Urgent referral to breast clinic - terrified

[themummyway]

I went to the doctor a couple of days ago with what feels like a swollen vein in my armpit. Some days like today it's painful, other days it's not.

Doctor checked my breasts and found no issues, however she told me that as the breast clinic typically deals with that stuff she's referred me on to them and that I should get an appointment within two weeks.

I've just got my appointment and it's next Wednesday. I'm terrified.

I'm only in my early 20s.

My grandfather had pancreatic cancer I think, but other than that there's no history of cancer in my family as far as I'm aware.

Sidenote: I've had lumps in my right armpit for years. They tend to flare up when I'm overworked and go down when I'm more rested.

Are you worried about the appointment in general or is it because it’s so soon you think that means it must be serious?

From what I understand, these appointments come through so quickly so that you don’t spend weeks worrying. My friend had one recently, similarly quickly and it was all fine.

Hello all breast clinic referrals appointments are within 2 weeks so try not to read into the speed of your appointment. That's completely normal. I found the staff at the clinic to be immensely kind and helpful. You'll need your mask and take a book and a drink as there can be a bit of hanging around between tests, depending on what they need to do. I needed mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy plus the initial examination so that was 4 lots of getting undressed and redressed. So something to bear in mind when you decide what to wear.
Not worrying is easier said than done, I know. Try to do something distracting in the meantime.

Any issue in that area and you are sent to the breast clinic within 2 weeks with my GP surgery it does not mean that it is cancer it’s just procedure, also you would be very unlucky to have breast cancer at your age, try not to worry.

Please don't worry.

As PP have said it's the two week pathway for things like this. I found a lump in January- GP thought it was just lumpy tissue but referred me to the breast clinic- I'm 32. Was seen within two weeks and it was fine. It really doesn't mean it's going to be serious at all.

Thank you all so much. I've seen things online about people's appointments being sometimes months later, hence why I thought the 2 weeks was really serious.

Thanks also for the tips @DiscontentedWoman xx

No problem at all its a frightening experience. Keep gently busy for the next few days and be kind to yourself its incredibly stressful.

Hope it all goes ok. Don’t worry about the fast referral - that’s the way they do things and it’s normal.

I had a mammogram (I have yearly ones due to family history) which showed possible issues and they phoned me at home and asked me to come for a second mammogram - and I got a referral to breast clinic the same week also.

All was fine - changes were just normal hormonal ones.

I think the nhs has a fantastic breast care service and they are super fast and efficient at checking out issues.

Ahh yeah that letter can be really scary the first time you get it - did it have ‘suspected cancer’ at the top? If so that’s just standard for those kinds of letters. I’m a regular at the breast clinic for family history reasons, and I still don’t like getting those letters. It’s good for you though because you’ll have an answer soon enough. I don’t know that it sounds particularly like cancer tbh but I’m not an expert. Maybe just try not to worry (hard I know) until you’ve seen them

@Flamingolingo no it didn't x
Tbf the doctor said she was just referring me because my issue was related to my armpit and the breast clinic deals with all of that.
She didn't find any lumps or anything - she checked during my appt.

All appointments are within 2 weeks
Pain is reassuring as anything ‘bad’ isn’t normally painful

I had a 2 week referral for the breast clinic when I went to the GP. It's pretty standard although it is scary. Most referrals find nothing to worry about, but even if it isn't great news, the sooner you find out the better. Outcomes are pretty good.
Mine was lumpy tissue that was hormonally linked, but as my Mum has had breast cancer I wasn't willing to ignore it.
You've done the right thing and I hope your mind is put at rest as soon as possible.

It’s very, very unlikely to be cancerous or anything serious at all at your age. As everyone has said, the 2 week wait thing is standard and they will be extremely nice to you while you’re there. You’ll be in a waiting room with lots of women feeling the same way - the staff are very used to reassuring people.

As others have said, the aim is to see you within 2 weeks. I had to go recently and the breast care team were so lovely and reassuring. I had an examination, a mammogram and an ultrasound during the appointment. The consultant then went through all the tests and explained the results. It took about 90 mins in total and I left knowing the outcome.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you

Thank you for the support everyone.

The doctor I saw was perplexed as to why I'd been recommended and found no issues of concern with my breasts.

The issue to do with my armpit really shouldn't have been referred to him after all.

Well, I guess that's sort of good news but presumably you're none the wiser for what the problem is. What next?

He said he'll write back to my GP

Tbh the pain has subsided - I think it's just inflammation on account of stress and an awful diet taking its toll on my body....

The corded-vein that was hardened and sore has also gone back to normal.

Phew