Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Women's health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Breast Clinic Referral - Terrified

163 replies

Octopus45 · 14/09/2023 20:37

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.

OP posts:
Effervescent999 · 18/09/2023 21:47

doublec · 14/09/2023 22:24

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.

I agree with what you said about 9/10 breast lumps turn out to be benign, but that is a load of rubbish what you said about the duobling every 180 days - I had one that was doubling every 2-3 weeks so some may be very slow, but some are not.

Anyway, OP, breast cancer is nothing to be afraid of these days. It is very treatable even in its most aggressive forms.

weegiemum · 18/09/2023 22:07

I'm one of the other people in this situation right now. I found a lump just over a week ago and my breast clinic appointment is Friday at 10am.

I'm lucky that dh is taking the day off and coming with me, he's a Dr so will be able to interpret and ask the questions that they might not want to answer. It's a "one stop" clinic so if needed I can have a mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy and leave with results. I'm bricking myself. I'm terrified of doctors and healthcare and if it's bad news I've no idea how I'm getting through the appointments.

doublec · 18/09/2023 22:13

@Effervescent999 Just sharing what my BCN told me, but we're all different, so have no doubt that your experience is different.

thesandwich · 18/09/2023 22:15

Sending support to everyone one here- another bc person alive and well post lumpectomy/ chemo/ radio.
As so many have said, the uncertainty and waiting is really the toughest part. Stay away from Google, stick to Macmillan or breast cancer now. And there is a fabulous long running thread for cancer folk with brilliant helpful posters. You can do this. 🌺

Octopus45 · 19/09/2023 14:31

@Freezingcoldinseptember hope you manage to get an appointment. @weegiemum I'll be thinking about you on Friday.

@thesandwich I'm sorry you had to go through all that, hope you're ok now.

OP posts:
WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway · 19/09/2023 19:45

Same here, went to the Dr last Tuesday, got the appointment the same day, going on Thursday. I'm quite a cysty person so very much hoping it's another cyst. However it's fair to say I'm not coping with the waiting very well! I like to be in control, and I'm not. Husband being useless and I'm worrying...lots. it's very much made me question my own mortality. I'm not the most reasonable person to be around at the moment. It's v strange I've had numerous 2 week referrals for the other lumps n bumps in arm stomach, legs, back and not been worried at all, but because it's in my boob I'm beyond worried. Sending lots of virtual hand holding to everyone xx

Octopus45 · 20/09/2023 18:46

My appointment came through today, Friday 29th so not too too long to wait. Just a case of keeping calm until then, easier said than done.

OP posts:
Songbird54321 · 20/09/2023 18:49

Same day as mine, will be thinking of you

Hellocatshome · 20/09/2023 18:50

Octopus45 · 20/09/2023 18:46

My appointment came through today, Friday 29th so not too too long to wait. Just a case of keeping calm until then, easier said than done.

Mine is the 26th so hopefully have a good news story to keep you feeling positive.

Octopus45 · 20/09/2023 22:09

@Songbird54321 @Hellocatshome and @WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway I will be thinking about you all re your appointments.

OP posts:
Roxygirl1516 · 21/09/2023 09:42

Im in the same boat. Really making myself ill about it.

I have a smooth flattish lump on my right breast, on the edge towards armpit. It’s moveable, not excessively but it’s not stuck in the same spot. It’s a bit sore too after all my prodding! It’s not rock hard, but how soft is soft? I don’t know I’ve never had a lump before. I noticed another one below it the other day but that seems to have gone.

I went to the GP and I think I had a newly qualified GP - she seemed very nervous and unsure about my lump and went to another docs room for an opinion. She came back in more confident and said nothing to worry about as it’s smooth and moves, take evening primrose oil and come back in a month.

admittedly I haven’t taken the evening primrose oil but went back month later as it’s still there. Saw a diff gp and she felt and said she’s referring me as I am over 30 (Im 37) and have a lump and it’s protocol. Didn’t really comment what she thought it was.

I was actually calm until the letter came through the door. My appt is 9am on Monday. Since then I’ve fallen to pieces. I can’t eat properly, constantly crying. I am terrified. I’ve never known time to go more slowly.

im just curious to know what all your lumps and bumps feel like?? My mum had a fibroadenoma removed when she was in her 30s. Anyone have any experience of these?

Thanks everyone :-)

Frenchyq25 · 21/09/2023 10:00

Hi all, I've just been through this myself. Got my results last Friday. Both lumps are fibroadenoma 's and no action needed unless they get bigger.

Roxygirl1516 · 21/09/2023 10:14

Did they identify they thought it was this when you went to clinic or did u have another agonising wait to find out biopsy results? Do you mind me asking what they feel like? Thank you :-)

WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway · 21/09/2023 12:49

I've just come back from the appointment. They couldn't have been nicer or more thorough. I probably have a fatty lump, but they have biopsied to make sure as it showed up on a mammogram (which apparently they don't normally!). I'm slightly less anxious, but I'm bad at waiting at the best of times so another weeks wait for the results isn't the best.

Hellocatshome · 21/09/2023 16:27

WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway · 21/09/2023 12:49

I've just come back from the appointment. They couldn't have been nicer or more thorough. I probably have a fatty lump, but they have biopsied to make sure as it showed up on a mammogram (which apparently they don't normally!). I'm slightly less anxious, but I'm bad at waiting at the best of times so another weeks wait for the results isn't the best.

Fingers crossed for you. Did they give you a hospital gown or did you take a dressing gown? My letter says you can take a dressing gown if you wish or will be given a hospital gown and like always I end up worrying the most about the little things and don't want to be the only one sat there in a fluffy dressing gown!

WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway · 21/09/2023 18:44

My letter didn't mention a dressing gown. I spent most of this morning taking off and putting on my bra and t-shirt! Not sure if it's just me, but in such situations I normally fold everything up into a neat little pile..by the end of the morning and dressing and undressing about 6 times they were just a heap! A dressing gown would have been a lot easier. But wearing your own clothes is less clinical!

Octopus45 · 21/09/2023 20:14

@WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway glad its probably a fatty lump, but sorry you have to wait again for biopsy results

@Hellocatshome I'll be thinking about your tomorrow

@Roxygirl1516 wanted to send you a virtual hug, I was in bits this time last week, but feel a bit calmer now. I'm sure I will end up having more panics though cause I still have to wait another week after tomorrow.

OP posts:
Freezingcoldinseptember · 21/09/2023 20:25

Got my appointment.. 2nd of October.. So just inside the 2 weeks promised.. How long for the results? Says in writing with an appointment (presumably if it's bad news?) is it an OK letter of it is OK?? .. I go on holiday the 7th.. Hanging over my head I assume....

WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway · 21/09/2023 20:35

I think they try to tell you there and then if they can. Hopefully everyone gets good news.

Hellocatshome · 21/09/2023 20:41

From what I've read its pretty much a one stop shop unless you need a needle biopsy. If you dont need a needle biopsy you should leave your appointment with an answer one way or the other.

Mistressanne · 21/09/2023 20:42

@Octopus45 Good luck op.
I’ve had lumpy breasts since I was 36, I’m 66 now.
Mine have always been cysts but it’s still important to be checked.
i do remember my first appointment though and the worry of what might be.
Hopefully yours will be a cyst or benign lump.
Try not to worry.

Roxygirl1516 · 21/09/2023 21:54

Mistressanne · 21/09/2023 20:42

@Octopus45 Good luck op.
I’ve had lumpy breasts since I was 36, I’m 66 now.
Mine have always been cysts but it’s still important to be checked.
i do remember my first appointment though and the worry of what might be.
Hopefully yours will be a cyst or benign lump.
Try not to worry.

May I ask - when you had cysts, what did they feel like?

Roxygirl1516 · 21/09/2023 22:16

@Octopus45 That’s great you’re calming down! Anything that’s eased your mind?

Octopus45 · 21/09/2023 22:34

@Roxygirl1516 I think its a combination of the worry I'm feeling being a new normal and telling a couple of people who are close to me what's going on. I was going to not say anything for various reasons, but the secrecy added to my stress. TBH I don't think I'll be able to maintain feeling calm, its a day at a time. Also, trying to remember that there's a 9 out of 10 chance that it will be fine.

OP posts:
Roxygirl1516 · 22/09/2023 18:34

I’m having a melt down tonight. Been ok today, it’s the evenings. On a verge of a panic attack. I don’t think I’ve been so terrified of something

Swipe left for the next trending thread