Hi
had a mamo last Nov as had itchy breast and pain in it far worse than ever had. Got told it was ok. However I am 49 now getting really terrible hot sweats at night and when I wake up-still got ache and pain sometimes in armpit and breast. I can still feel what is like an ache in my neck=where I found a little lump-which feels to me like a lymph node-Doc hardly felt it just passed it off as nothing. Sure she never felt where i did anyway. Now worrying that sweats and this tiny lump may be connected. Common sense tells me to believe doc that it will be meno starting!
Nigela x
Hi Nigela,
I think if you are still worried you should ask for a 2nd opinion. There are lots of more likely things that could be causing your symptoms, including menopause, but your GP should be exploring these to get to the root of the problem and not simply fobbing you off. There are simple blood tests that can be done to confirm if you are entering the menopause.
I don’t want to scare you more than necessary but it would be remiss of me not to tell you that there are some forms of breast cancer that don’t show up on a mammogram. ANY changes to your breast or lumps in your armpit should be investgated. Ask to be referred to a breast clinic. Your NHS Trust must have one.
best of luck, Jan xx
hi nigela
I too went to my gp twice complaining of breast pain. I am post menopause so to have breast pain would be unusual. He assured me all was well and i didnt have bc. Although i had pain on both breast i have been diagnosed with bc on only one. It didnt show up on a mammogram only an ultra sound. Luckily mine was caught very early and was only grade 1. Also it had not spread and i had a lumpectomy. Am nearly through my treatment with a good prognosis. Am half way through my rads and feeling fine. If I were you i would get a second opinion, if only to put your mind at rest. xxx
hi springblossom,
Please advice. I was referred to my local breast clinic, north lanarkshire, and was examined on Tuesday. It wasn’t a very pleasant experience and I felt as if I was taking up the doctors time. Anyway, when my own doctor examined me I could tell she was quite alarmed and the fact that I had been to see her a couple of times before with a pain and swelling in my collar bone and underarm made it even worse. I think she originally thought the pain was coming from my shoulder as I have tendonitis but when I found the lump on my right breast I knew with her reaction and the urgency to get me examined she must think she might have missed something.
My problem is that even after the doctor at the clinic confirming the lump and thickening I was told I would still have to wait around 2 weeks for a mammogram. Is this normal? Should I go private? I do not have private health insurance. x
Hi speedy
As well as the support you receive from the other users if you would like to talk things through with someone please give the BCC helpline a call on 0808 800 6000. Here you can share your concerns with a trained member of staff who will offer you a listening ear as well as information. The lines are open weekdays 9 to 5pm and Saturdays 9 to 2pm.
I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi
Just to say, the 2 week wait is the standard which clinics must offfer you an appt-you might get one sooner depending on how busy they are. You shouldnt have to go private. To be honest, the waiting is horrible and I know you just want to get it over with, but try not to worry too much as most breast lumps are innocent.
Take care,
Cathie x
As Cathie says, 2 weeks is normal, most lumps are not cancer, and breast cancer doesn’t spread that quickly. You’re going through a very stressful and frightening experience, and all you can really do is try to keep your mind occupied as much as possible. I won’t say don’t worry, because we all worry ourselves sick while waiting for results.
Cheryl
Nigela,
If you’re still worried, go with your gut instinct and insist on a second opinion. I was referred to breast clinic with a lump in January 2010 and had a mammo, ultrasound and core biopsy, all of which were normal. Was told lump was just normal breast tissue and that I should familiarise myself with what was “normal” for my breasts. I just felt that something wasn’t right and went back to my doc in November 2010 who re-referred me to breast clinic. This time they did a lumpectomy and found a tumour. I then had sentinal node biopsy and my nodes were clear. I am now on tamoxifen and waiting for rads to start in March (15 treatments).
They kept emphasising to me at the breast clinic that I had done the right thing by going back.
Chances are your doc is probably right - but go back just to double check and set your mind at ease.
Good luck,
Pauline