Breast lump + other symptoms

[bamummy2]

I recently had some pain in my left breast, I also found a lump. I went to see the nurse practitioner and she had a feel and then straight away sent off an urgent referral. But she said that the 2 week wait is a realistic 4+ week wait.

I did explain that I also have been having a dull ache in my breast and my left arm. She didn’t seem concerned about this. It’s not painful until the evening when the ache gets more like a throbbing and it’s enough to stop me sleeping. It does feel similar to when I had mastitis when bf but I haven’t fed for well over a year now. And the nurse practitioner didn’t seem to think it was a blocked duct or anything.

I’m really grateful she referred me but I’m honestly worried that she’s missed an infection Should I ask to be seen by a gp?

And also the wait for the scan, is it worth trying to get a private scan if the waits going to be 4 weeks +?

Hello, I had breast cancer 4 years ago. I'm not a dr so don't feel qualified to comment on the urgency of getting a scan medically, but I would say to you if the unknowingness of it all and the waiting is likely to take a toll on your mental health, then go ahead and book a private scan. If it is bad news, it is better to know and then you can make a plan. If you feel like 4 weeks is an ok time for you to wait without knowing, then you could hold off on the scan. I would say that my personal experience of cancer care in the NHS was outstanding, they did not mess around and I am very grateful - but I was pre-covid, and not sure how the system is holding up since then.

I would also probably ask to see a GP re pain. My lump wasn't painful but again I'm not a dr so don't know if they are sometimes. Nurse practitioners have their place but I would be asking for a follow up with a GP if the pain isn't going away.

Wishing you all the best xx