Hi everyone,
I’m worried because I discovered a hard lump in my breast about 3.5 weeks ago. I was in Thailand at the time and eventually decided I would wait til I got home until seeing a doctor, hoping is would disappear in the mean time. I’ve had small, very moveable lumps in my breast before which came and went with my menstrual cycle. This one is different from anything I’ve had before, harder, bigger, moveable (but not very) and it’s been worrying me, a lot. My period was two weeks late this time (very unusual, it’s always on time) but the lump remained and didn’t disappear when it eventually arrived.
I flew home yesterday morning and went to the doctors in the afternoon. The female doctor there isn’t very good, i never would have seen her normally but she was the only doctor I could seen on an emergency appointment. She discovered two other lumps (that I was unaware of) in my other breast- very similar to the one in my right breast. I was not expecting this. She said she could not fast track me because of my age (25) and the fact that they’re in both breasts. So I have to wait up to three weeks to see a specialist. Also, my right nipple has been inverting for the last few years- I’ve had this checked before (by another not very good doctor) who made me feel like a complete fool for wasting his time. I was told not to worry about it but this is another thing that makes me feel uncomfortable. I’ve lost a lot of feeling in the nipple and don’t understand why. I’m assuming this is unrelated to the lumps but have no idea.
Anyway, I’m aware that it probably isn’t breast cancer but it doesn’t stop me worrying. I can’t get a second opinion at the surgery as there is a one month waiting list for an appointment and the only doctor I can see is the one I saw yesterday. I know I’m going to worry myself sick for the next three weeks waiting to see someone- I’m tempted to go private but really can’t afford it as I don’t have a job right now. Can anyone give me any advice? It would be much appreciated. Thanks
Anna
Hi Anna, welcome to the forums,
Whilst you are waiting for other forum members to reply to your post here’s the link to one of BCC’s publication on being referred to the breast clinic. I hope you find it useful. If you need to talk to someone in confidence the helpline staff are here for you. The number to call is freephone 0808 800 6000 open Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm
breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.718/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/59
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Lucy
Morning Anna
This is a hard time for you, everyone here knows how difficult the waiting for appts and results is, we all feel for you. As you say - it is not necesarily BC, but everyone’s imagination goes into overdrive at this time.
It is a shame that you have not got a lot of faith in your GP practice, a month for an appt seems ridiculous, I would keep ringing and ask for cancellations - or anything - if there is one of the GPS you feel you could talk to, it might help.
You are young, and as you say, the breast tissue changes along with your monthly cycle, your period was late, all these factors could be part of the story, I know it is daft to say “Try not to worry” - but we all say it anyway! I thought about a private appt to try and get some results earlier - but I still couldn’t see the consultant any quicker than waiting for the clinic. I would stick with the NHS, do you have a local specialised breast clinic?
I know 3 weeks seems endless, but it will pass. Come on here if you find it helps, but try not to race ahead with the “What if’s” - take each day at a time,
Take care
Lizzy
personally i would ring back and tell them they are not complying with NICE clinical guidelines- double check this but I think that anyone with a distinct lump is supposed to be seen within 2 weeks, age has nothing to do with it. This does not mean I think you have breast cancer, far from it, the point is you have a distinct lump therefore you should be seen, the fact that it is in both breast could actually be seen as a reason to accelerate the appointment.
I hate seeing these posts as there are plenty of people who went to their GPS (like me), below the age of 50, who were told the same thing, blah, blah, blah breast cancer is a very rare disease below the age of 50…well maybe but it still means that if there is a reason for concern it should be checked out.
Catherine
Hi again everyone,
Thanks for responses Catherine, Lucy and Lizzy, I appreciate it. Unfortunately I don’t have a local breast cancer clinic that will see me as I’m under 50. There doesn’t seem to be anything I can do.
I went back to the GP again today (a week later) and discovered the doctor hasn’t even referred me yet, even though she was supposed to last Friday. I feel furious as this past week has been a nightmare trying to forget about it and not worry- i thought i was a week closer to being seen by a specialist, not a week further away. She just isn’t taking me seriously- even though she says the lumps have got bigger this past week. She’s told me she’s fast tracked me to a breast cancer specialist but I will have to wait up to a month for it. Also, mentioned that the referral might not go through and I should come back if I haven’t received a letter in a months time. She just doesn’t give a damn- surely it should not be this much of a fight just to get referred?!
I know she’s not taking me seriously because I am only 25. I don’t know what to do now, I’m contemplating going to A&E and seeing if they’ll let me see a specialist or give me an ultrasound there. I don’t think I can wait a month (i know i’ve had the biggest lump for a least 5 weeks now). I just feel really upset. The GP is completely useless - I’m tempted to switch practices but the last thing I want to do is delay this referral any longer than necessary.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Anna
Hi Anna,
I know how you feel. I am 25 and for the last six weeks have had a lump in my left breast. I was referred by my GP on Monday to only be told by the clinic that I cannot be fast tracked due to being under 30!
He asked me to pick up a letter last night with a reference number and password on it and told me to ring the clinic direct. I did this and now have an appointment on the 28th April. Once I attend my appointment I will have had ‘it’ for 9 weeks. Trying not to worry but its hard.
The delay in referrals seems to be nationwide but if you are not happy with your GP anyway then I would suggest that you find a different surgery.
If you fancy a chat or someone to ‘wait’ with then do not hesitate to drop me a PM. Don’t feel like you are going through this alone. The women on this forum are very supportive.
Cx
Thanks Cariad, I appreciate the support. Sounds like you’re pretty much in the same situation as me. I’ll send you a pm, would be good to have someone to wait with!