SORRY TO BOTHER EVERYONE BUT I NEED ADVICE.
I HAVE BREAST LUMP AND SWOLLEN LYMPH NODE UNDER THE ARM WHICH IS VERY PAINFUL AND ALSO THE LUMPS.
WENT TO BREAST CLINIC YESTERDAY AND IT WAS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD.
RUSHED IN AND TREATED LIKE A PIECE OF MEAT. THERE WAS NO FAMILY HISTORY ASKED, DID NOT ASK ABOUT MY LUMPS X 2. DID NOT ASK WHETHER THEY HURT OR NOT. BASICALLY ASKED NOTHING. THEN HE EXAMINED ME, SORT OF. HE HUST FLICKED HIS FINGERS DOWNWARDS WHERE THE LUMP WAS AND SAID HE COULD FEEL THEM.
HE DID NOT EXAMINE THE WHOLE BREAST, JUST LUMP AREA.
HE SAID I THINK THERE OK. HAVE MAMMOGRAM AND WE WILL WRITE TO YOU. I HAVE VERY VERY LARGE BREASTS AND I SAID THAT I KNOW LUMPS CAN BE MISSED ON MAMMOGRAMS WHEN YOU HAVE LARGE DENSE BREASTS AND AN ULTRASOUND WOULD BE GOOD AS WELL. HE SAID NO THAT IS NOT TRUE.
TOLD ME TO TAKE EVENING PRIMROSE OIL AND LEFT.
I AM A REALLY STRONG PERSON BUT I FEEL TRAUMATISED AFTER YESTERDAY FROM BEGINNING TO END I WAS IN AND OUT IN 5 MINUTES.
MY AUNT DIED FROM BREAST CANCER YEARS AGO AND I JUST NEED TO FEEL THEY HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY CHECKED AND AN EXPLANATION GIVEN ABOUT WHAT THE LUMP AND WHY LYMPH NODE SWOLLEN. AND WHY I AM IN SO MUCH PAIN NOW. WHEN I LIFT MY ARM IT FEELS LIKE THE LUMP IS STUCK AND PULLING ON THE SKIN UNDERNEATH. I AM CRYING WITH THE PAIN NOW.
I AM IN MY 50S AND NEVER EVER HAD LUMPY OR PAINFUL BREASTS. HAD MENOPAUSE AGE 30 SO NOT CONNECTED TO THAT.
REALLY I AM STRONG AND FEEL SO STUPID FOR BEING LIKE THIS.
PLEASE ANYONE HAVE IDEAS WHAT I SHOULD DO. I DONT FEEL LIKE I HAVE BEEN CHECKED CORRECTLY.
THANKS EVERYONE FOR READING AND SORRY FOR THE RANT.
Hi Hippowoody
I am so sorry to hear about your awful experience at the breast clinic. I am just waiting for my first test this Thursday and am a newbie myself. I cannot give you any advice but just wanted to say that you are not alone. I have found some wonderful support on this forum and I am sure you will too. In the meantime, a big hug to you.
ThinLizzie
Hi Hippowoody,
I’m sorry to hear you’ve had such a bad experience. Could I suggest you give our helpline team a ring and have a chat with them, they’re here to support you. Lines open again tomorrow morning, Monday, at 9am until 5pm (week days) and 10-2 Saturdays. Calls are free, 0808 800 6000.
Take care,
Jo, Moderator
What an awful experience, I’m so sorry. Unfortunately I am not in a position to give any advice as I have my appointment at the breast clinic tomorrow for lumps and pain. I just hope that you get sorted quickly. Maybe you could ask for a second opinion?
Hello Hippowoody
So sorry to read about your experience at the breast clinic and you natural alarm at finding painful lumps.
Firstly not all lumps are cancerous, so until you have a confirmed diagnosis hold onto that thought.
Secondly routine mamograms are offered to the over 50’s as by this stage breast tissue is less dense and therfore any abnormalities can normally be picked up even in large breasts. I am a 40E and my lump was picked up at my 1st mamogram, it was 21mm.
I hope you get all the answers you want and do talk to the helpline as Jo suggests. This is a terrific forum that offers great support and friendship through what can be a scary experience.
Take heart and good luck
Suzy
I’m sorry you had such a dreadful experience at the breast clinic. I would be feeling unhappy too if the consultant had treat me like that.
The best advice I can give is to try not to worry and ring the helpline in the morning.
(((hugs))) Maggie xx
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR TAKING TIME TO ANSWER ME. IT REALLY HELPED. I AM GOING TO RING THE HELPLINE AND GET SOME ADVICE. I HAVE FELT BAD ALL WEEKEND.
WISHJNG EVERYBODY WELL AND TAKE CARE,
COULD ANY ONE HELP WITH A RECOMMENDATION.
I AM GOING TO GET A SECOND OPINION AND WONDERED IF ANYONE CAN RECOMMEND A GOOD HOSPITAL IN LONDON. I HAVE HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL BUT PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE BETTER.
THANKS IN ADVANCE
I was always told the Royal Marsden was the best. My mum went there annually with her lumpy boobs - they kept a good eye on her from an early age and for years afterwards. She’s not had to go for ages and she’s turning 70 so they did a good job! Good luck with finding somewhere. I would not be happy with the way you were treated. I’ve got my appointment tomorrow and I know I won’t be strong enough to stand up for myself… hope all goes well. x