Breast clinic referral

[uka888]

Hi,

Just hoping for some help to calm my nerves!
I have been referred to the breast clinic next week. In November I was slightly worried about my breasts, they are naturally quite lumpy, a couple of people at work have been diagnosed with breast cancer and with there being family history of it in my family I got myself worked up and worried if I was checking right so I went to my doctor.

I explained about the family history, he did a breast examination and wasn't concerned but said because of the family history he would refer me to see if I would be eligible for early screening. The breast clinic rejected my referral because it wasn't based on any symptoms now, so it was referred to genetics.

In the meantime I had to change doctors due to moving, registered with new doctors and because of my concerns and anxiety about this two other doctors did breast checks in November, I then felt reassured so sort of forgot about it.

Just before Christmas a spot appeared on my right breast, sort of out of nowhere, it was a little sore and I haven't had spots on my breasts before. I picked it and put some nivea cream on and it started to look a little better, wasn't sore anymore.

I have been aware that there is still a red mark/little spot so this week I thought I should double check (with the family history I am aware I am anxious about breast cancer) with the doctors, had an appointment on Tuesday she looked at it said she thinks it is just where I picked the spot, did a thorough breast check couldn't find anything although on the right breast she did say in one area I think that's just a node, don't know what she meant by that. Anyway she said she could use this to refer me to the breast clinic so I can get thoroughly checked out and ask questions about family history etc. She's suggested sudacrem for the spot.

The referral has come through for next week, I am glad she has referred me because of my anxiety on it but I'm really worried that the sudacream hasn't made any difference to the spot yet and what if the doctors who previously checked me missed something? I'm 34, I know women unfortunately get breast cancer at all ages.

Has anyone been to a breast clinic before? What should I expect?

Yes very lumpy here. Think it is common. Try not to worry and good luck tomorrow.

Hi ladies, I had my appointment this afternoon. All ok, she visually checked and felt my breasts, didn’t have any concerns and she said the red mark was the scar from picking the spot.
I told her about the family history (cousin and aunt on my dads side) and enquired about early screening, she said they are distant relatives not first degree relatives so she wasn’t concerned.
I asked how you can tell normal lumps from bad lumps and she said when you are pressing down on your breasts to check you will feel normal breast tissue, but when you run your hands over your breasts just routinely showering that’s when you will notice something new.
She seemed quite a prompt /straight to the point consultant which I guess a lot of them can be! She said there is a lot of bad press about breast cancer which scares women and when you are showering without consciously checking you will know if you feel something.

I also checked about being on the pill (microgynon) and if that was ok or if I should look to stop and she said it was fine to continue using that.
I also asked about the link of prostate cancer on my dads side as the initial doctor who referred me for family history seemed to be concerned about that and she said they don’t worry about the link of prostate cancer. Unfortunately prostate cancer is very common in men as they get older so it’s in a lot of families.
It’s funny how advice from doctors varies to the consultants/clinics but I guess the clinics are the specialists in these areas so they know more!

Thank you all ladies for your support the last few days , your comments really help keep me calm.

Glad you had a good checking over and also got a chance to air all your concerns. It can be difficult to get all of that across to a consultant so sounds like you did a good job in conveying all your fears. And sounds like they did a good job of reassuring you.

So now RELAX!

Whoop Whoop! Brilliant news OP! Very pleased for you.
The family history thing can be worrying-try having a first degree relative! But, most women who get breast cancer have NO family history so we should all be vigilant and not be complacent. well done for being brave and getting yourself that peace of mind.

Glad it all turned out ok. I was referred a few months ago and it was a daunting and frightening time but I got lots of hand holds on here. So fortunate we have the NHS!

So glad you are ok.
I went on Tuesday afternoon. Our nearest one is brand new and fab. Felt like a private clinic. Mine was an all clear too.