I only discovered a lump in my breast a week ago accidentally. I went to my doctor this morning thinking he would think Im silly or I had imagined it or tell me to come back if it hadnt gone by a certain time. The lump is lower right hand side and does not move and is not painless. I have also had a couple of times, though this comes and goes, a red itchy rash around my nipple area, not near the lump. He examined me and said he is referring me to the breast clinic. I saw on the fax form he was filling in it said urgent referall suspected breast cancer. He said I would get an appointment within 2 weeks. Okay I know no one can say I need to worry or shouldnt worry or have cancer or not. But Im very nervous and scared. Does everyone get seen in 2 weeks? Is that normal? Why urgent? Am just feeling very scared this is all very sudden.
Hi juliet I was suppoesed to be treated as an urgent referral too only my doctor for to send the fax! so I have now waited 3 weeks for an appointment. Im going next monday and it really cant come quick enough everything goes through your mind its only natural. He probably put breast cancer on the letter so they would move themselves quicker to see you. Im not going to say dont worry as I hate it when people have said this too me how do they know but one thing I have found with joining the discussions is my mind has been more at ease and I feel I can talk about my fears without being put down. I hope everything is ok for you and im sure your appointment will be in soon. they do say a referral can take 2 weeks so dont worry if it dosent come through in the next few days just keep in contact with your doc who may try and push for you to be seen sooner
Referall within 2 weeks seems to be standard procedure if a woman presents with an unexplained lump or change in breast. My GP said that as far as he’s concerned, any woman coming to see him who is concerned about a change in her breast has the right to be urgently referred to a breast surgeon.
My doctor emailed my referral through to the breast clinic whilst I was still in the surgery, and I had my clinic appt 10 days later. I know it’s impossible not to think about what is happening and worry, but I tried to keep busy and the days went by quite quickly. Once at the clinic everyone was so kind and caring I was put at my ease and it was good to know what I was dealing with. I do hope your appt comes through quickly and my fingers are crossed for you.
Juliet
Whether it is breast cancer or not please try and be pleased that your appointment is going under the two week rule - there are some types that have to be treated urgently and in that case it is good to move these things forward. If it is not breast cancer then just be pleased that you did not have to worry too long. I like you was surprised that my doctor rushed the appointment but am really glad now that he did - you can read some people get sent away and keep trying to get the doctor to take it seriously so it does seem that your gp has taken the sensible route to get it checked. There are types of breast cancer that have red marks and appear hot to the touch, but on the other hand new washing powders on bras can have the same effect!! Best to know which it is - let us know how you get on at the appointment
Thinking of you
Penn1
My doctor actually rang the breast clinic, couldnt get through, told his receptionist to keep trying and rang me 20 mins later. The breast clinic rang me just over an hour later with an appointment 10 days later, different symptoms to yours but last year had lump and was seen within 7 days. I had WLE last year and was fine, this time am waiting for results of nipple smear so I think most unusual breast changes are seen within 2 weeks. Also I think it is based on where you are living.
I had a similar experience to you. My GP wrote an urgent fax to the hospital saying I had suspected breast cancer and I was seen that same week and had a mammogram that day and an ultrasound scan and biopsies on the Monday. I think we both knew it was cancer and I was in complete shock. I got the results back on the Wednesday confirming breast cancer and it all went from there. It’s good your GP has taken it seriously and isn’t taking any chances.
I found my lump the 10th Dec and the Hospital rang me the next morning for an appointment on the 17th. NICE guidelines state referral should be within 2 weeks. So it sound like your GP’s is one of the better ones who knows what they are doing.
Good Luck with everything. Shonagh xx
H i juliet,i saw the doctor on 12th december and had appointment at hospital on 19th december.had everything done on the same day(mamogram,scans and biopsy) Good luck for your appointment.
Had my appt within 2 wks of Dr. visit and was amazed at how thorough they were at the Breast Clinic. Don’t be scared. Better to be checked and to know for sure either way. They try to put your mind at ease before you leave as they totally ‘get’ how scary it is.
Welcome to the forums where I am sure you will continue to receive valuable support and information from your fellow users.
Breast Cancer Care has published a leaflet about breast clinic referral which you may find useful to read whilst you are waiting for your appointment. I have given the link here:
If you feel it would help to talk things over with someone in confidence, please feel free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 which opens Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Thanks so much for all your support, reassurance and good luck wishes!! I was feeling so scared and alone and reading all your posts has made me realise Im not, so thanks again. I got my appointment yesterday. I go on Wed 5th March. Im no longer worried about the word urgent just completely grateful that I dont have to wait any longer than I do. I will let you all know how I get on.