Hi, just looking for a reassuring talking to.
I’m 38, I’ve been suffering with extreme fatigue for over year. Around December 25 I noticed that my right breast felt different, I could only explain as tissuey. My armpit area also felt slightly tender, not painful but I was aware of it. I put of mentioning because I already feel like hypochondriac seeing my GP for being tired and just monitored trying to work out if it synced with particular times in my cycle. I’ve also had a hard/swollen lymph node in my neck, not tender since this time too.
Saw my GP for a review July 22nd where I mentioned this, she did an examination and was in agreement, also felt a 1.5 lump/node in my armpit in addition to this thickening and neck node. She did an urgent 2WW referral.
I only heard from them last week and had an appointment today. Was meant to be with the breast clinic ANP but I saw someone with a different name, a nurse but not sure who. Her examination was very short. She said she couldn’t feel any issue with my armpit that the GP mentioned. Did feel the thickening and has referred me for US saying they would send me a letter with results. Gave me a leaflet on breast pain despite me not really having any and hyper focused on that, how it’s normal etc.
I had to go to US department to book an appointment but was told they would contact me because they didn’t have any appointments opened beyond next week.
I feel as though I should be reassured by this but don’t?
Will an US be enough or should I push for a mammogram as well? I have a family history of breast cancer, one auntie passed away early 40s, another is still undergoing treatment but is older.
I just really didn’t have this expectation for how things would go. I don’t know how much to push, do I just wait to be contacted for my US or shall I actively call them?
I appreciate any advice or similar stories because I just feel very upset after my appointment today for some reason
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Of course you are upset and worried. That’s natural. Consider going back to your GP and asking whether she would recommend and refer you for a mammogram. (She may have feedback from the hospital.) Another option is to ask when you have the ultrasound.
Even if it’s not breast cancer, you may need treatment for something else.
My best wishes for you.
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That sounds like a really frustrating appointment . Definitely push for the ultrasound , ring the ultrasound dept let them know you will take a cancellation . Also maybe give feedback to your GP ? Does your GP know about your family members with breast cancer ,that info should be part of the referral to the breast clinic too . Mammograms are not always helpful with younger women as you have dense breasts which make them difficult to read , ultrasounds are usually more useful in making a diagnosis . Ultimately it’s your body and if you are not happy with how the breast clinic handle your referral you can ask for a second opinion that’s your right . I hope you get your ultrasound soon and it gives you peace of mind , if it doesn’t go back to your GP and ask about a second opinion . Best wishes Jill x
Hi @lalala2 its nice to meet you, sorry you are going through such a stressful time. First of all well done for taking that first step and mentioning it to your GP. I have suffered with anxiety a very long time and I understand that back and forth you would have done internally.
Boobs can be alot more trouble than they are worth in my opinion especially in our late 30s when our hormones change. Keep in mind breast pain rarely means breast cancer and lympnodes can be swollen for many reasons. Try not to panic too much yet. However I strongly advise you to keep advocating for yourself especially given your aunts. Ring them daily for an appointment. If you dont make the matter urgent they might not see you as urgent and I think with your anxieties the sooner you get an answer the better. Its no good to be left with our imagination.
Will an US be enough? Yes absolutely. They will be able to see enough to determine if they want to do a biopsy or not. They will be able to see cysts. They can send you straight to the mammogram machine from the US if they need to.
Keep ringing them and get yourself an answer 
Hey @lalala2
I just want to echo that from my experience the ultrasound will be enough to see if there is something there of concern. I’ve had a lot of them now and each one was able to accurately identify the issue or confirm that there was no issue. My cancer was diagnosed using ultrasound and core needle biopsy without a mammogram and I’ve had another lump confirmed as benign in the same way.
I also experienced an enlarged lymph node next to my tumour when I was first diagnosed and an ultrasound showed that it was nothing of concern. I wasn’t convinced by this because obviously I’m going to think that an enlarged lymph node next to a cancerous tumour is also going to be cancerous! But it was removed during surgery and subsequent tests found it to be completely clear. I was told all along it was probably just reacting to the biopsy and I was now reassured that what the ultrasound showed was correct.
With regards to your US appointment, I’d call them again and ask for a time frame in which you’ll be contacted to book that appointment. Also, as suggested, do let them know you’ll be open to taking any cancellations and you can follow up from there.
Hope you manage to get booked in really soon. x