts weekly and is desensitized to individuals wanting privacy.

Possibly she is desensitized, but it felt odd and uncomfortable on my part. I equally work in healthcare, and have seen all manner of bits and FAR more than a floppy breast! I would, however, always pull the curtain to give someone privacy in dressing and tidying themselves up- not stand there, inside the curtains and stare whilst they dressed!

@YourenutsmiLord

Have you put weight on. I had pain but was due to putting weight on - the fact it was only in one breast confused me. Once I wore bigger bras it went! Also as I get older fat seems to have moved from waist to tummy and breasts.

Yes, I have put on 10kg in the last year through lockdown, working from home, and a failed IVF which caused some issues. I did suspect weight gain and ill fitting bras as an issue, which I did mention to the consultant too. I since been fitted and hoping the new bra helps.