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Original poster

Urgent suspected breast cancer referral

10 replies

Historyl0ver · 26/05/2024 20:37

Hello, I have a 2 week referral to the Breast Clinic. It would be really good to hear about any recent experiences with this service. I’m in Cambridge and they advise I get there 20 minutes early for a scan before I see the consultant.

I’m so worried. I’m 40 and only found the lump after my 2-year-old clambered on me and I had pain. I noticed what I thought was a stretch mark from my boob shrinking slightly a few months back, now I’m worried that’s another symptom of breast cancer... 😬

OP posts:
TellySavalashairbrush · 26/05/2024 20:42

I know it’s very scary op. I went through the same scenario about 2 months ago. I found a lump and had noticed odd pulling sensation in the same breast a few weeks months before too. I was terrified but after a couple of mammograms and an ultrasound it turned out to be a cyst. There is every likelihood yours will be too. I saw the consultant at my appointment who examined me first and then sent me down to have the mammogram. This would be why they want you there earlier . I wish you all the very best.

steppingcarefully · 26/05/2024 20:53

They might do a mammogram, an ultrasound and possibly a needle or core biopsy. In my experience they will probably tell you what it is or what they suspect at the appointment on the day. Most turn out to be benign but be reassured by the fact that breast cancer is one of the most successful to treat and all the staff in the breast clinics I have been in have been amazing, so caring and kind. Good luck with your appointment.

HughsMermaid · 26/05/2024 20:55

Been twice - told 9/10 lumps benign.

Wishing you all the best - many treatments if it turns out to be problematic. Bring a partner/friend if you can.

DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 26/05/2024 20:57

HughsMermaid · 26/05/2024 20:55

Been twice - told 9/10 lumps benign.

Wishing you all the best - many treatments if it turns out to be problematic. Bring a partner/friend if you can.

Was going to post the same

one of our DiL's went through the same - thankfully benign

Penguinsa · 26/05/2024 21:03

It'll be a one-stop shop - first you go to waiting room after giving details at reception then they call you in and a surgeon gives a physical examination of breasts (best to wear separate top and bottoms for clothes rather than a dress) then over 40 you will have mammo and I had ultrasound and biopsies as well and then met surgeon. Biopsies are only done in some cases and they often tell you on the day if they suspect cancer esp if you ask and they are rarely wrong. 9 out of 10 won't be and think yours will be one of those. If a biopsy normally results in a week and called back in person if cancer.

Original poster
Historyl0ver · 26/05/2024 21:33

Gosh thank you everyone for your swift and kind words of reassurance. It’s really good to hear from others who have been through the same. It’s all a bit of a whirlwind at the moment on top of an already very stressful home life! I can’t help but do a deep dive into the medical literature whenever I have a health scare, which I know is terribly unwise!

The lump is hard, long and uneven. Do cysts feel round or oval shaped?

I’m very impressed by the sound of the one-stop clinic system. No waiting around for further appointments for another scan, then a biopsy etc. A shorter period of worry to endure!

OP posts:
Chaiilatte · 09/10/2024 16:17

How did you get on op? I am going for the mammogram on Friday too for a knobbly hard long feeling lump x

Original poster
Historyl0ver · 09/10/2024 20:00

Hello, I can remember how anxious I was
at this moment. I preferred to go on my own but you might want to take someone with you to the appointment.

The mammogram I had looked suspicious so they gave me an ultrasound about 15 minutes later. The radiologist said she didn’t know what the lump was which was worrying, so she took a biopsy. Afterwards I was sat in a room, given a cup of tea and the radiologist came in to see me to say it could be cancer, but that she was on the fence. She said it could be a fibroadenoma. I was given an in-person appointment for the next week rather than told I would receive a phone call, which was also worrying.

That was a Thursday or Friday I think, they had their MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meeting on the Monday morning, where they discussed my biopsy results. A nurse phoned me later that morning to tell me it was a fibradenoma. Total harmless and nothing to worry about.

I hope all goes well for you and your results are also something harmless. 9 out of 10 usually are.

OP posts:
WinterMorn · 09/10/2024 20:13

Really pleased to hear this OP 🌷

Chaiilatte · 10/10/2024 06:11

That must of been really scary, pleased to hear it was nothing sinister. Thank you for updating too, you've given me some hope 💐 x

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