I was referred to breast cancer clinic almost 3 weeks ago. I had some pain in my left breast and thought I could feel a lump just about my nipple. This has been ongoing on and off for several months but as I had a clear mammogram in June I thought it was hormonal. Due to not feeling well over the summer & losing weight GP put me on vague symptoms pathway. She felt a lump on my breast but not the one I felt. I also had a CT scan which has shown enlarged lymph nodes in my chest. I’ve already had a haematology appointment & had bloods done as there’s a possibility I may have lymphoma. My GP hadn’t put on my notes that I’d been referred for breast cancer too and it didn’t seem to show up on CT scan.
Today I feel like I have a lump just below my collar bone. I don’t know if I’m being paranoid because I’ve been extremely anxious all weekend. I felt very calm and in control last week but I’ve had a bad weekend and ended up taking today off work which I hate doing.
I’m scared that I have both cancers and that it’s spreading. Looking at today being secondary breast cancer day has made me more anxious. I’m a single mum to 2 teenagers. My daughter has no relationship with her Dad & I’m so scared to get ill and leave her.
So sorry that this is so long. I haven’t really got anyone to talk to as my Mum isn’t well either & has been in hospital & is waiting tests. She has breast cancer at 59 but was stage 1 and has lymph nodes removed and radiotherapy. She’s 73 now but I’m also worried that her cancer has come back.
Thanks for reading xx
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Hi @little_em it looks like you are dealing with a lot and the forum is a great place to share and ask for support.
As you have been referred as vague symptoms to the breast clinic but now you have found something else I would call the GP and get this new symptom checked. If they think it needs an urgent referral they can push for that. I think if it was me I’d want to have a triple assessment with a breast surgeon so an expert can assess the symptoms.
You may also want to talk to a BCN nurse on 0808 800 6000 m- f 9-4 sat 9-1. There is no question too small and the nurses have the time to let you shares your feelings and concerns.
I hope you get some answers soon.
Take care
Thank you for your reply.
I have been red flagged already but unfortunately the waiting times in Northern Ireland are the worst in the UK. My GP said it would be around 6 weeks but another girl I know said she was told 15 weeks unless hers isn’t a red flag referral.
My worry is by the time I get seen if it is cancer it will have spread or got worse. I do pay for private healthcare through my job but I don’t think I’m covered yet but I might try and email them tomorrow.
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I’m so sorry to hear those wait times. I’m in Wales and I know of a young woman who was referred as urgent to be told it could be months when chased the breast unit. They visited GP and suddenly there was an appointment in 2 weeks, however that was 2 months after first GP visit!
I hope you get somewhere with your private healthcare, it’s always worth asking.
Take care.
Thank you.
My Drs advice was ring them when you’ve been waiting 4 weeks.
I’ve lost all faith in my Dr surgery. I have seen 3 different Drs (two appointments with 1 & a telephone conversation) and they never bothered referring me until one told me he didn’t know what to do and said he’d speak to a senior Dr. That was 3 weeks ago and I was referred for CT scan straight away.
It’s very frustrating when you know there is something wrong but the put it down to anxiety or IBS.
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