I first went to docs about a lump at the beginnng of march, i wasnt too worried about it (im usually very calm about my health). I only really went because i was about to go on a placement for uni for a month to the middle of nowhere. ( im a second yr vet student, so i was working on a farm during the lambing season) didnt want it nagging on my mind.
My doctor didnt seem too concerned, but due to me being only twenty and having no family history, why would she be! Said it was probably fibrous lump and to return after my placement, when at a different stage of my menstrual cycle.
The lump remained, i felt it had changed slightly,at first round and smooth but now less formed and defined edges, this worried me slightly, but i couldnt get an appt with my doctor. Stupid system of only being able to get one if you ring up first thing, which i did for four days in a row and to have no one answer till after nine and thej be told theres no appts left. A week later i managed to get one with a different doc. He did very breif exam, but because i was concerned and after getting a second doc to examin me he said he would refer me to the breet cancer clinic. And that i would hear in three to four weeks by post about my appt.
That was now six weeks ago, ive still not heard. I keep calling and theywont let me speak directly to my doc that referred me, and just keep telling me that this sort of wait is normal. I presume ths is because i have been sent on a non urgent referral.
But in the last month my health hasn’t been good. Repeated stomach pains and upsets, cold/flu symptoms, general fatigue. I know this is probbably due to stress and worry, but theres that niggling feeling that it may be the lump causing secondary symptoms of ill health.
I have also recently found a second lump, its small… Pea sized… And feels like the other one initially did. And i dont know what to do. Im stuck in the nhs system somewhere andno one is giving me answers.
The only upside is that my uni is being very helpfull, and i have a meeting on monday about possibly delaying my end of year exams, which start in two weeks, lasting a month. That alone is stressful enough without this worry ontop.
Any advice would be greatly appriciated, thanks in advance
Hi little star
I am sorry to read that you have this worry at the moment and it may help if you can call our helpline for support and information to guide you in this difficult situation, the number to call is 0808 800 6000 Monday to Friday 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Here’s a link to our publication ‘Referral to a breast clinic’ which you may find helpful to read:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/referral_redesign__final_14_feb_08_0.pdf
Best wishes
Lucy
Little star - i am sorry that you are going through this worrying time…
Do you know which hospital the referal has been sent to? The only thing i can suggest is you phone them and ask to speak to a breast cancer nurse and ask how much longer it is likely to be - say you are willing to take a cancellation… also explain that there is now a second lump and the first one has changed…
As you probably 9/10 lumps are benign - but that will not stop you worrying at the moment i’m sure… {{{hugs}}}
I hope you hear something soon…
Theresa
Hi Little Star, sorry you’ve got all this worry. I agree with everything Theresa says. Definitely ring the hospital, ask to speak to a bcn and tell her that the first lump has changed. My bcn’s have been great and if yours is too, they’ll hunt out the ref and get appt made asap. I work in the nhs (on admin side of clinics) and appts can be jiggled around if necessary. Vast majority of lumps are innocent as Theresa says but the stress of waiting is awful and can make you feel(very) physically ill.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on.
Pat x
Thanks for all the advice.
I have finally gotten an appt, not until july 14th though! But now that i have contact details for the clinic im going to call them to see if i can move it up. Im suprised by which clinic ive been sent to though, because my gp’s has one attached, so i assumed it would be with them, but its in an actual hospital. The leaflet i got says ill get the triple assesment, though i dont suppose ill have mammogram due to my age. Now that i have the appointment im a lot more nervous. Im really hoping i can move it up aswel because otherwise im going to be completely on my own, my flatmates are away on placement then, and ill be completely alone in london. (im from newcastle originally, so all my family is still up there).
Im still concerned about the second lump, hopefully i can get an appt tomoro with my regular doctor.
I know i’ve waffled on a bit, but its just nice to be able to talk about this somewher, esp with people that understamd. My flatmates are great, but i feel like im burdening them with this, and theve got enough to worry about with exams being only a week and a bit away. I havent told my family yet either, dont want to worry them unless i have to.
Anyways, thanks guys for givong me an outlet, im sure ill keep you updated. Hope you are all keeping well too. X
Hi little-star
Agree does seam a heck of a long wt, hope you can get it brought closer Think causing a ruckuss would be a good idea.
What hospital are you going to?
I’m at Guys and assuming most places do simmilar tests
Initial is examination, mamogram, ultrasound and then biopsy +/- needle aspirations of Anything even slightly suspect.
I was told then and there there that they were suspicious but also given information and contact no’s for freak out times.
Where abouts in London are you? (guessing North ish aka position of RVC) I’m in central near Waterloo so easy to get most places.
So am happy to meet up if your feeling low and would like to chat to a perfect stranger especially if they do keep you hanging on and your mates are on assignments.
I’m due for my lumpectomy on the 29 th June (overnighter) so will be available.
Dont usually come on here that often but will keep an eye out for you.
All the best and heres hoping you get the all clear
Hi glenna, thanks for the support.
I went back to see my doctor (altho again i saw a new doc cos mine was unavailable) which seems to have done the trick because i got a letter on friday giving me an appt for tomorro. Its at UCL.
So glad i finally might know whats going on. Im nervous about the possibility of finding out any results tomorro. My rational thought is that its most likely a fibroadenoma, and im trying to be as rational as possible but i must admit the irrational keeps creeping in!
Thanks for the offer of meeting for a chat. Suppose ill see what happens tomorro.
I was treated at UCL and have found it great but the waits can be very lengthy… Best take a friend or a good book and plenty of coffee! I hope it all goes well… Most lumps are benign…
Hope it all goes well today…
Hugs Theresa