Breast Clinic Referral - Terrified

[Octopus45]

Hi ladies, I've read a few other threads on here so know I'm not on my own. I'm 48, have been on HRT for just over two years and and at the beginning of the Summer I became aware of a lump in my right breast. Kept forgetting about it, thinking it was nothing, not sure what my boob normally feels like, wondering whether I should go to the GP when they are all overstretched and I'm overstretched and never have any time. Today I made an appointment and got seen tonight at one of our GP hubs. Explained to the male GP, he immediately said he would refer me to the breast clinic. He then said he could examine me if I wanted, I said ok cause I wanted him to reassure me that he was sure it was nothing. He examined me and said he could definitely feel a hard lump and it was a bit concerning, but could be a cyst. I should hear about my appointment within two weeks, maybe three weeks. My head is spinning, I'm panicking, blaming myself for not going to the GP a bit earlier, blaming myself for taking HRT, not doing things right etc, - all pointless I know btw. I lost my Dad just under a year ago (prostate cancer), I cannot confide in my Sister cause she will go crazy with worry, my best mate's Mum is dying of cancer that has spread to her spine. So far only my DH knows, I haven't told our Sons and I wont unless there is something to tell. Life is too busy for this and I'm thinking why me, but I remember when it was my Mum (she died of leukemia when I was 27), she said well the logic is why not me, she was right. Family history, my Auntie had breast cancer in 1997 when she was 52 and on HRT, she had a lumpectomy. She has a lot of health problems these days, cannot burden her with this. Sitting here wondering how I'm going to hold it together until my appointment. I know its the same for everyone, sorry for all you ladies who are going through the same thing.

Easy to say try not to worry, but really, this is out of your control, so you need to try to keep calm. You've done the right thing reporting the lump and you will be seen and well looked after.

Breast cancer is formed from a cell that has mutated. The cell doubles every 180 days, so the lump has likely ben growing for anywhere between 2-5 years. If it is cancer, they will be able to tell you if it is hormone receptive, and if it is, it doesn't necessarily mean that HRT has caused it. When you are at the breast, clinic, they will go over your medical history, as well as your family's, and given your aunt's breast cancer, they might well offer genetic testing to see if you have any of the genes that can trigger breast and other cancers. What kind of cancer does your mother have? If it is ovarian, be sure to tell them.

But for now, as it's all still up in the air and under investigation, do not say to anyone other as it will just cause my panic, not to mention questions, ones you possibly can't answer. Be assured, all women who report a breast lump to a GP are put in a two week pathway to being seen, so don't worry about the haste, nor that you did not saying anything sooner. You've reported it, that's the important thing.

Good luck, and try to remember, most lumps - 9/10 - are benign, cysts or some other thing and not cancer at all.

Thanks for your reply @doublec, its interesting what you said about the cells mutating and hormones. I've also read up a bit and now know that the two week thing is standard.

You're right it is beyond my control, unfortunately I'm a real worry wort so not brilliant at coping with not being in control, but I will take it day by day.

My Mum died of leukemia in 2002, she was 58, Obviously I will report this when they go through the family history thing with me.

Thanks for that statistic as well, I need to keep telling myself that there's a 90% chance that it will be ok.

Am so sorry about your mum (my mum died when I was in my teens, so really feel for you). However, her dying of leukaemia isn't really relevant in this instance. The reason I asked was because if it would have been ovarian cancer, or even pancreatic, then there might be a possibility you have BRCA 1 or 2. Even so, when you fill in the form re. your medical history, state everything - your grandmother and aunt's breast cancer is relevant, and they might well still look at your genes to see if you have any other mutations - I recently discovered that there are some 92-200 gene mutations that can cause breast cancer. But at the same, most don't have the mutation, and it's just a matter of something else entirely.

Please, try to stay away from Google or even the internet. There's no point reading up on something that might cause more worry. I say this from a place of love - I have breast cancer - I was also on HRT*. Have barely googled anything, partly as I would rather keep my mind free from cancer as much as possible, but want to get all my information not only first hand from my medical team, but based on ME. We are all unique, and when it comes to cancer, yes, we can get an idea about the critical mass, but ultimately, everything is absolutely about you as an individual. So there's no point reading up on anything until the doctors give you actual solid facts based on actual tests on your own tissue.

Lastly, yes, the odds are in your favour to the degree that is more than likely nothing. While it is perfectly normal to panic and assume cancer if you have a breast lump, it probably isn't. So please, work on your anxiety, try to quiet your mind as there's really now point worrying while things are still up in the air and you don't know the facts pertaining to you. Also, and perhaps most pertinently, breast cancer is now hugely treatable (and survivable), even more so if it's caught early. You are have an appointment with the breast clinic and they will investigate. This is the most important thing in all this.

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*I took HRT in the knowledge that some cancers are fed by hormones. Given my family's medical history, and my own, I went to see an HRT specialist and took the lowest dose possible. I don't regret taking HRT, and would absolutely do so again. If anything, am more upset about having to stop taking HRT (which was my choice btw, my medical team did not tell me I had to) than I am about having breast cancer. I don't blame myself, so please, don't blame yourself for taking HRT as its benefits can really outweigh any risk, and to me, that's gamble worth taking.

Big love to all on this thread. I was going to post about a similar situation I'm currently in.
Where on your breast is the lump?
Mine is where the armpit meets the best. At the 9 o'clock position.

Hi OP I was looking for the right place to start a thread but found you. Maybe we can hold each other hands if that isn't too unmumsnetty. I have been put on a 2 week breast clinic referral today. I was feeling fairly confident the Dr I saw today would tell me it was fine but she seemed concerned about the size of the lump which she found to be a lot bigger than I thought (she prodded a lot harder than I did)

@doublec thanks again for your advice.

@Hellocatshome so sorry you are going through the same thing. Yes it would be good to unmumsnettingly hold each others hands. I have just phoned my GP surgery and they are doing a referral to my local hospital for me. Sounds like you had a similar experience to me at the GP.

@MrsMorrisey its in my right breast just above my nipple.

Sorry @MrsMorrisey posted too soon, really sorry you are going through this as well. Love your username btw

How's everyone getting on? I had my Drs appointment yesterday and my appointment for the referral to the breast clinic came through today. I should be happy at their efficiency but it has just made me worried about what the Dr wrote on her referral. Although it does say you get a hospital gown or can bring your own dressing gown so I might get a nice new dressing gown out of it

@Hellocatshome Nothing to be concerned about, all breast lumps referred by a GP are put on a two week pathway, so hearing sooner, rather than later isn't indicative of anything.

You really don't need to take a dressing gown. Just make sure whatever you're wearing is easy to remove, so separates rather than a dress.

Thats good to know. I might still tell DH I need a new dressing gown though.

Hi ladies,

Hope you are all doing ok. I've been out with an old uni friend today, which was fun and a slightly distraction. I did tell her what was going on and she was very supportive which I really appreciate.

@Hellocatshome glad your referral has come through.

Sending everyone else who is going through the same thing a virtual handhold.

Hello, I posted a very similar post about 6 years ago when I was 40. Not quite sure what I was looking for, perhaps reassurance. However it ended up being aggressive BC (which has spread to a lymph node) and I had 4 children under the age of 10 at at the time. I had an awful year with chemo, radiotherapy reconstruction etc and was treated and I am still here 6 years later and living a good life, working and being a mum to my kids. At the time I thought it was a death sentence but it wasn’t. In fact the experience has made me really value my life and family much more now as it puts all silly worries into perspective. I really hope you get reassurance and it’s nothing but just posting to say that even if it is, it’s very treatable x

@Worriedmun thanks for sharing your story. Glad to hear that you got through your treatment ok. Its also interesting what you you said about it putting things into perspective. x

Morning, just wanted to send a virtual handhold to all the ladies going through the same thing this week. I'm hoping to hear about my appointment in the next couple of days.

My GP told me they refer 100 women and find 1 case of breast cancer, so you are very likely to be fine.

I have been referred by my GP today and have an appointment already for a week on Friday. I go between being terrified and telling myself there's no point in worrying/can't change anything.
I'm only 30 and have 2 small children, so my thoughts are almost entirely around them.
My GP was encouraging, saying he could move the lump around which is a positive sign, but was still very quick to refer me.
My partner wants to come with me to my appointment but it sounds like they don't allow men in the breast clinic - does anyone know if that's right?
Hope everyone is holding up alright

My letter said you could take a companion (no mention of gender) but they couldn't go into the various tests with you but stay in the waiting room.

My DH said he couldn't come as he had work which was nice and supportive!

I had a lump a few months ago. Thankfully it was just lumpy breasts. Our breast clinic is a one stop shop. You see a doctor, get sent for a mammogram then wait for your result. You do sit around for a while as sadly not everyone gets good news so you don't know how long it will take to get to your turn.
If your clinic is like this then take a book or something to distract you and be prepared to wait a bit. This does mean you either go home with an all clear or having spoken to a doctor about next steps.

Hello ladies, I was in the same position as you when I found a lump in May 2021. My appointment came through very quickly, before the end of the 1st week.

My lump was cancerous and I went on to have a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I'm now 54 and I've been back at work for 18 months.

The NHS were truly amazing.

Whatever the outcome you will get through it. Stay off Google and reach out to Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan who both have amazing forums to chat to women going through the same waiting game as you.

@Songbird54321 glad you have got your appointment. I know what you mean about the worry aspect. I'm still waiting or my referral, I've been told that it can be bang on two week, one of my friends works at a local GP surgery and know how long they are taking.

@Hellocatshome is there anybody else who can come with you? My DH might come if he can, but I wonder if I'll be better on my own cause of all the waiting around. @LostMySocks glad your case turned out to be ok.

That would be good if he could come, I haven’t had my proper letter yet just a notification on my nhs app that the appointment has been booked. I’m not too bothered about going in on my own just would prefer company for all the waiting around.

@Octopus45 my friend has said she would come but it would mean her taking time off work and she has just taken a chunk of time off to help another friend whose father died so I've told her not to. I think I'm just going to take a book and snacks.

Same boat op. Found a lump this morning just above my right nipple.. Told my best mate and won't be telling anyone else.... Have to attempt to get a GP appointment tomorrow.. Wishing myself luck with that one. Hope you get yours soon op