, I’m 32 and have 2 children, when my youngest was 1 I decided to have breast implants as I had very significant asymmetry however I decided to go private as I did not want to use nhs money that could be used for people that needed it more than me … the surgeon I used was actually my local hospitals lead breast surgeon specialises in reconstruction for bc ladies and sees worried patients in the breast clinic and examines patients lumps and bumps regularly but also works privately … fast forward 6 months I find a lump ( I am a staff nurse who works near breast care nurses and also run in to the surgeon from time to time at work) so I call in to ask advice and they send me to see him that morning at end of clinic … he refers me to a ultrasound scan … very thorough and say fibroadenoma and I’m happy with this diagnosis … lump is oval very hard to put your finger on it as Very mobile and I trust the surgeon completely …
Now 3 weeks ago ( I am very breast aware) and notice a new lump in other breast in shower which moves slighty feels flat and but bumpy and misshaped … go to my gp who feels lump and refers me to breast clinic … see registrar in breast clinic who I also work with from time to time and refers me for ultrasound which I had yesterday ( during this time 2 more small lumps 3-5 Mm that do not move and feel fixed in breast tissue) pop up to the side of lump so I’ve been very worried not sleeping and worrying about ultrasound scan … after waiting an hour for my appointment ( I’m not mad at this I assumed someone must have received some bad news at some point so I accepted it and patiently waited) I was called in and unmediated could sense some tension from the sonographer … she rudely told me to get undressed and rushed me to sit down the first thing she said was you should have been checked for breast cancer before implants , asked me what my problem was and to point where , scanned my lump and other bumps and my armpit wiped her machine and said “benign lumps and swollen lymph nodes” and just strode Out of the door ! I was left open mouthed on the couch and asked the assistant if it was finished and she said yes I said what happens next and I don’t understand what’s happened why have I got swollen lymph nodes and breast lumps and she said you have probably got a cold coming on … I then got dressed went out to the reception desk asked if I was to be seen by anyone else and they said I will get a letter … I walked out of the unit and burst In tears … I feel judged for having implants, I felt like I wasted her time and shouldn’t have been there and it makes me scared to go with any more lumps and this appointment lasted aprroximately 2 minutes and 45 seconds took me longer to get undressed and back dressed that what she did scanning me !
Sorry for the long post, I just feel very let down and I feel worse now thinking she may have missed something with how quick she dismissed me anyone offer any advice what I should do ?
Hi Deedee,
That is quite appalling to read! Im sorry you were treated like that thankfully its not the norm at the clinics.
Firstly if you dont feel reassured and quite frankly why would you after such a rushed assessment then I would make a complaint and ask to be seen again.
A comment regarding you having been checked for breast cancer prior to your implants has no baring on whether you may have it now , what a ridiculous thing to say! Sounds as if she was being very unprofessional and far too personal. Xx Jo
Thank you for your reply. I have complained to the hospitals pals department as it deeply affected me, I’m happy if they can show me my results and categorically prove it was a good enough scan and assessed each lump significantly to determine what they were but I feel like I was dismissed so easily and branded a bimbo . I would feel 100% reassured with another ultrasound so I’m just waiting to hear if I can have one or not x I’m sorry for the long post I just needed to vent my anger
Deedee
I am flabbergasted at how badly and inconsiderately you have been treated. I am glad to hear that you have complained to PALS. Whatever was happening with that sonographer or whatever she was thinking the one thing she said not do is to take it out on you and try you in such an appalling way. It is making my blood boil, because like Jo, my experience has always been so very different and I could not have been dealt with better.
I am sure you will be following this up with them and that is as it should be but in the meantime I hope you get the peace of mind you need.
Sending you hugs
Helena xxx
Thank you for reading I’ve been contacted by the clinic today with regards to my complaint and they have booked me an appointment with the lead surgeon who did my implants so I can speak with him with regards to what they found and if he feels I need further investigations as I mentioned that I am currently being investigated for a persistent lymph node in my neck but all bloods are normal and there was talk that it could be my implants causing it … but nearly 18 months after I don’t understand why it’s just happening now… but will hopfully find out next week xx thank you for listening xx