what next?

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1

Hi

 

If anyone has advice that’s great but otherwise if you don’t object, this will be a general rant.

 

I went to my GP after ignoring (naughty I know) a lump and thickening in my breast for over 12 months. The dragging, burning pain eventually got two much and I had found an additional two swollen lymph glands. I didn’t tell my doctor where but she found them straight away and referred me under the two week rule. I’ve stayed calm and not given things too much consideration until today.

 

I had my appointment at which point the doctor informed me he couldn’t feel any lumps or swollen lymph glands but agreed to do a mammogram and ultrasound ‘to put my mind at rest’. I had the mammogram but they announced they wouldn’t do the ultrasound. After going back to the doctor I asked for it to be done and he agreed, under duress. Again back to the doctor after a very antsy gent had done the ultrasound of my lymph glands but refused to scan my breast to be told I had changeable tissue but it was benign so to go home and they would see me at my 50 years call up.

 

After going six years ago with bloody green discharge and being told all was fine after the mammogram and leaving without any answers I decided to ask why I had a abnormally large breast with lumps and pain. Again I was told they’d see me at 50 and to read a brochure about breast pain and told it was my hormones (I’m 45 and postmenopausal 2+years if that’s matters) 

 

I have a few health problems but I’m generally a very positive person, not much gets me down or has me worried - that’s why it took me so long to go to my GP. However, it just doesn’t feel right. At the back of my mind I have this nagging, I don’t know if it was the dismissive attitude of the doctor but I’m just not happy. Don’t get me wrong, no one wants to be diagnosed with BC and I’m far from being a neurotic hypochondriac but surely this can’t be right? I’m lopsided with one side noticeably larger than the other, needing regular pain relief for the ache in my lumpy breast and one painfully, one not painful swollen lymph gland?

 

My other half thinks a second opinion is needed but don’t know what to do or think? should I trust in them or follow my gut feeling?

 

Sorry for this long winded off load if emotions but if you have any advice it would be great to hear from you.

 

Much love, J xx

 

2

Hi Jooles,

 

I’m not suprised you’re angry, I would be absolutely fuming. That sounds like appalling treatment.

 

Do you have a good GP? I know you said you don’t visit your GP often. I have to see mine once a month due to mental health problems and have a great relationship with two of them.

 

I would suggest going back to GP for advice and guidance. Perhaps they could write a letter. Refer you to a different clinic if there’s one nearby.

 

When I went to Breast Clinic the Doctor did tell me that if mammogram was clear then I wouldn’t need ultrasound, it wasn’t so I did. However, it does sound like you need some sort of treatment, it may just be a cyst that needs drained or something.

 

I hope you get something sorted out quickly, how offputting when you finally plucked up the courage to go and get it checked.

 

Good Luck.

 

H.x

3

Hi Jooles

I think this is dreadful treatment. You should definitely ask for a second opinion … I did. Go back to your GP or Practice Nurse and ask them to find you a good and kind team who will treat you with respect.

Good luck, Caroline

4

Thanks for your replies, it is reassuring to know I’m not overreacting. Several of the ladies were unhappy with the treatment they received in the clinic yesterday. I’ve booked to see my GP tomorrow so we’ll see what she thinks. I’ve been under a ladies hospital previout for early menopause so I’ll ask to go there.

 

I hate kicking up a fuss especially when the news from the breast clinic was so positive. I just can’t ignore my gut feeling.

 

I will keep you posted.

 

Much love and hugs, J xx

5

Go back to GP ,you have something going on that needs an explanation /treatment ,you shouldn’t have to put up and shut up.Its your body not theirs ,kick up a fuss!!

6

It’s really difficult to be assertive when you are feeling anxious and faced with a medical professional who should know more than you ,unfortunately some are really not good at listening or communicating with their patients and you are certainly not the only person to go away feeling your concerns haven’t really been taken seriously .Yes, most women have one boob bigger than the other but that is the case from adolescence doesn’t suddenly happen in your 40s.If it doesn’t settle go back to GP.