Seeing GP tomorrow about changes to my breast

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

I've had aches in my armpit for a few months which I always just explained away as badly fitting bra / weigh gain / carrying the kids etc.

I'm now seeing weird looking marks on the skin on my breast and below on the ribcage. I planned at the weekend to call GP for an appointment today, which I've now done, but am also feeling a bit of ache/pain in the breast too.

I'm not sure what to expect from the appointment - part of me worries they'll dismiss or try and explain away what I now think are justifiable reasons for investigations.

Has anyone had to push for a mammogram/ further investigations?

No, in similar circumstances my GP put me through for a mammogram on the 2 week pathway.

(And I had the scan and it was nothing to worry about, just a cyst causing the pain)

Oh I'll google 2 week pathway.

I did get a surprise on the call to the GP this morning as they are notorious for only having appointments 3+ weeks away but I've been given one for tomorrow.

It’s basically the standard timeline for cancer screening - I panicked a bit that they wanted it dealt with urgently but it’s the normal process for breast screening for any changes that are potentially concerning.

Incidentally the consultant told me that breast pain tends not to be a sign of anything serious (which is why it’s so important to manually check for lumps etc regularly as most cancers don’t present with pain).

Absolutely the right thing to get checked out though and if my experience is anything to go by I’d be v surprised if you’re not referred for a mammogram - if GP is reluctant definitely push it.

I check for lumps fairly regularly and haven't got one (that I can tell), so I don't know if that will be what they focus on, but I suppose the changes to my skin are sufficient enough to warrant further test.

Most lumps are not palpable until they are over 20mm. In some types of breast cancer there is not lump but an area of abnormal tissue.
There is a whole list of physical symptoms and pain is now accepted as one of them.
I was diagnosed after routine screening but had noticed some thickening in the area. Even the breast surgeon could not feel an actual lump despite it being 39mm and only 10mm below the surface of the skin.
Hopefully you have one of the many other benign causes of symptoms but be prepared for lots of waiting.
The two week referral will be for mammogram (depending on your age), ultrasound and possibly biopsy. This is done by specialist radiologist who only does breast, so they are very experienced in what they are looking at. They will tell you if they see anything suspicious which usually means you have some form of breast cancer. They can be cautiously wrong but from experience and others who have been through the process they are good at their job.
Following the biopsy you will see a breast surgeon to discuss the results and treatment plan if needed. This is taking 2-4 weeks at the moment due to Covid delays ( staff illness).
Treatment usually starts after another 2-4 weeks. You may need further tests and scans and possibly further biopsies.
That’s the practical side.
Emotionally it’s a roller coaster, frustratingly long waits and currently you are treated in a vacuum.
There are a few private Facebook groups I’ve found helpful but I’m glad I waited to join until after diagnosis because some of the members stories and journeys would have added to the massive anxiety.
A lot of breast cancer patients find that diagnosis actually alleviates the initial anxiety because it’s the not knowing that does your head in. With a treatment plan you have something to focus on. However the best words you will hear from the breast surgeon is that it treatable. The majority of breast cancer is treatable and the survival rates are very high even if you have a more advanced stage.
Again I hope that you have one of the very common benign breast conditions that masquerades as a breast lump and your journey is short.

Thank you for taking the time to post and your advice is very good.

My head is all in a muddle and I haven't even really begun the journey into investigating it - It makes sense that a diagnosis at least takes away some of the uncertainty.

With regard to pain, many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a history of pain in the area of the cancer but because we all get cyclical pain in the breast we tend to dismiss it.
GPs are working from very old hymn sheets. They still examine the breast in a single static position, we often detect lumps ourselves when lying on our side or while showering with gel or soap. I think that the examination should be guided by the patient so that they can demonstrate the lump to the GP. Obviously you wouldn’t invite your GP into the shower but maybe the use of a lubricant would simulate shower gel or soap. I was only able to feel my “lump” in the shower with soap or when lying on my side. None of the doctors or nurses could feel anything when I was lying in the normal examination position.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Thank you for taking the time to post and your advice is very good.

My head is all in a muddle and I haven't even really begun the journey into investigating it - It makes sense that a diagnosis at least takes away some of the uncertainty.

Don’t leave it. I was due to have screening mammogram in 2020 but the service was shut down. So my mammogram was a year overdue. My lump would have been detected so much earlier. Fortunately I have had a very good outcome but many women haven’t been so lucky. After my experience I would advise anyone who has symptoms to see their GP asap.

No I won't leave it. I want a referral tomorrow - evening knowing it will be In a couple of weeks time, just having it arranged is enough.

Sorry just to add that I didn’t intend to suggest that there’s no need to investigate breast pain, only that I was told in most cases breast pain isn’t a sign of anything serious. But that’s why we have screening - to isolate those cases where there is a serious underlying reason from those where there isn’t.

I know a lot of women who have had screening following lumps, pain, changes etc - almost all were benign. But all v grateful for having had the screening. I put it off for too long because I was scared and have sworn to never do that again.

oh, sorry no i didnt take it that way.

Its reassuring to hear that most cases are benign , and those that arent are, in the main, treatable. Im worried, but hopeful.