I (42f) found a lump in the upper right outer quadrant of my right breast. The lump is visible. I visited my GP on Friday 18th July. She examined me and found that the lump is hard, irregular and immobile. She measured it at 2.5cm by 1cm. She also found a smaller lump in my left breast that I was unaware of.
I’ve been having gynaecological issues for most of my life. To the point that I’ve required iron infusions every 16 weeks for the last 4 years due to blood loss. My GP made an urgent referral to gynaecology in December 2023. I had a scan in September 2024. January 2025 the Gynaecologist phoned me to tell me that the scan showed fibroids and cysts. I already knew about those. He also said that there was a cystic area with solid components adjacent to the Ovarian cyst that was concerning and that he wanted me to have a CA125 and told me to have the Mirena Coil fitted. I refused the coil due to a really bad experience years ago. I had the CA125 but never heard from the Gynaecologist again. I had to get my GP to get the results of the CA125 off the system. It was slightly rasied at 49. After 14 unanswered emails from my GP to gynaecology asking for updates, they finally gave up and referred me to another hospital.
I still don’t know what that cystic area with solid components is. I don’t know for sure why my CA125 was raised or what the numbers are now.
My GP made the urgent referral to the breast clinic on the 18th. My NHS app stated that if I hadn’t heard anything by the 23rd to contact them. So I did. After 32 phone calls they finally answered and told me that I’d either hear from them by the end of next week (around 1st August) or the week after (around the 8th) and only then would I be able to ask to go on the cancellation list. I asked when I’m likely to be seen and was told that they received my referral on the 21st of July and they’re currently processing referrals from the 10th July. She said it’s unlikely I’ll see them before the middle of August at least. If not towards the end. I mentioned the Faster Diagnosis Standard and the aim to diagnose or rule out cancer within 28 days. She told me I was wrong and that they just have to see me within 28 days. But it doesn’t look like that will happen either.
I was at work when I made that phone call. I spent the next 6 hours doing my best not to break down in front of colleagues or the public. I cried for hours when I got home. I’m dealing with all of this on my own. I just want answers. I’m frightened and feel like I have no control over anything. I don’t know how I’m supposed to function with all of this hanging over me. Has anyone been through similar or have any advice for navigating this on my own?
the only thing i can think to suggest is asking to be referred to another hospital? If you have any more hospitals local to you you could call them and ask what their waiting times are like and see if they would accept your referral and if so ask your GP to redirect it xxx
