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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:
WhoNeedsToSleepAnyway · 22/09/2023 21:50

I totally get it. Try and stay busy....this feeling will pass. You won't feel like this forever 💕

Octopus45 · 22/09/2023 22:15

It's so hard @Roxygirl1516 , try and take care of yourself and keep busy if you can.

OP posts:
TheFormidableMrsC · 22/09/2023 23:58

Hello! Former BC patient here. Aggressive invasive carcinoma that appeared after I was given a quadruple dose of progesterone to control peri bleeding. Tumour appeared within a year and I know this because I was on a clinical trial for early mammos as a preventative and was clear at the end of that.

A 2020lockdown day lumpectomy followed by radio and then chemo. It was fine, I got through treatment really well and remain clear and aim to continue that way. I didn't have any spread and my sentinel node was clear so that does make things more manageable.

I just thought I'd give a positive story. Good luck to you all Flowers

TheFormidableMrsC · 23/09/2023 00:01

I think it's worth adding that my lump was knobbly and tethered, it didn't move and I found it because I moved awkwardly and it pulled. It also hurt a lot and my cat wouldn't come near me. I knew I was going to get a diagnosis so it wasn't a shock. I have lumpy boobs, I've had several cysts and fibroadenomas but this felt different.

Roxygirl1516 · 23/09/2023 09:25

@TheFormidableMrsC im really glad you’re doing ok:-) May I ask what did your cysts and fibroadenomas feel like? My lump seems smooth, more flat than a round ball shape. It moves a bit, not loads like it floats around but it deffo moves between two fingers when I’m feeling.

TheFormidableMrsC · 23/09/2023 09:56

Roxygirl1516 · 23/09/2023 09:25

@TheFormidableMrsC im really glad you’re doing ok:-) May I ask what did your cysts and fibroadenomas feel like? My lump seems smooth, more flat than a round ball shape. It moves a bit, not loads like it floats around but it deffo moves between two fingers when I’m feeling.

Similar to that. I knew the difference when I had a tumour. However, initially my GP was convinced it was a cyst and I had to insist on referral. Thank goodness I did. My fibroadenomas have felt like baked beans. There is absolutely no point in me telling you this because nobody can tell you and only those trained to diagnose will be able to.

Remember that 9/10 lumps are benign. The way I saw it was that there was no point driving myself mad until I knew what I was dealing with. That worked well. I wish you luck!

Hellocatshome · 24/09/2023 10:13

So thanks to algorithms or whatever they are my phone now keeps suggesting things for me to read about breast cancer the latest about how numbers in the under 40s are rising! Add to that I actually ignored my lump for a long time and now I really am starting to worry!

Roxygirl1516 · 24/09/2023 10:56

@Hellocatshome

o was literally loading this to write the same thing. Every other advert on tv is about cancer and first news article that loaded on my phone today was ‘why is breast cancer on the rise in the under 40s’ 🥴

appt is 9.15 in the morning. My anxiety is on another level today

Hellocatshome · 24/09/2023 11:22

@Roxygirl1516 good luck tomorrow, is anyone going with you? My appointment is Tuesday and DH cant/won't come so I have created a Boob Appointment WhatsApp group for the few friends I have told so I can have someone there even if virtually.

Roxygirl1516 · 24/09/2023 11:33

@Hellocatshome

yes one of my friends is taking me but she’s not the most comforting of people, very straight to the point 😂

May I ask what’s your lump like?

Octopus45 · 24/09/2023 14:04

@Roxygirl1516 wishing you all the best for tomorrow x

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 24/09/2023 14:29

@Roxygirl1516 its strange its more like a bump than a lump and you can actually see it when I lift my arms above my head. Its half in my armpit half in boob. The Dr managed to prod a lot better than I did and seems to think its about 5cm long. Its not like a marble or a pea or a baked bean or any of the other descriptions I've read about on here.

Hellocatshome · 25/09/2023 15:24

@Roxygirl1516 hoping today went well for you.

Octopus45 · 25/09/2023 18:36

@Roxygirl1516 hope you are ok

OP posts:
Rulesrules · 25/09/2023 18:38

I hope your appointment went OK xx

Lavenderosa · 25/09/2023 18:55

Sending hand holds and hugs to all who need them. The waiting for the hospital visit was the worst thing I've ever endured. I had panic attacks, could barely eat, couldn't sleep and convinced myself I was months if not weeks from death. When I arrived at the clinic I could hardly breathe. That day I found out I had a small area of cancerous cells within a duct (DCIS) and it was treatable with a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Every single thing that happened after that moment of being told was a walk in the park compared the waiting period before. It's different for everyone but I know others with a more serious diagnosis than mine who said the same - the waiting period was utter hell compared to the subsequent treatment. There's a 90% chance it's nothing at all but if it is BC, the treatments are incredible these days. Hugs to all.

Hellocatshome · 25/09/2023 19:36

Lavenderosa · 25/09/2023 18:55

Sending hand holds and hugs to all who need them. The waiting for the hospital visit was the worst thing I've ever endured. I had panic attacks, could barely eat, couldn't sleep and convinced myself I was months if not weeks from death. When I arrived at the clinic I could hardly breathe. That day I found out I had a small area of cancerous cells within a duct (DCIS) and it was treatable with a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Every single thing that happened after that moment of being told was a walk in the park compared the waiting period before. It's different for everyone but I know others with a more serious diagnosis than mine who said the same - the waiting period was utter hell compared to the subsequent treatment. There's a 90% chance it's nothing at all but if it is BC, the treatments are incredible these days. Hugs to all.

Its good to hear a positive story even if your news from the initial appointment wasn't the best. My appointment is tomorrow and I had done a good job of ignoring until my lovely colleague gave me a big hug as I left work today.

Snipples · 25/09/2023 19:56

Wishing you all lots of luck for your appointments. I have been referred to the breast clinic just today after seeing the GP about a large lump in my right breast this morning. Noticed boob was quite sore last week and thought I felt a lump and then noticed it was very prominent at the weekend. She said I have lumps on both breasts and need checked out, but is hoping the big one could be a fibroadenoma. She described it as shelf like. I'm not convinced it's benign as it's hard and not presenting the way they describe on google but will have to wait and see.

Unfortunately I'm based in NI so looking at a 4-8 week wait to be seen. I've only told my husband and one close friend so far as my family tend to run on the hysterical dramatic side and I'll only end up having to comfort them/ update them etc which will stress me out. They mean well but have a habit of telling everyone your business and I could do without that. And my poor dad will be petrified until we hear news. I think I'll go to the appointment alone and take a book.

Hellocatshome · 25/09/2023 19:59

Snipples · 25/09/2023 19:56

Wishing you all lots of luck for your appointments. I have been referred to the breast clinic just today after seeing the GP about a large lump in my right breast this morning. Noticed boob was quite sore last week and thought I felt a lump and then noticed it was very prominent at the weekend. She said I have lumps on both breasts and need checked out, but is hoping the big one could be a fibroadenoma. She described it as shelf like. I'm not convinced it's benign as it's hard and not presenting the way they describe on google but will have to wait and see.

Unfortunately I'm based in NI so looking at a 4-8 week wait to be seen. I've only told my husband and one close friend so far as my family tend to run on the hysterical dramatic side and I'll only end up having to comfort them/ update them etc which will stress me out. They mean well but have a habit of telling everyone your business and I could do without that. And my poor dad will be petrified until we hear news. I think I'll go to the appointment alone and take a book.

Oh what a shame you have such a long wait. Yes I only told 2 very sensible friends and my DH as I have friends who would turn it into a huge drama and my family have a lot going on at the moment with elderly relatives.

Callywals · 25/09/2023 20:21

Thinking of everyone on this thread and hoping things go well for all. I have my first mammogram booked for Friday, it's just the one you get sent for after turning 50 but I've been putting it off for a few years. Unfortunately, for about a year I've had a little lump under my right breast, on the surface of the skin and slightly under the skin. I pop it occasionally and foul smelling white puss comes out, then it goes flat but grows back eventually. I was popping it every other day or so but now it's about once a week. I know I should have gone to the GP but I'd recently lost my son to cancer and ive been living in a bit of a haze. I'm forcing myself to go on Friday but am terrified they'll find something. Reading all you brave ladies stories is making me realise what a coward I am, but is also giving me the strength to go.

Snipples · 25/09/2023 20:24

Good luck @Callywals - it's worth being seen and then you know for sure. So sorry to hear about your son 💙

Callywals · 25/09/2023 20:27

@Snipples thank you x

Octopus45 · 25/09/2023 21:58

@Callywals I'm so sorry about your Son, wishing you well.

@Snipples sorry you have to wait so long. Know what you mean about telling people and having to deal with them getting upset, it kind of adds to the pressure. I've only told a few people who are close to me. I wanted to keep it a secret from my Sister and Bestie, but to be honest it was making it more stressful for logistical reasons so I ended up telling them after a few days.

@Lavenderosa thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad that your treatment was successful. The waiting is truly awful. Today I really haven't felt able to cope at all. I've got lots of work deadlines, I've come off my HRT and everything is really winding me up. I'm terrified of needing treatment and how its going to limit me with work, being able to get things done etc, I know it sounds trivial but I'm self-employed.

OP posts:
Roxygirl1516 · 26/09/2023 08:08

Hi everyone!

they were so lovely there yest day. I started crying when I arrived!! 😂

they said it’s just normal dense breast tissue but I feel the examination was very quick.

what’s everyone else’s examinations like? They first checked my left breast, but not all of it, just the side where I felt the problem was on my right. Literally about 10 seconds. And then moved to my
riggt. They felt where I said the issue was and said ok, but he wasn’t quite on the point I don’t think, I had to direct him. Didn’t feel my whole breast. Didn’t examine my chest or armpits of full breast on either side. Radiologist came in and scanned the area he’d put a cross and said if was fine but again in my mind I’m concerned he hadn’t labelled the exact part. I expected her to ultrasound both full breasts? Like a full MOT while I was there but I don’t know. Maybe that isn’t the done thing?

I am relieved but I have a niggling thing in my head that I wasn’t thoroughly looked at enough. But maybe it’s health anxiety paranoia

what’s others experiences?

Hellocatshome · 26/09/2023 08:14

@Roxygirl1516 that's great that its good news but I'm sorry you feel it wasn't very thorough as I know what you mean by the niggle doubt they didn't check properly.

My appointment is later this morning so I will be able to tell you what they do at mine later but the GP I went to first definitely did a much more thorough examination than you describe (obviously without the ultrasound bit)

Do you think you could have a private mammogram to put your mind at rest? No idea if they are available or how much it would cost though.