So worried I have breast cancer

I have been referred to a breast clinic as I have got severe pain in my breast and nipple and also discharge from my nipple, change in size of my breast. Had a temperature for weeks and no anti biotics have cleared up my mastitis infection. I haven’t breast fed for 8 years. My lymph nodes in my armpit are swollen and have a palpable lump. My appt is not until the 29th of May and I am worried sick. Any advice please

[Lainey66]

To be honest, at this point in time and due to the fact you have yet to see a consultant, there is not too much that can be given on the way of advice. As annoying and as frustrating as this sounds, you need to try to reduce your worry and stress. I truly know that this is much easier said than done? I reduce my stress through walking, meditation, reading, painting and crafting. All hobbies, (except the reading I have always loved reading) that I took up after my cancer diagnosis. I was not able to work due to the high risk of infection (I was a school teacher - Now early retired) I find losing myself in my hobbies takes my mind off the thoughts of cancer. In the weeks before my diagnosis, I threw myself into my work and once again refocussed my thoughts thus helping me toreduce the worry and stress levels. I hope this small amount of advise helps you. All the best and take care. Lainey66 xxx

[Hidden]

I am trying To be positive but also scared to death I have it and it can’t be treated. I am only 36 and have 5 kids. Should have been seen in 2 weeks as urgent cancer suspected referral however the clinics are so busy it’s 8 week wait. I am so shattered. I know something isn’t right xx

[Ditzy60 in reply to Hidden]

under The NHS constitution you can ask to be seen somewhere else if there is somewhere that could see you sooner and is accessible to you. X

[nanda29 in reply to Hidden]

Breast cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer. If one is going to have cancer, breast cancer is probably one of the “best ones” if that makes sense. This community is full of ladies who won the battle...

[Linnb23]

Could you see your doctor or phone the breast care nurses at the hospital to ask if you could be seen sooner as this is causing you extreme stress with the worrying. Also make the point that you are in extreme pain. In this sort of situation it is hard not to worry and please do keep in touch as to how you get on. Sending you a gentle hug

[Hidden in reply to Linnb23]

Thanks for your kind words. I actually work in my doctors surgery so I know what the waiting lists are like. I phone every day to check for cancellations but I guess I am in the same boat as everyone else. It’s frustrating and the longer I wait the more I convince myself it’s bad news. I know something is definitely not right 😥xx

[Linnb23 in reply to Hidden]

Waiting is always the hard bit and the not knowing really drains our emotions to the hilt and drives us insane. I remember when I got the results of my mammogram in 2016 and having to wait 2 weeks before I could go and see what was wrong, drove me mad wondering what was up. Then a biopsy and another 2 week wait and was told that it didn’t seem to be anything to worry about, but of course you do. We’ll end result was grade 3 invasive ductal cancer. Chose to have a lumpectomy and 15 rounds of radiotherapy and they removed all of my axillary nodes from under the left arm. All went well until I got sepsis 2 days post op and landed back in hospital. End result is good, just had my second year clear mammograms and only 3 years left of taking Anatrazol which apart from giving me carpal tunnel has been kind to me. Please try and stay positive and we are all here for you if you want to vent your feelings or share your worries. We all have our stories and lots in common and are here for each other. X

[carolinenailsea]

I am so sorry that you are going through such a tough time. As you say, its definitely not right but try not to convince yourself its cancer - it may not be. Its appalling that you have to wait for so long. Its hard to know what else you can do except keep ringing for a cancellation slot. I hope that you manage to get seen soon and that it goes well for you. Hugs xx

[Margt34]

If I were you I would go to the Breast Clinic and ask to speak to a Macmillan nurse or Breast care nurse explain your situation and your fears they are highly qualified in these matters and might push things along for you try not to stress I know it's hard but it just makes things worse, if it does turn out to be what you fear don't forget it's highly treatable and we do got better these days it's not always a life sentence let us know how you get on love and many hugsxx

[Debster2016]

Hi Glittergil You have my / our sympathies. I know now that following my diagnosis I was given incorrect contact information and it left me with nowhere to turn for a couple of weeks. I rang Macmillan quite a lot and that helped me, they gave me the information I needed (craved). The 2 weeks time limit is a govt. target. To wait 8 weeks seems bizarre to me as there would be a rationale to the 2 week target ie the cancer if it is cancer will not change much in those 2 weeks but 8 seems frighteningly excessive to me.......I realise it is almost May 29th now too so maybe not much value in sharing my experiences. One thing I learnt (too late lol) is that as a university hospital Southampton - my first point of contact for care - is a teaching hospital which meant it has more funds than a non-university hospital. It is also a centre of excellence for cancer care.

As I say, too late for me as I had moved to a closer more convenient hospital by then, Salisbury. I then had to go elsewhere for my radiotherapy following surgery & chemo at Salisbury and I chose Bath RUH.

Following which due to the quality of care I subsequently chose to move my care completely from Salisbury to Bath.

The reason I am saying this is because I believe we can absolutely choose where to be treated. If you can find a preferable medical institution + with a shorter waiting list - then see if you can move your care there?

Maybe MacMillan can assist with this too?

Dont stop posting, we all share our experiences, fear and lots of love and support on here.

Sending you hugs 🤗 xxx