Lump in breast - not coping well.

[Anxiousandconfused2024]

Hi all,
I'm sorry because I know there's a million threads on this (I've been reading through them at 3am). But I just need a bit of hand holding and reassurance.

I've been a bit under the weather the last week or so. Had a lot of stress in my personal life too. I was curled up on the sofa on Sunday and spelt a stabbing pain in my right breast. Just under my nipple and to the right. Put it down to my bra digging in and didn't think anything of it. On Monday I noticed a red painful mark on my breast, felt and there was a lump. I couldn't get a GP appointment on Tuesday but booked I'm for Wednesday (yesterday). I have folliculitis (normally in my groin) so just (stupidly) expected it to be that but in a new location, thought I'd get a course of antibiotics and would be good to go! I went into the doctors and managed to meet a doctor who wasn't very kind. I was sitting there explaining and said I'd been under the weather, her first reaction was to literally throw a mask at me and say "I DONT WANT IT". For clarification, I was feeling fine yesterday. She also had a go at me because I'd selected yes to "family history of breast cancer" and when I explained my Auntie died of breast cancer 25 years ago she sharply told me that "your auntie isn't immediate family, that question is about immediate family, not extended" like I was meant to know that?!
Anyway, it's a hard lump that's (according to mean doctor) 2cm x 1cm. Once I'd put my clothes back on she went "I'm prescribing you antibiotics" and I said "great, does that mean it's just a cyst or infection?" She said "no" and I asked what she meant and she said "I'll tell you when I finish typing."
Basically said she's referring me and can't tell me anything else, which felt very ominous. I asked her if it was serious and she said something along the lines of "I can't say, that's like me asking you what's happening tomorrow, you wouldn't be able to say".
The tears were STREAMING and I went to my car and cried before carefully driving home.
I've been up all night and am forcing myself to eat (this is how my body reacts to stress).
For background I'm 30, according to mean doctor, my mums sister doesn't count as having a family history.

I've been unable to work today because I've been being sick and anytime anyone asks how I am, I burst into tears.

My appointment at the clinic is July 1st, I've called up and explained I suffer from anxiety and am VERY frightened. They've put me on the cancellation list but have advised that for obvious reasons they don't get a lot of cancellations.

I've been thinking the worst and trying to be positive but after my experience yesterday, I'm really concerned. Any help/reassurance would be appreciated.

Thank you SO much in advance x

The doctor sounds like a dickhead. She's probably put you on a 2 week referral which sounds scary but it just means any lumps get checked out quickly, it's way more likely that it'll be nothing.

The vast majority of people at the breast screening clinic get a quick once over with a doctor, maybe an ultrasound, and then sent on their way with a diagnosis of a cyst or similar. The wait is awful but don't read into anything that she said, I know so many people that have had these referrals and been fine (I've had two myself).

Breast cancer can cause pain but most lumps are painless.

They always refer you on the 2 week pathway for a lump. The vast majority are benign. GP sounds like a bitch and very unkind.

Wow, your doctor is a cunt.

Most lumps aren't cancer. Statistics are on your side. The doctor would have no idea if yours is anything to worry about and that's why she's referred you. The waiting is the worst part so take it hour by hour and focus on getting through each day before your appointment x

Hopefully I'm replying to you, I've never done this before but just needed to get it off my chest!
Yeah it's the two week referral and in her caring way she said "that's an urgent referral, but its probably not two weeks that you'll be waiting, it's probably more"

Honestly, I've been barely functioning today, I've read loads of these forums from here/reddit, not sure if my doctor was just horrible or whether it's more serious but neither is good and it's stressing me out :(

My god. I think the most stoic person would be a wreck after that medical appointment!

All the GP needed to say was she assumes folliculitis (otherwise why prescribe you antibiotics, she can't do that 'just in case') but it's protocol for breast lumps to also be referred on the two week pathway. There's lots of info about it here - as a warning this is on the Cancer Research UK website but please don't be alarmed. Overall, more than 9 out of 10 people referred on the two week wait pathway don't have cancer.

Be kind to yourself as you deal with this - it's easy to say 'try not to worry' but I understand how hard it is to do. When you feel up to it, I would send some feedback to the practice about this GP.

Keeping fingers crossed for you.

Just worked out how to reply, sorry newbie here!
She made a point of telling me she used to work with boobs or cancer (I can't remember which). Not sure if that was a power trip or just concern.

You can see why I'm losing my metaphorical shit over here, I've looked up going privately but I think that will take just as long tbh... annoyingly my old work had private medical insurance but my new one just does a basic cash plan...

Thanks so much for your advice!x

It's a good sign that you have pain OP, that's far more common in fibroadenoma than it is with anything malignant.

I am also in my 30s and got referred on the two week pathway a few months ago, everyone kept telling me that pain is not really a symptom of breast cancer and whilst I did need a biopsy, ultimately they were correct.

I hope your outcome is as positive as mine, best of luck!

That doctor sounds awful, I'm sorry to hear you weren't treated with kindness and compassion.

If you go private it can be really quick. I have private medical through work and called about a lump on a Tuesday, and had the appointment a day and a half later, on Thursday evening at a private medical centre in Central London. The doctor examined me physically, I had an ultrasound scan and also a mammogram all within an hour. I'm early 40's.

Got the all clear immediately at the appointment (it was a sebaceous cyst) which was then confirmed by a follow up letter. It was an excellent service and could give you the quick peace of mind you are looking for.

Sorry you're suffering so much 😔. As pp have said most breast lumps are benign but the 2 week wait is there to exclude breast cancer and if your appt is 1st July then that's longer than 2 weeks. Can you call the clinic again and insist you are seen within 14 days of your GPs referral date?
I am in the same boat ATM, found a lump a week ago, I waited for my period to start in case its hormonal bug still here, called GP this morning, seen at 11:30am, referral made to one stop clinic who called me an hour later to offer appt next Thursday.

I've been there twice, they're very good, with cysts before. Diagnosed and out of the door within 2 hours. Fingers crossed for cyst result for both of us xxx

I’ve had two lumps checked. Never been prescribed antibiotics. So sorry your GP was woeful. Both times I was referred urgently. I have immediate family history and both times fortunately it was benign: one fibroadenoma and one cyst. Cyst was slightly tender . Fibroadenoma was bouncy and moved when pressed. Good luck 🤞🏻

Thank you so much! I've ended up fully doom scrolling and convincing myself it's the worst.

Fingers crossed they may be able to get me in before but these two and a half weeks are dragging already, just can't stop crying x

I was the same op and with my history I was convinced. Try to remember that whatever it is, worrying won’t change it. I know that’s easier said than done.

She was an utter bitch! How awful. I’m not surprised you’re anxious. I think most people would be. But with pain I think it’s a tiny risk it’s anything sinister. Plus she can’t think it’s likely to be anything other than infection related if she’s prescribed antibiotics. (They’re really wary of over prescribing.)

I'm so sorry that I can't reply to everyone individually, but I'm overwhelmed by all of your support and kind words.
My boyfriend just made a valid point, I've had a suspected melanoma on my face (which is now gone) and an abnormal smear, both I've had to wait to see someone, but both were manageable because I had a different doctors surgery and they were really kind and supportive. All have said to call if I'm feeling anxious, but this is the only doctor who I've felt that I can't.
I'm all for female empowerment and maybe this doctor was just a poor example of that, she can see I suffer anxiety and have been prescribed, and that's where it hurts. That after everything, she still made me feel awful xx

It is scary but you will get through this time and deal with whatever happens. That doctor shouldn't be practising. Her treatment of you was appalling and you deserve to be treated with compassion, sensitivity, and respect. You will find most people you deal with (especially at the breast clinic) to be amazingly kind, comforting, and, importantly, frank and straightforward.

Even if it is cancerous, the odds are in your favour. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. They reassured me very quickly they would cure me; most people do get better. Now I am clear of cancer and living my life again. Whatever happens, you will get through it x

Honestly, I chatted to the receptionist at the breast clinic today and she was so kind! I burst into tears (obviously) and she was SO kind!
Fingers crossed that's the situation going forward.
I plan to get these next few weeks out of the way then write feedback about the doctor. I get that she sees me as a body rather than a person but surely when you take a job as a GP your people skills should be considered...xx

Also, should mention, I've had numerous dealings with this surgery where they've been good. Don't necessarily think it's a bad surgery, maybe just a bad apple...

Just a little update for anyone reading now or in the future.
The clinic had previously said they don't really get cancellations (completely understandable) but would call if they did have one, after waking up at 4am and doom scrolling I thought I'd check my app in case one had come in last night when they were shut. There was an appointment for the 26th! It's only a few days earlier and I'll definitely continue to check but I've booked that! Plus it's in the middle of a whole company meeting so at least I don't have to go to that! Silver linings and all that!

Oh that’s good. 👍🏻

Well done OP, keep us posted!

I'm so sorry the Dr was an arse @Anxiousandconfused2024 but I'm so pleased that you've got an earlier date.

I've recently (well Easter time) gone through the sane symptoms as you have also with a family history with my maternity grandmother and had to get a mammogram; ultrasound and biopsy - my anxiety was through the roof! In the end it turned out to be a fibroadenoma.

I have everything crossed for you OP.

Apologies for the typos!

I was going to say this re the pain as well!

I understand how you feel completely, I suffer with anxiety as well and I'm a mess with regard to anything to do with mine or my DDs health! I had a suspicious mole about a year ago and ended up getting it checked privately because the wait was too long at the GP. Its hell! Be kind to yourself 💐

You are young and healthy though so the odds are massively in your favour, can you get your boyfriend to take you out for a drink tonight and something lighthearted like bowling or mini golf to take your mind of things for a bit?

Wishing you all the best!

I ended up bursting into tears and telling my Mum on Friday, I was trying to shield her after what she went through with her sister. She came and picked me up and dragged me for a day out with my family yesterday, which helped. She told me how furious she was with the doctor and has said she'll help me write a complaint letter when this is all over. She's concerned that this doctor is treating other people the same, people who may not have the support network I do. What does everyone think? Could I request that I never see this doctor again?

I must have checked for a closer appointment about 20 times yesterday, but at least its a week and a half away now!

Does anyone have any tips on focusing? Work has offered me some time off but I know I'll just end up sitting here overthinking, not sure what to do...

Thank you so much for everyone's support so far!x

How do you make your appointments at the practice? If online, you can just choose a different GP. If on the phone you would be fairly unlikely to be allocated her again (as they will offer you the first available slot) but if you were you could just say you prefer to see someone else.

I agree with your mum. If the doctor is routinely treating patients the way she treated you, rather than potentially just having a very off day, that needs dealing with. A complaint to the practice will allow them to establish which it is.

I agree as well, having time off work is not going to help you. What about a rather restful computer game, like Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley? Or trying a new hobby like knitting or crochet? I would make time to do some meditation every day, and get outside (weather permitting!) for fresh air.