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Original poster

Lump in breast but clinic won’t give appointment

28 replies

Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 18:24

Hi everyone, I’m at my wits end so I thought I would try and get support through here! I found quite a large lump in my breast a couple of weeks ago- almost like a flat lump with a round lump on top. It’s quite visible too. I went to my GP who referred me under the 2 week wait. A few days later I rang the hospital booking line to chase my appointment and was told “there’s a backlog, in about 6 weeks you’ll be put on a waiting list” and “it is what it is…” Horrified, I changed hospital. This hospital gave me an appointment date then cancelled it as I’d been booked into the over 35 clinic (I am 35 but apparently need to be booked on the under 35 one!) I’m ringing every day for a cancellation but there isn’t any and I’m going out of my mind! Has anyone got any tips on how to speed up getting booked in?
thank you xx

OP posts:
chisanunian · 13/05/2022 18:31

Go back to your GP and ask them to chase things up for you.

axolotlfloof · 13/05/2022 18:32

I waited about 6 weeks on the 2 week wait last year.
I think your only other choice is to go private.

WakeyCakeyHeart · 13/05/2022 18:33

Could you afford to go private for a scan OP ? You shouldn't have to wait 6 weeks if you arexon a 2 week pathway x

Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 18:36

Thanks so much for the quick replies! I went back to my GP and they said there’s not much they can do. From my googling I could afford a private initial consultation (think that would be around £250?) but then with an ultrasound and possible biopsy the price becomes unaffordable- I think if a consultant was worried in an initial consultation but then I couldn’t afford to actually find out then I would go even crazier!

OP posts:
Mischance · 13/05/2022 18:45

I have no words .... what the hell happened to the NHS?

I am undergoing treatment for something else and have had to go private ... the NHS had nothing to offer that did not involve months/years of waiting in pain.

I would contact you MP - tell them in detail about the lump. The 2 week rule is an absolute prioirity.

Tanfastic · 13/05/2022 18:50

Sorry op, that is disgusting. Have you definitely been referred as a Fast track suspected cancer? I chase these type of referrals for results as part of my job in the NHS and they always get an appt in two weeks. Obviously I don't know where you live but I'd be ringing Pals or something.

JollyWilloughby · 13/05/2022 18:51

Try and go private as a biopsy might not be needed. I had a lump a few years ago that I had an US on and there was no need for a biopsy.

how frustrating for you.

2bazookas · 13/05/2022 18:54

Go back to your GP and ask them to expedite.
If that doesn't work contact your MP

Meanwhile, be kind to yourself in every way, deploy every relaxation technique you know and try some new ones. Best thoughts and wishes for your tests.

Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 18:55

Tanfastic- the referral had three sections- one for non urgent, one for symptomatic 2 week wait and one for cancer suspected 2 week wait. I was referred on the cancer suspected route. I’m in the Manchester area. The original hospital was North Manchester hospital and now I’ve been referred to Bolton but I don’t seem to be getting anywhere with them! I also have OCD and I’ve stupidly fallen into the trap of becoming completely obsessed by this! I’ve even planned out what I’m writing to my children to say goodbye! (I know, totally dramatic and I know breast cancer can be very curable, it’s just my OCD taking hold of me!) x

OP posts:
Evenstar · 13/05/2022 19:04

I am on week 4 of waiting for a 2 week wait appointment for a breast lump ☹️I haven’t heard at all yet. There seems to be around 12 weeks wait for breast clinic appointments at the local trust.

RosieLeeD · 13/05/2022 19:06

When I've been for a private consultation they did the ultrasound there and then. I was lucky since I have private medical cover so I'm not sure of the cost but it sounds like something it is worth trying to get the money together for, even if you have to put it on a credit card.

Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 19:11

@Evenstar oh my goodness! Have you rang the hospital? Which area are you in?

OP posts:
Lougle · 13/05/2022 19:14

'Cancer suspected 2 week-wait' will be for all women with a discrete lump, whether they actually suspect cancer or not. I was put on the 2 week wait and as soon as the doctor saw me she said that she wasn't worried at all.

Try not to assume the worst. I hope your appointment comes through really soon.

Evenstar · 13/05/2022 19:16

I actually was told by the GP surgery that the hospital had said not to ring, there was an initial delay due to the wrong form being filled in by the surgery, but the hospital warned there was a delay when the correct form went in.

A friend of mine has got an appointment next week after waiting several weeks and having an appointment cancelled this week due to the consultant being off sick with COVID. The hospital is in Surrey.

Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 19:23

It’s so stressful isn’t it. I wonder, aside from the mental health impact, how long the delays actually impact the progression of cancer for those who have it

OP posts:
canofsoup · 13/05/2022 19:31

This is appalled. The NICE guidelines are two weeks - not "six and it's just how it is" 😡

We have an organisation called Lady McAdden in our area (Southend on Sea), do you have anything similar in your area.

Also, at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, there is a mobile breast screening unit. Have a look and see if they have one in your area.

I have had breast cancer and, whilst I know we have to try and remember the likelihood of it being cancer is low, I also understand only too well the fear until you will be feeling right now.

The other thing to know is that, if you do go private and it is suspected to be cancer, the private clinic can refer you straight back to the NHS for further scans and biopsies

I hope you are able to get an appt earlier. X

Lougle · 13/05/2022 19:32

To reassure, not minimise, I worked in a cancer diagnostic unit as a nurse. Before i worked there, I imagined that people with cancer had surgery immediately. Most ladies with breast cancer actually waited a while. The multidisciplinary team meeting would meet to discuss a course of action, then the women would be called back, they would see each specialist, who would explain the plan for their bit of treatment, then they would get a date for their OP.

Some cancers are relatively slow growing and not very aggressive, so treatment can be planned. Obviously, for people with very aggressive cancer, treatment speed is imperative.

Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 19:39

@canofsoup thank you, I’ll try and look for a similar organisation. The mobile units around me are invitation only I’m afraid

OP posts:
Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 19:40

@Lougle thank you, that does reassure me somewhat! X

OP posts:
Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 19:46

@canofsoup that organisation looks amazing! I will be spending my night googling if something is similar near me! Sending you hugs and prayers and I hope you make a speedy recovery x

OP posts:
Billandben444 · 13/05/2022 19:58

I was put on the 2-week pathway by my GP (Herts/Essex Borders) and was seen 8 days later for mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and consultation. Went back 10 days later to be told I have Invasive Lobular Carcinoma and have an appt next Wednesday (24 days after original appt) for MRI and then, a week later, back to consultant for him to tell me what the plan of action is. I'm obviously extremely lucky with this timescale so it must depend on the Health Authority. I'm so sorry for all of you waiting 💐

MadKittenWoman · 13/05/2022 19:58

This is outrageous. I felt a lump a few years ago and got to see my GP that day. They also felt it and arranged for me to have a scan the next day. That was one of the worst and longest nights of my life. Bizarrely, it had disappeared by the time I went to the hospital; they could offer no explanation of what it could have been. However, I was very grateful it was dealt with quickly. That's how it should be. Flowers

Moonshine86 · 13/05/2022 20:13

This needs to be widely reported in the media and highlighted to make noise! How utterly appalling. As somebody that has been to an appointment today on the two week wait these past two weeks have felt like a lifetime. Thinking of you and definitely contact PALS?

Original poster
Mylo29 · 13/05/2022 21:50

Thank you everyone. I have now contacted PALS for the hospital I am currently referred to to inform them about me being given daily promises that I will have my appointment booked later that day (obviously this never happens) and to inform them my original appointment was cancelled because I was booked onto the over 35 clinic (even though I am)
I will contact the PALS service for the original referral to inform them about the refusal to put me even on a waiting list for 6 weeks, and regarding the comments such as “it is what it is” and “you’ve only been waiting a few days”.
I really hope I get somewhere with it! X

OP posts:
ExPatHereForAChat · 14/05/2022 01:24

I've had private breast ultrasounds for about £200 several times in the past. They can let you know if it's a cyst, fibroadenoma or something that may be more sinister.

I'd be booking one right away (I've had next day appointments in the past) in the hope it's good news and you can stop worrying.

If the ultasonographer is concerned for cancer, I suppose you then have a much more informed decision to make when it comes paying for private vs the NHS.