Breast clinic | Mumsnet

Chirmed · 2022-08-13T21:15:55+00:00

I have found a small lump in my breast while breastfeeding. Went to the GP and have been referred to breast clinic in 2 weeks time. In the letter I have received it says I should allow up to 4 hours for my appointment to take, as could be seen by a number of different services snd clinicians. Did anyone experienced it? I have to say Im very nervous, praying it's nothing. 🙏

Chrysanthemum5 · 13/08/2022 22:22

I'm going next week and this will be my fourth visit - I get cysts. Everyone is pretty kind and used to women being nervous. Usually there is an examination (like the doctor will have done) and then a mammogram and an ultrasound. All of mine have turned out to be cysts so I've had them drained.

Mammogram is uncomfortable but not painful. Ultrasound is not painful but can feel pressure when they move across the breast. And it's always cold in the ultrasound room!

If they want to drain a cyst I'd recommend not letting the consultant do it but asking if the ultrasound specialist could do it. In my experience they are quicker and less painful than the consultants!

MarmiteCoriander · 13/08/2022 22:28

I asked the exact same question on here a few months ago.

Got to clinic and sat in waiting room- with women looking much younger than me (I'm early 40's). Called for a mammogram where you stand and your breasts are pressed between a press. My mum can't stand this and finds it incredibly painful, whereas I found it fine! I'm a GG cup BTW. Not the most comfortable, you are standing there with breasts in a press- but its for seconds only.

More waiting in the waiting room, then called for an ultrasound on both breasts. Back to waiting room and I think called back to mammogram the breast that didn't have the lump!!! I kept telling the lady that its the left one I felt something in. Apparently there was some dense tissue in the right which they wanted to check further.

Back to waiting room and then finally into see the breast consultant specialist. She took a bit of history and said all was fine and nothing unusual found.

IF something had been found, I assume a fine needle biopsy might have been taken at the same time- which would then add more time for pathology to review it.

This was Barts in london about 8mths ago. I wasn't there 4hrs, closer to 2.5 all up. Take a book, magazine or something to do on your phone. Also take water and snacks! best of luck OP. Feel free to ask any questions xxx

Waystation · 13/08/2022 22:31

When I has my first apt - they did a mammogram - then asked me to wait- within 10 mins they came and asked me if I would have a biopsy - this was done straight away, a local was used so there was no pain - maybe a little uncomfortable but nothing to worry about - they were all really kind and I was given chance after the biopsy to discuss and ask any questions - please keep in mind that most lumps turn out to be nothing sinister, it’s a worrying time - I hope you get this sorted soon.

Original poster

Chirmed · 13/08/2022 22:41

Waystation · 13/08/2022 22:31

When I has my first apt - they did a mammogram - then asked me to wait- within 10 mins they came and asked me if I would have a biopsy - this was done straight away, a local was used so there was no pain - maybe a little uncomfortable but nothing to worry about - they were all really kind and I was given chance after the biopsy to discuss and ask any questions - please keep in mind that most lumps turn out to be nothing sinister, it’s a worrying time - I hope you get this sorted soon.

Thank you for your answer
So how many more did you have? What was your outcome? Hope all is good x

OP posts:

Original poster

Chirmed · 13/08/2022 22:42

MarmiteCoriander · 13/08/2022 22:28

I asked the exact same question on here a few months ago.

Got to clinic and sat in waiting room- with women looking much younger than me (I'm early 40's). Called for a mammogram where you stand and your breasts are pressed between a press. My mum can't stand this and finds it incredibly painful, whereas I found it fine! I'm a GG cup BTW. Not the most comfortable, you are standing there with breasts in a press- but its for seconds only.

More waiting in the waiting room, then called for an ultrasound on both breasts. Back to waiting room and I think called back to mammogram the breast that didn't have the lump!!! I kept telling the lady that its the left one I felt something in. Apparently there was some dense tissue in the right which they wanted to check further.

Back to waiting room and then finally into see the breast consultant specialist. She took a bit of history and said all was fine and nothing unusual found.

IF something had been found, I assume a fine needle biopsy might have been taken at the same time- which would then add more time for pathology to review it.

This was Barts in london about 8mths ago. I wasn't there 4hrs, closer to 2.5 all up. Take a book, magazine or something to do on your phone. Also take water and snacks! best of luck OP. Feel free to ask any questions xxx

Thank you for your reply
I have a better picture of what will happen. Just want it to be over with good result xx

OP posts:

Twateralflow · 13/08/2022 22:43

I had the same a few weeks ago. I was sent a few forms to fill in to take with me. I got there waited in waiting room then was seen by consultant so top off and he checked both breasts, under arms and collar bones. Then waiting again for mammogram. Yep boobs squished in between plates of glass and asked to hold my breath. It's quite uncomfortable. Then back to wait room where I was told by nurse it was all ok and I could go home. Take a drink and a book/headphones with you

Original poster

Chirmed · 13/08/2022 22:43

Chrysanthemum5 · 13/08/2022 22:22

I'm going next week and this will be my fourth visit - I get cysts. Everyone is pretty kind and used to women being nervous. Usually there is an examination (like the doctor will have done) and then a mammogram and an ultrasound. All of mine have turned out to be cysts so I've had them drained.

Mammogram is uncomfortable but not painful. Ultrasound is not painful but can feel pressure when they move across the breast. And it's always cold in the ultrasound room!

If they want to drain a cyst I'd recommend not letting the consultant do it but asking if the ultrasound specialist could do it. In my experience they are quicker and less painful than the consultants!

Thank you lovely xx

OP posts:

Original poster

Chirmed · 13/08/2022 22:47

Chrysanthemum5 · 13/08/2022 22:22

I'm going next week and this will be my fourth visit - I get cysts. Everyone is pretty kind and used to women being nervous. Usually there is an examination (like the doctor will have done) and then a mammogram and an ultrasound. All of mine have turned out to be cysts so I've had them drained.

Mammogram is uncomfortable but not painful. Ultrasound is not painful but can feel pressure when they move across the breast. And it's always cold in the ultrasound room!

If they want to drain a cyst I'd recommend not letting the consultant do it but asking if the ultrasound specialist could do it. In my experience they are quicker and less painful than the consultants!

Thank you for your advice x

OP posts:

userxx · 13/08/2022 22:50

I was there a while, take a sandwich with you just in case. Mine turned out to be a cyst, I was 39 at the time and told it was probably because of peri menopause.

Waystation · 13/08/2022 22:59

I had a further biopsy (using a very fancy machine) again not painful - followed by a small operation (lumpectomy) and finally a course of radiotherapy this was all six years ago and no further problems.

Chrysanthemum5 · 16/08/2022 15:06

Hope your appointment goes well. Mine was today and it was cysts again so relieved

MrsMontyD · 29/08/2022 19:43

Have you been for your appointment @Chirmed ?

Original poster

Chirmed · 29/08/2022 19:52

MrsMontyD · 29/08/2022 19:43

Have you been for your appointment @Chirmed ?

Hi
Yes I have, everything is ok, they didn't find any lump or anything. Thank goodness I'm so glad 🙏

OP posts:

MrsMontyD · 29/08/2022 21:40

Excellent, I went for the same appointment this week and have a lump so going back for the biopsy results in a couple of weeks.

Original poster

Chirmed · 29/08/2022 22:14

@MrsMontyD
I hope everything will be ok, please update us with your results x

OP posts:

MrsMontyD · 29/08/2022 22:21

Chirmed · 29/08/2022 22:14

@MrsMontyD
I hope everything will be ok, please update us with your results x

I will, but they've already told me I'll need a lumpectomy and radiotherapy so it's really a formality in terms of diagnosis, but the biopsy will determine the exact treatment. It might be pre cancerous cells, that's the best case scenario. It's small and been caught early, so could be a lot worse.

Original poster

Chirmed · 01/02/2023 07:52

MrsMontyD · 29/08/2022 21:40

Excellent, I went for the same appointment this week and have a lump so going back for the biopsy results in a couple of weeks.

How are you doing @MrsMontyD ?
Hope all is well x

OP posts:

MrsMontyD · 01/02/2023 20:52

Sorry for not updating, I had a lumpectomy in October, turned out to be a rare form of breast cancer, but no lymph node involvement. I had radiotherapy in December which I've just about recovered from. I started on Tamoxifen about three weeks ago, so far I seem to be tolerating it reasonably well. I'm back at the cancer hospital next week for a follow up and hope to be back at work by the end of the month. A bit of a rollercoaster but a very positive outcome really.

Original poster

Chirmed · 02/02/2023 20:05

MrsMontyD · 01/02/2023 20:52

Sorry for not updating, I had a lumpectomy in October, turned out to be a rare form of breast cancer, but no lymph node involvement. I had radiotherapy in December which I've just about recovered from. I started on Tamoxifen about three weeks ago, so far I seem to be tolerating it reasonably well. I'm back at the cancer hospital next week for a follow up and hope to be back at work by the end of the month. A bit of a rollercoaster but a very positive outcome really.

I'm so glad you're doing well. Good luck x

OP posts: