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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:
Callywals · 29/09/2023 17:00

@Octopus45 so sorry to hear that news. You must be in shock, please know that we are all here for you. You have been so brave getting it checked out, please try and take things one step at a time. As another poster said, the good news is you are now on the path to a treatment plan x

HughCanoe · 29/09/2023 17:15

Octopus 🐙 - big squeezy hug. I'm so so sorry something was found but it is early stage and that is at least a silver lining.

It must have been such a stressful afternoon - take care of yourself.

Lavenderosa · 29/09/2023 17:28

Sending hugs @Octopus45 as you must be exhausted. It shows how positive and strong you are that you've focused on the good news of it being caught early, which is exactly what you should do. You'll have your treatment plan and then you'll be on the other side of this, helping others who are waiting for their appointments.

thesandwich · 29/09/2023 17:38

@Octopus45 I'm sorry to hear your news- but it is good news about being caught early etc. and truly the uncertainty is the worst.
Treatments are very well developed, and you can do this. There is a brilliant long running cancer thread- please join, so much knowledge, laughter and support on there.
after I was diagnosed my pt ( a cancer specialist) asked me “ who’s on team sandwich”- rally your team, and you can do this.

Snipples · 29/09/2023 17:42

Oh @Octopus45 so sorry to hear they think it's likely cancer. I hope you are ok. Take some time to digest it all and then hopefully the treatment will all go smoothly.

Have you got people round you in real life for support. Don't feel you need to shield everyone from worry, they'll want to be there for you. Sending love x

Octopus45 · 29/09/2023 19:23

Thank you ladies for all your kind messages. I have got real life support, a few people know, but my DH and I have decided not to tell our boys until I've got a full diagnosis and treatment plan. It is a day at a time a step at a time and I'm lucky to be under the Royal Marsden.

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HughCanoe · 29/09/2023 19:28

That all sounds reasonable and I know the Royal Marsden is fab.

Liz O' Riordan is a fount of knowledge for a later time. She's a breast surgeon with breast cancer.

I hope you and your DH are okay

Unsure754 · 29/09/2023 19:30

Oh Octopus, that is just shit.
A lot for you to take in.

Glad to hear your proactive response to finding the lump means it has been found early.

Sending you much love and support.

jannier · 29/09/2023 20:01

Octopus45 · 29/09/2023 14:52

Thank you, unfortunately I'm going to turn the tone of this thread, cause it isn't good news. Almost definitely cancerous, a very very small chance it is pre-cancerous, but that normally presents as calcification, not a lump. I had a mammogram, an ultrasound and they took three biopsies. I asked the sonographer if it was cancer and she was honest with me and said it looks that way. I'm going to be sent an appointment for in about 10 days time, once they have looked at the biopsies, receptors and worked out a treatment plan. Two bits of good news, one it is what they call a 2 and has been caught early. Secondly, it doesn't appear to have spread to my lymph nodes. Sorry to bring the tone of this thread down.

Sorry to hear your news I've been where you are now, stay strong don't Google good support is available from McMillan and Breast care now but better to wait before looking too deeply.
I'm now 9 years clear from a very aggressive form that was grade 4. It's a doable journey. Nobody's treatment is the same not everyone has the full works so don't assume what your treatment will be.
Massive hugs.

Zoopet · 29/09/2023 20:02

Just found this thread.
I went for a biopsy/mammogram today after finding a breast lump 2 weeks ago.
Results in 10-14 days.
Really hope it's OK.

TheFormidableMrsC · 29/09/2023 20:33

Octopus45 · 29/09/2023 14:52

Thank you, unfortunately I'm going to turn the tone of this thread, cause it isn't good news. Almost definitely cancerous, a very very small chance it is pre-cancerous, but that normally presents as calcification, not a lump. I had a mammogram, an ultrasound and they took three biopsies. I asked the sonographer if it was cancer and she was honest with me and said it looks that way. I'm going to be sent an appointment for in about 10 days time, once they have looked at the biopsies, receptors and worked out a treatment plan. Two bits of good news, one it is what they call a 2 and has been caught early. Secondly, it doesn't appear to have spread to my lymph nodes. Sorry to bring the tone of this thread down.

Sounds very similar to my diagnosis. Sorry you've had this news today. I can offer no advice in terms of treatment as that depends on the pathology. I also had clear nodes which I was told was "very good news". Don't google things, don't read other people's horror stories. I'm 3.5 years post diagnosis and 2.5 years post treatment and I remain well and hope that will always be the case.

You'll find yourself feeling a lot calmer and more in control once you know what you're dealing with. My treatment was absolutely fine and they are also a lot kinder these days. I wish you lots of luck going forward Flowers

Octopus45 · 29/09/2023 20:39

Thank you for all your support. Its good to know that other people have got through this.

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tothelefttotheleft · 07/10/2023 22:14

@Octopus45

I was diagnosed Friday. If you want to pm as we go through this let me know. Not offence if you'd rather not.

Octopus45 · 07/10/2023 23:49

Thank you @tothelefttotheleft gor reaching out. Sorry you are going through the same thing. I will pm you tomorrow

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Zoopet · 10/10/2023 14:45

Just got my results.
They have found an invasive duct cancer and I should get an appointment to discuss treatment this week.😞

Octopus45 · 10/10/2023 15:52

Sorry to hear that @Zoopet. I'll be thinking about you next week.

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Roxygirl1516 · 10/10/2023 16:55

Just wondering how you’re all getting on that had a diagnosis in the past few weeks? Thoughts are with you

Juliet55 · 10/10/2023 17:01

I'm still waiting for results, my thoughts are with you all.

Lavenderosa · 10/10/2023 17:16

I'm sorry that's the news you had @Zoopet . I hope you hear about your treatment plan soon.

Zoopet · 10/10/2023 17:18

Thanks guys.
Hope you're all OK.

Juliet55 · 10/10/2023 17:51

@Zoopet rooting for you and hoping you start your treatment soon. Always someone on here if you need to chat Flowers

Octopus45 · 10/10/2023 18:02

Thanks @Roxygirl1516 . I have an appointment tomorrow, bloody terrified to be honest but I need to know what the plan is.

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Octopus45 · 10/10/2023 18:02

Sorry posted too soon. Best wishes to everyone else

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Juliet55 · 10/10/2023 18:53

@Octopus45 hope it goes well for you tomorrow Flowers

Octopus45 · 10/10/2023 18:54

Thanks @Juliet55

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