I’m 53, and have psoriatic arthritis. I live in Scotland (South Lanarkshire)
On Saturday I was getting ready to go out, and noticed a red/pink mark on my right breast. I felt it and there is an obvious lump, small, round, hard and immobile. There is no pain.
7 years ago I had an ovarian cancer scare, had elevated CA125 levels, scans showed fibroids, and extensive endometriosis. Gynaecology referred me to oncology and I had a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, removal of my fallopian tubes and ovaries, however they were unable to remove my uterus due to the endometriosis. Post-op biopsies showed no malignancy.
I’ve called 111 today as GP is closed for local holiday, but told just to call GP again tomorrow.
As you would expect, I am feeling incredibly anxious. I assume I will get a referral to breast clinic, but have no idea what timescales are involved due to Covid. Can anyone offer and advice or reassurance. I don’t want to worry my family (siblings. I don’t have any children) so for now only discussing with my husband.
This sounds like a worrying time for you, I’m sorry you haven’t received a response yet. Our Breast Care Nurses can offer you a friendly listening ear on our free Helpline 0808 800 6000, if you would like to chat to someone about this in the meantime. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our Nurses in the Ask Our Nurses area of the Forum and they can respond to you online.
Hi @Mzcalmac - first of all a big welcome to this lovely forum, although obviously I’m sorry you have found a breast lump that is concerning you.
Have you now managed to speak to your GP? Have you been referred to the breast clinic? I don’t know if the timescales are the same in Scotland as England, but in England patients are supposed to be seen within 2 weeks of a referral. If you have been referred, please don’t automatically assume the worst - GPs will always be cautious with any breast lumps or changes. Many lumps turn out to be benign, cysts or other non cancerous lumps (fibroadenoma is one example).
Of course the waiting time is really really tough, and will for you bring back memories of your previous scare. Thankfully that one was non malignant and I really hope this new lump will be too. Please use this forum to chat or offload while you wait, if that helps. Everyone on here knows exactly how you are feeling so you can chat without having to explain. Sometimes it is easier to chat on an anonymous forum than speak to family and friends - everyone finds what works for them, there is no right or wrong way, just what is best for you.
Now is the time to really be kind to yourself, even though that sounds a bit of a cliche. Lots of treats, whatever that might be.
I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago now and I still remember that awful wait for tests. If I can help at all by listening please get in touch any time. Sending hugs and strength, Evie xx