Newbie - wait for GP appointment

[flamingo7]

Hello, I’m new here so hope I’m posting in the right place.

I’ve been given a GP appointment almost 2 weeks away to check a couple of breast lumps. The receptionist said I’d been triaged as “non-urgent”. I know I should find that reassuring but I wanted to cry. I’d been building myself up for this.

I’m early 40s with a previous breast referral (benign) in late 20s. The consultant back then said I’d continue to have lumps and to check if new lumps were cyclical before rushing to the drs. So I’ve been monitoring these lumps for a few months - mobile, cyclical - but my brain isn’t letting go.

I hope I don’t seem insensitive posting on this forum, but it’s taken a lot to psych myself up for a GP appointment. I get very nervous at any clinical appointment because of some past experiences. I’d also been thinking about egg freezing or ivf despite age being against me - so thought it important to get these lumps checked now. I’m terrified if they do find something, I’d be too old (or not given time) for effective fertility preservation, and that’s why deciding to go to a GP has been hard.

Am I right in assuming anyone over 30 is automatically referred under the 2 week cancer window? Is there a chance (given I’ve seen a breast consultant before) a GP might just reassure and agree to monitor if they’re confident it’s benign?
Also, if you are referred and it coincides with your period, are you allowed to take ibuprofen for period pain before a breast clinic / potential biopsies? I have visions of being in pain at a breast clinic, and not being allowed painkillers, and partly why I’m upset at the wait to see the GP.

I’ve thought about pushing for them to change the appointment to a male gp in case it’s sooner, but it looks as if I’m seeing the most appropriate GP at my practice. She has a specialist interest in cancer, diagnosis and works with MacMillan, so maybe the dr I’d trust most (whether referred or not). My family think I’d get most peace of mind sticking with the appointment for this particular GP.

I figured others would know what it’s like to have it all going around your head - I’ve been churning it over for 3 months so in a way the appointment is not so far away now…

[sal1]

Hi flamingo7

Sorry you’re having such a stressful time, unfortunately there is lot of waiting and it can be awful.

I can help with a couple of your questions. Yes there is a 2 week referral rule for people over 30. I don’t know if there is any further criteria. I was sent for urgent referral, received appointment date within 2 weeks, but the appointment itself was another 4 weeks later. Unfortunately there may be more waiting depending on your health board.

I wasn’t told anything about not taking any medicines or paracetamol before my referral. They quite often do a biopsy if they can not clearly identify a lump (which seems to be most cases). That can be worrying, but it doesn’t mean you do have cancer. But worth checking if any medication could effect the procedure or result.

Lastly, just a positive thought and maybe something to hold onto. You’ve got a “history” of lumps, and they have been ruled out as anything bad. That could be a good sign. Some ladies are prone to lumps and bumps, but it’s always good to get these checked out.

And if news isn’t so good, there are many of us on here that are all survivors, and made it out the other side.

Best wishes x

[Tili]

Dear Flamigo,

Welcome to the forum, we are all here with love and support.

I think I would hang in there for your appointment with the GP who is the most knowledgeable on breast cancer. Also you could call the breast cancer nurses on this site, who I feel sure
would put your mind as rest they are very kind and understanding.

Wishing you well, with fingers crossed for a good outcome.

Hugs Tili

[flamingo7]

Thank you both very much for your replies. I really do appreciate them! I was grateful to find this forum so thank you for the kind replies.

I think I hadn’t realised how much emotion had been building up - and these things never come at a good time - but now I’m feeling relieved I’ve got a GP appointment even if it means waiting.