Hi everyone, my name is Diane. (I am 41). I went to see my GP on Saturday as I had found a small lump, although I thought it was nothing to worry about as it wasnt hard, a couple of days after discovering it I had a bruise on my skin and it was very tender to the touch. My GP examined me and said I had a slightly inverted nipple and thickening of the breast tissue, she also found another tender lump in the same breast (different area). However, she said she thought I may have an infection and has given me 500mg penicillin to take for a week. She has advised me to go back in a week so she can examine me again and if no change she will refer me for a mammogram. I wasnt worried until I then looked up thickening of the breast. I dont think I have an infection as I suffered from mastitus years ago and this is a totally different feeling. Anyone had anything similar or any suggestions/thoughts please?? Thanks alot Diane x
Hi Diane72
I’m sorry to read that you’re having a pretty difficult time at the moment. I’m sure the users of this site will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime maybe you would like to talk to a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
hi diane
you must be really worried, i had the same questions about the amount of time waiting, if you are that worried ring your doctor and tell her. if you can wait a week and take the penicillin could it go away? this is what you have to decide - i was told that a week wouldnt make a difference one way or another - but you have to do what YOU think is best for you at this stage. i wish i had had the courage to be more assertive with my gp and i now know that i should have just gone straight back and told her i was too upset and worried to wait. i didnt then but i would now.
if its too much stress to wait a week, ring her.
and by the way, dont google, its not going to help you, youre better off asking questions on here.
wishing you strength, keep us updated 
angie x
Hi Angie, thank you so much for your reply. I am very worried, I really dont know what I am looking for (in terms of examing myself) so when my GP said there was thickening of the breast tissue I was alittle taken aback. Didnt really ask her any questions and went off with the prescription. Its only since I got home and thought about it that I started to worry even more. I couldnt help but google it but as you say it doesnt help, just makes things worse. I think I will see how it goes, its my first full day of the pencillin today so will say if it makes any difference, then go back if not. Thank you so much for your kind words, its good to speak to someone. I wish you all the best. Diane x
Remember that 9 out of 10 ‘abnormalities’ in the breast turn out to be benign conditions, so don’t stress too much. Take the penicillin and if nothing changes go back to your Dr. If it is BC, a week isn’t long enough to make that much difference. It’s a very worrying time for you. Try to keep busy, so you don’t have time to over think it! I imagined all sorts of dire scenarios - didn’t do me any good at all! :-). And stay of t’internet - except this site or Macmillan of course.
Good luck. I hope the anti-bs sorts it.
Good words of advice from all the others. Just want to let you know you’re not alone we’re thinking of you. Don’t hesitate to call the BCC line if you need a calming, understanding ear. They are fantastic.
Gentle hugs, MMM x
Aww thank you JCJ and MMM, for your kind words and support, its great to know I am not alone. I have made another appointment to see my GP this Thursday (my last of pencillin is Friday so they should have done what they have needed to by then). I will keep you updated. Thanks again. Sending hugs and support back to you x
Hi everyone, just wanted to update you. Went back to GP today, antibiotics nearly finshed. No change, still 2 lumps, thickened breast tissue and tenderness, GP says she needs to refer me to Breast Cancer Clinic for a scan. She says I should have a telephone call within 48 hours and an appointment within 2 weeks. Also, started to itch, is this normal? Thanks Di x
Back in the waiting room, then Di? It’s the worst place of this whole process. Even if it is BC - (and it’s still more likely that it ISN’T - hold that fact!) once you know what you are dealing with it’s much easier to cope. As I said before: try not to over think. It is what it is and worrying won’t change anything. (I wish I could have followed that advice myself!) Keep busy. Take time to do things you enjoy and appreciate doing them.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for an appointment sooner rather than later and that it’s good news.
Here’s a virtual hand to hold |// xx
Aww thank you JCJ for your lovely kind words.
Yeah, waiting is definitely the worst part of the process. I am quite hopeful that it will turn out to be nothing, and definitely holding on to that fact!
I will let you how I get on. Just great to know that there is someone to talk to, its so much harder, somehow talking to a loved one or family. Strange that, but I just dont want to worry them unnecessarily.
Thanks for the virtual hand to hold, I have grasped hold of it and wont let go until I know the outcome. Although I may need to hold onto it a little after then if it is BC.
I am here for you too JCJ if you need someone.
Thanks again, big hugs (()) Di xx
Hi everyone, just wanted to update you. I had a call from the Breast Cancer Clinic today and I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. Cant believe how quick that is from been seen on Thursday, but relieved I should know a bit more.
Di xx
Hi Di, that’s great news. Will be thinking of you tmr, let us know how you get on. M xx
Hi everyone, Thanks Marge…
Been to the Breast Cancer Clinic today… unfortunately still no further forward. I feel more concerned, frustrated and angry now. Consultant examined me, said that there was an area that needed further investigation in my right breast (this is where my GP found the thickening of the breast tissue) and he also found a lump in my left breast. The Lump I presented with to my GP he said was a swollen gland. He then said I would need a Mammogram and ultrasound on each breast and if they found anything they would then do a biopsy there and then. He then told me I would receive my scan appointment in the post within 2 weeks. I was taken aback as I thought I would have them done there and then and have some idea today.
I asked him why I wasnt been seen today and he said that the systems had changed now they had moved into the new hospital and that they dont do them on the same day anymore. He said I would be seen in a couple of weeks. (if he thought he was BC would he have had me scanned straight away?)
Anyone else had a similar experience???
Downhearted Diane 
Sorry to hear that, the waiting is so unsettling. I assumed it took a couple of weeks to get the consultation arranged as they needed to allocate relatively long sessions to conduct all the tests in one go. To see a consultant and then be called back again seems like unnecessary extra admin (not to mention worry for the patient). The cynic in me wonders if perhaps it’s a way of extending the 2 week deadline in a way that still makes it seem like they’re fulfiiling their obligations to see you within a fortnight… Keep your chin up x
Hi Marge, I think you are 100% accurate there. I only saw my GP (2nd) time on Thursday and got to see the Consultant today, so very quick. Back to waiting again… thanks for your support Marge x
You are very welcome. If I was in your shoes I’d be gutted to find myself no closer to having some answers, especially having built up expectations (and nerves) before today’s appointment I’m still in the frustratedly waiting for contact category - now assuming nothing will happen 'til after Easter, but it is all very hard to ignore and I keep imagining additional symptoms. Thinking of you. Marge x
Thanks Marge… I definitely think I feel so let down due to mine own expectations, however I had thought if I needed a scan they would have done it today. Still, no news is good news, they say!
I really hope you get your appointment soon and that all is fine. It is such a worrying time and no matter what people say you cant help but not think about it. Try to have a restful Easter and fingers crossed you hear soon. Please let us (me) know. Thinking of you too Marge. Hugs xx
I would/will be just the same. Maybe we need to simply accept that if we’re in the clear it doesn’t matter when we find out and if we’ve got something to face up to, it’s going to be a long journey. I will keep you posted when I hear anything and keep an eye open for your next update. Take care x
Hi, I am new to this but feel I’m not alone.I too am worried, I found small lumps in my left breast and arm pit which has been painful and hot.With this I have discharge fatigue and sweating at night. The GP gave me anti-biotics for a week then told me to make another appointment with my GP. I will insist on another opinion when I go back this thursday.
Hi Samcee, it is a very difficult time and the waiting is the hardest part. we (the forum) are here for you and if you need to talk just message me. You must ask for a referral if you are still concerned and there has been no change. Hopefully it is nothing. Good Luck… let us know how you get on. Big hugs Di xx