Suspicious breast lump

Redstopgreengo · 2023-04-05T15:05:58+00:00

I found a lump in the shower yesterday, gp appointment today and an urgent referral to the breast clinic in place. When I was at the gp he warned me it would be under the cancer pathway but that didn't mean it was cancer, however on the referral letter he's written it felt suspicious. So obviously now I'm crapping myself when I was relatively calm previously. I'm only 32 with 2 very young children and honestly a bit scared after seeing the letter. Anyone who's had similar please share your stories so I know what to expect.

mdh2020 · 05/04/2023 16:29

The GP has to put you on the cancer pathway so you will be seen within two weeks. I didn’t have a lump but I had breast pain. It isn’t necessarily anything to worry about. It just means they have to see you quickly.

Original poster

Redstopgreengo · 05/04/2023 16:54

That bit I was OK with but it was the "felt suspicious" part that worried me or is that normal to ensure its not downgraded from urgent?

OP posts:

bellinisurge · 05/04/2023 17:02

Your GP cannot possibly diagnose you. Only specialists can. Just been on this myself. Fortunately I was given the all clear. It is very unsettling that you have to go down a pathway in this way to find out one way or the other. I'm guessing it's due to funding. Be very kind to yourself.,

bellinisurge · 05/04/2023 17:04

I also assume that after all the history of disregarding women's concerns, they don't mess about and get on to it quickly.

Nimbostratus100 · 05/04/2023 17:05

Hopefully it is nothing, and you will be given the all clear.

If it is cancer you will have an uncomfortable time for 2 months, probably, one month to remove the lump and get over the op, then one month to have radiotherapy and get over that, then life continues as normal

90% of people get the first.

Most of the rest get the second

Some of us end up needing chemo, etc, which is not nice, but still a short time out of your life feeling horrible, followed by many years of good health after.

It is very treatable

BCBird · 05/04/2023 17:06

Please try and d think positively. I have had quick referral and it has turned out as nothing sinister.

Nimbostratus100 · 05/04/2023 17:07

do not google anything, you always get the worst possible scenarios from google. If you want information, look at Mcmillans site. You can join up there and ask other peoples experiences

Original poster

Redstopgreengo · 05/04/2023 17:59

Thank you for the responses, the gp being unable to diagnose (I know that deep down but seeing the word suspicious made me panic I think) has definitely eased the worry a bit. And @Nimbostratus100 I'm sorry you've gone through cancer but I really appreciate you responding and I really hope you're well now. I'm trying to stay positive and use some techniques I was given with cbt for past health anxiety to stay relaxed and avoid google. As my cbt coach used to remind me, what will worrying and obsessing change? (Far easier said than done!) Thank you all so much.

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TheGoodEnoughWife · 05/04/2023 18:01

It will be a scary time but your doctor has to write similar to that in order to get you on the two week pathway.

Hard I know but try to think 'this is being sorted. I have done all I can do at this time' and trust the process. The NHS are hot on this right now ime.

Original poster

Redstopgreengo · 05/04/2023 22:21

That's exactly my thought process...well most of the time. I've done my bit, I've checked myself and spoken to the pros so I've done all I can but the wait is agonising and its only been a day! Thank you for saying they will write that to get me seen. You've confirmed what I originally told myself but then panic took over a little bit.

I had a read of macmillan threads as another poster suggested but I feel like an imposter as I obviously don't know yet if it is anything serious but it's been enlightening and reassuring seeing the positive attitudes on there so for anyone in a similar situation I would recommend that too. Saying that I've still had a few tiny cries about it all but i guess that's to be expected! Thank you for all the replies they have really helped.

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oliveroses · 05/04/2023 23:41

Just another one to say the referral in itself is nothing to worry unduly about. My gp referred me and I was also a bit freaked out when the letter and leaflet arrived. However I had my hospital appointment yesterday, they were absolutely lovely and all is fine. Hopefully it will be the same for you x

BritInAus · 05/04/2023 23:52

Please try not to panic. My wife had this exact scenario last month. Lump definitely felt bad - all the things we googled - hard, immovable, not smooth.
She had scans and biopsy and it's a benign, harmless lump. No further action needed.

The vast majority of lumps are not cancer, especially at your age.

Nimbostratus100 · 06/04/2023 04:06

Redstopgreengo · 05/04/2023 22:21

That's exactly my thought process...well most of the time. I've done my bit, I've checked myself and spoken to the pros so I've done all I can but the wait is agonising and its only been a day! Thank you for saying they will write that to get me seen. You've confirmed what I originally told myself but then panic took over a little bit.

I had a read of macmillan threads as another poster suggested but I feel like an imposter as I obviously don't know yet if it is anything serious but it's been enlightening and reassuring seeing the positive attitudes on there so for anyone in a similar situation I would recommend that too. Saying that I've still had a few tiny cries about it all but i guess that's to be expected! Thank you for all the replies they have really helped.

dont feel like an imposter, even for those of us who have had the worst news, and the harshest treatment, we all know how awful the waiting was, and for me, as for many, it was the worst part. We need support at that time, and we fully understand that others do too. most people going through this wait will have good news at the end of it, but that doesn't mean you are not entitled to support as much as anyone else while waiting

Original poster

Redstopgreengo · 12/04/2023 15:15

Just wanted to update and say thank you all so much for the reassurance. I had my appointment yesterday and all was fine. The waiting is awful but it's always worth being checked out.

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botheritsgone · 12/04/2023 15:30

I've just managed to get an appointment to speak to a gp about the very same problem. They are going to see me tomorrow and quite possibly I will get referred too. The lump is very definitely there. I was kind of hoping I had imagined it.
My mum got breast cancer at the age I am now so I am completely freaking out. Mum was well for many years - long enough to see me grow up but not quite long enough to see my sister grow up or to enjoy her grandchildren. Mum was on the original tamoxifen trial years ago and luckily she got the real thing. I'm convinced that kept her with us. I know that treatment has vastly improved in the 20 years since.
The GP putting you on that path way is a good thing. You will be seen quickly and hopefully find it is nothing much. And if it is something then you will be on the right path for successful treatment. Good luck