Referral to breast clinic N Ireland

[HoulYourWhist]

Long story short, after a mammogram at a cancer charity screening I've been referred to a breast clinic. I thought I would be seen within 2 weeks but it would appear there is a waiting list just to make an appointment. Does anyone have any recent experience of this and what to expect at the clinic please? Anxiety is through the roof, thank you

OP,

Having been called back last summer I am very sorry to hear this. Well do I remember the insomnia. But statistics are on your side: at least 80% of those called back will be cleared, more if you are younger and especially if this was your first mammogram.
Also, as a nurse in Breast Clinic told my mum a few years ago ‘Early Breast Cancer is one of our most curable cancers’. (Both is us were cleared. I had benign calcifications, a common reason for recall)

I imagine that all of this is of limited value in the moment, however. This is the time to be very good to yourself if at all possible. One day at a time. I do have one suggestion which I offer with hesitation, only because the wait you describe sounds so grim and you are of a demographic to participate in charity screenings. Don’t hesitate to dismiss it if unsuitable - frankly IMO it sucks to be considering it. The renowned Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester is not so far from you and has a highly regarded private component. It has a BC service. I think it is possible to get a diagnosis there and take it back to the NHS (not positive). Or maybe this could be done in NI?

Someone I know travelled to the Christie for a complex private diagnosis followed by NHS treatment but this was a while back

@poetryandwine thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I'm glad both yourself and your mother were cleared. I have looked into a private option here in N I and sadly I just don't have the funds and would need to stay within the NHS.

The statistics aren't so much on my side, two thirds of my aunts have had cancer. My sister and brother have both had cancer also.
It's the not knowing isn't it? And looks like this is going to continue to the end of the month , at least.

Oh, I am so sorry about your family history. The private health care is a double edged sword anyway. I sure hope you will get an appt soon

There is enough cancer in my family that I pay attention to uncontroversial good health practices. FWIW, it does seem one thing we can all do to help contain BC as well as keep ourselves calm us to walk outdoors. 3-4 hrs a week of brisk walking improves survival, reduces metastasis and improves quality of life. There are a number of studies, sorry I don’t have time to chase them up at the mo. And it is good for everyone, of course. But not a magic bullet

Wales is just a bad
I was told Friday i was having an urgent referral to the breast clinic but instead of 2 weeks the average was now 8 weeks 😕
My parents have offered to pay but
My gp said every referral was reviewed and I could be bumped up the list ,so I'll wait and see
I have a lump , skin changes and a family history

Oh, @wfrances, very sorry to hear this. Can you find out whether you will be moved up the list? If not, your parents’ very kind offer is a real gift given the signs you have described.

Oh @wfrances that's very worrying for you. And it's one of those situations where if you are bunped up the list then it's natural to worry that your case is seen as urgent. Very much a double edged sword.

@poetryandwine we have a 12 week old puppy, lots of outdoor activities incoming! Thank you for your advice.

I have been to the clinc at Craigavon a few times. Due to breast pain, a thickening and once for a lump which turned out to be a cyst. I never had more than 2 weeks to wait but that was before covid.
It is a one stop place. They give you this very fashionable Cape to wear they have lockers to leave your stuff in. You will first be examined by a doctor and asked questions and then have a mammogram. When I had the lump they also did a ultra sound and then when they went to do the biopsy the lump dissolved proving that it was a cyst.
When I had the lump the GP told me they couldn't feel any jagged edges which apparently is a good thing. All I could feel was a lump. That kind of made me feel a bit better but not totally.

Hopefully you won't have to wait too long. Best wishes

@MrsClatterbuck thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I'm on the list for craigavon , there seems to be about a 3 week wait at the moment. Thank you for sharing your experiences there, I hope those capes are tailored for plus sizes too or I'm in more trouble! I really appreciate you telling me how the appointments went for you, its all very helpful.
Thank you

Hi I hope you have had your appointment by now and trust everything went ok