Breast clinic referral came through today!!!

[Jo3016]

I saw my doctor last Tuesday about a breast lump that appeared over night about a month ago and is often tender. I have had a lot of hormonal problems over the last couple of years. The doctor did a thorough examination and said that she wasn't concerned but would do a non-urgent referral to a breast clinic. Today, I received the letter and the appointment is for this Thursday morning at 9am!!!

As I am in Surrey, the nearest breast clinic is at the Royal Marsden which is primarily a cancer hospital and this terrifies me!! Apparently, you are given the results while you are there so I won't have to wait!!

My doctor is not concerned about this and says it is just routine as they have to refer any one with a breast lump. A really good friend of mine who is a GP and who has been through a similar situation is also not worried. Everyone I speak to just says to get it out of the way and then I can get on but I feel so anxious. I can't keep my mind on anything else!! What is everyone is wrong and I have breast cancer? I am only 37 and have 3 small children. Help!!!

[meg86]

Hello

I can imagine how scared you feel but remember 90% of lumps turn out not to be cancer, also with the hormonal problems its very likely its due to that.

even though you are terrified right now, your appointment coming through sooner may be a blessing in disguise, i would much rather have it done now instead of waiting and waiting and then waiting for the results on top of that!

I am having breast problems at the moment and i have been to my doctors 3 times and they wont send for a scan, i would do anything for them to refer me but they wont. Just look at it this way, if they didnt refer you, you would still be worrying and probably wouldnt give up until they did.

I know its impossible when i say try not to worry but with your circumstances and the fact it appeared overnight is a very good sign. xx

[karlyo]

Hi hun - I have also been referred to breast clinic after going to doc with pain and rash on one breast. My appt is tomorrow morning first thing - I will try to remember to let you know how it went and what they did etc - try not to worry, that's what I'm doing!

[anotherworrier]

i have been getting breast pain, tenderness and can't bare to touch them, i read on internet that this is quite common in women, im on the pill and my breasts feel quite swollen and lumpy, its been 3 days now, should i go doctor?

[Maj]

Of course you will be anxious and your imagination will be running riot, but as others have said: most breast lumps aren't cancer!! I was recalled because they had found something on my mammogram, I convinced myself that I was on the way out!! But it was 2 cysts which were aspirated there and then. I know how you feel but there's just as much, if not more, of a chance that they are benign cysts. Let us know how you get on.
Myra

[Jan63]

Please try not to worry so much. Doctors can usually tell if it's serious or not. I had a lump this time last year and I convinced myself it was cancer. I had to go to our local hospital's breast clinic and had two seperate mammograms (they did two because they thought they had seen something on my other breast which fortunately turned out to be nothing) and an ultrasound. I also got the results the same day and it turned out to be a cyst which they drained there and then. I think they have to refer everyone over 35 to the breast clinic just to be on the safe side even if the doctor thinks it is nothing. The breast consultant who I saw was lovely and made me feel at ease. They were all women too which I thought was good.

Will be thinking of you.

[SamanthaAU]

All the very best for your appointment, I will be thinking of you

[amandathepanda]

I went to the Gp this morning and he said I would get a non-urgent referral for my breast lump which he agreed with me was there. I'd been home an hour and the phone rang for an appt on Monday 25th. I am terrified, convinced I am going to come home and tell my children that I have breast cancer. My mind won't function, how will I last till Monday?

[Jo3016]

Hi Amanda

I was told I would get a non-urgent referral too and my appointment came through for a week later. A GP friend of mine told me that, while your GP counts it as non-urgent, it is government policy now that all breast lumps are assessed within 2 weeks of referral. It doesn't mean anything sinister.

I was feeling really worried too yesterday after getting my referral but today I feel more positive. 90% of breast lumps are benign and I would rather have it assessed sooner rather than later so that I can stop worrying.

My appointment is at the Royal Marsden on Thursday at 9am. I will let you know how I get on. Take care x

[amandathepanda]

Good luck for Thursday, I will be thinking of you x