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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 · 10/10/2023 21:21

Sending positive thoughts and best wishes to everyone xx

HughCanoe · 10/10/2023 21:46

Octopus🐙 sending love. You'll be in good hands.

HughCanoe · 10/10/2023 21:47

Oh I'm sorry to read that Zoopet 💐

Octopus45 · 14/10/2023 19:38

Thanks @HughCanoe

OP posts:
Zoopet · 17/10/2023 15:41

Saw the consultant today.
I will be starting chemotherapy in the next few weeks followed by a lumpectomy early next year then radiotherapy.
The consultant and nurses were very reassuring and hopefully my prognosis is good.
Thanks to all for your support as I'm feeling very wobbly.
Also anyone know if chemo or mri scan is safe for me to be around my daughter who is 12 weeks pregnant?

Lavenderosa · 17/10/2023 19:24

Of course you feel wobbly right now but you have the treatment plan and you'll come out the other side of it feeling a lot stronger. I don't know the answer to your chemo question as I only had surgery plus radiotherapy but amongst the paperwork they gave you, there should be contact details for breast nurses who you can phone with any questions you have. I hope you can pamper yourself a bit now, you deserve it.

Octopus45 · 17/10/2023 19:41

@Zoopet sending you a virtual hug, I totally understand the feeling wobbly. As @Lavenderosa said, your breast care nurse is the best port of call for your questions about chemo and MRI scans. It sounds as if you are in good hands. Take care x

OP posts:
Summer19 · 19/10/2023 10:04

Octopus I hope your meeting went well and that you have a good plan in place now x

Octopus45 · 19/10/2023 22:41

Thanks @Summer19 I had an MRI on Tuesday and I've got a meeting on Wednesday to discuss surgery. I'm veering between feeling calmer and being terrified of the surgery and how life changing its all going to be. I know its the same for everyone though.

OP posts:
Summer19 · 19/10/2023 22:53

That is good news. Surgery is such an effective treatment, even though it is a bit scary, you are starting your steps to recovery with it x

Worriedmun · 29/10/2023 22:30

@Octopus45 so sorry that you are going through this. I was given the option of surgery, a one side mastectomy but I demanded the double as never ever wanted to go through the hell of finding a lump in the other healthy breast down the line. It was a bit weird when I woke up in the hospital afterwards thinking that my nipples were somewhere else in the hospital but I’ve never regretted it, it has given me such peace of mind and I have the (fake) pert boobs of a 21 year old at the good old age of 47 and don’t even need to wear a bra if I don’t feel like it ! I wear a bikini in the summer and you can’t tell at all. I’m not particularly hung up on body image and just wanted to increase my chances of seeing my kids grow up but reducing as much risk as I could that it could come back. Am 6 years down the line now x

Octopus45 · 29/10/2023 23:02

@Worriedmun thanks for your reply, I totally understand about wanting to be around for as long as possible. On advice I've decided to go with the surgery recommended, but if there was another lump ever, tbh I would be likely to go down the same route as you. As it is, I will be having a lumpectomy and I will be having the nipple removed as well. I dont want to be in a situation where they find cells near to my nipple and I have to go through another surgery. I might be able to some sort of cosmetic reconstruction next year, I am under the Royal Marsden who are great (lucky in this respect I know). Still struggling to get my head round it and all its repercussions tbh.

OP posts:
jannier · 29/10/2023 23:39

Zoopet · 17/10/2023 15:41

Saw the consultant today.
I will be starting chemotherapy in the next few weeks followed by a lumpectomy early next year then radiotherapy.
The consultant and nurses were very reassuring and hopefully my prognosis is good.
Thanks to all for your support as I'm feeling very wobbly.
Also anyone know if chemo or mri scan is safe for me to be around my daughter who is 12 weeks pregnant?

It's fine to be around your daughter. The only keep away bit is the dye injection when they are doing the surgery.

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