Waiting for breastcheck - how to not worry?

Lisha · 10-02-2015 9:47pm

Best of luck Karen89

Spanish Eyes · 10-02-2015 9:58pm

Just came across this thread, and I wish you all the very best.

Please remember though, it is not all about lumps. I noticed my nipple had retracted. Ignored it over Christmas as you do, ah it will be ok. Then it went in more.

It is one of the signs, along with "orange peel" look to the breast skin, and redness. I did not have either of those.

GP wasn't worried said I had fatty tissue.

I insisted on a mammogram and ultrasound. (My sister died last year RIP from Ovarian Cancer, and it can be connected to BC). Family history.

Like yourselves weeks of a wait for Breast Clinic. So I rang James' Private in Dublin. Got an appointment two days later. Double mammogram that had to be repeated AAAAGH. And an ultrasound. All on the same day and results too. Best thing ever.

All was well. Thank God. Consultant Radiologist said I was dead right to get the nipple change checked out, it is all lumps, lumps lumps, but there are other signs too. Now I will have mammo every year as there is an area they are keeping an eye on.

They got the last Breastcheck results to compare, and that final check came through last week. No change, all is well. For now.

€240 the lot. Best few bob I have ever spent. In out results all on the same day, within two days. I stuck it on the CC.

I hope you will all be ok.

5littleangels · 18-02-2015 12:14am

I went into gp at 5pm yesterday told him my symptoms him and the nurse did quick examination said he would do referral but nothing else. today less than 24 hours later the phone rings it's Beaumont hospital and they want me to come in 9am tomorrow. has anyone else ever had such a quick appointment ? I am thinking he knows I have something wrong

Lisha · 18-02-2015 12:35am

Hopefully 5littleangels it's just they got a cancellation. I've no experience of dublin hospitals so all I can say is Best of luck and hopefully all will be ok.

miamee · 18-02-2015 10:43am

5littleangels wrote: »

I went into gp at 5pm yesterday told him my symptoms him and the nurse did quick examination said he would do referral but nothing else. today less than 24 hours later the phone rings it's Beaumont hospital and they want me to come in 9am tomorrow. has anyone else ever had such a quick appointment ? I am thinking he knows I have something wrong

Hopefully it was just a cancellation and it all went ok 5littleangels.

Spring19 · 24-02-2015 12:12am

Hi all, just looking for some advice or opinions please.
Im 31 and found a large lump in left breast in late November. I didn't do anything about it until after Xmas as I waited for my period to come and go to see if it would go away. It didn't, so in January I went to my gp who referred me to the mater breast clinic urgently for a triple assessment and said I should be seen in two weeks. It ended up being just over three weeks wait. I went for the appointment, was called after about 45mins and examined by a doctor (not the doctor whose name was given on the appointment letter). He examined the lump and said he thought it was a cyst. He tried to drain it but it didn't work. He said I would need an ultrasound. I thought this would be done on the day as I was sent for the triple assessment but he said no, the appointment would be sent out in the post. That was in the 7th feb. The appointment came for the ultrasound for the 20th march and this morning I got another letter rescheduling for the 23rd march. Has anyone else experienced having to wait this long or not having all required tests in the same day?
I've been worried about this for 3 months altogether at this stage and now I have to wait til march. The lump is still there and I have also some pain in my arm which I feel could be caused by it.
Thanks for reading. Any opinions or experiences appreciated.

Marje · 25-02-2015 12:41am

Spring19 wrote: »

Hi all, just looking for some advice or opinions please.
Im 31 and found a large lump in left breast in late November. I didn't do anything about it until after Xmas as I waited for my period to come and go to see if it would go away. It didn't, so in January I went to my gp who referred me to the mater breast clinic urgently for a triple assessment and said I should be seen in two weeks. It ended up being just over three weeks wait. I went for the appointment, was called after about 45mins and examined by a doctor (not the doctor whose name was given on the appointment letter). He examined the lump and said he thought it was a cyst. He tried to drain it but it didn't work. He said I would need an ultrasound. I thought this would be done on the day as I was sent for the triple assessment but he said no, the appointment would be sent out in the post. That was in the 7th feb. The appointment came for the ultrasound for the 20th march and this morning I got another letter rescheduling for the 23rd march. Has anyone else experienced having to wait this long or not having all required tests in the same day?
I've been worried about this for 3 months altogether at this stage and now I have to wait til march. The lump is still there and I have also some pain in my arm which I feel could be caused by it.
Thanks for reading. Any opinions or experiences appreciated.

I have fibrocystic breasts which can be very painful and tendor at the beginning when it started, I wouldn't even be able to move my arm with the pain. I started to take evening primrose oil (it's a high strength one which works for me) and continue taking it daily.
I had to wait myself a few weeks between seeing doctor and mammogram. He was happy that it wasn't anything which it did turn out to be nothing.

Spring19 · 25-02-2015 9:41pm

Marje wrote: »

I have fibrocystic breasts which can be very painful and tendor at the beginning when it started, I wouldn't even be able to move my arm with the pain. I started to take evening primrose oil (it's a high strength one which works for me) and continue taking it daily.
I had to wait myself a few weeks between seeing doctor and mammogram. He was happy that it wasn't anything which it did turn out to be nothing.

Thanks for your reply Marje. I read that evening primrose oil is a natural remedy so started taking it a few weeks ago. Hopefully it'll make a difference.

easy1 · 25-02-2015 11:50pm

Spring19 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply Marje. I read that evening primrose oil is a natural remedy so started taking it a few weeks ago. Hopefully it'll make a difference.

When I went to see my breast specialist ,he also recommended for me to start taking evening primrose oil,also he told me.....it might take up to 3 month to feel benefits from it.

I'm using this one: http://www.sona.ie/evening-primrose-oil-1000mg.html

mollybird · 26-02-2015 9:06pm

im a 35 year old woman with a direct line with 2 generations with breast cancer ( my mam and my dad's mam) so i knew i would always have to get checked. finally got the ball rolling a few weeks ago and had my mammogram and ultrasound on mon. they found a mass on my right breast so had to go into hospital first thing the following morning to get a biopsy. they know what it is and know it's not dangerous but because of my family history they weren't taking any chances.

With my family history i knew id have to take out health insurance. still had to pay for consulation and the ultrasound. but everything was done so quick.

hoping to hear by earliest tommorow or by early next week. Has anyone had a biopsy done before and does it take long to heal? finding it hard to sleep the last 2 nights since ive had it done as can't sleep on my stomach like i normally do.

Lisha · 26-02-2015 9:14pm

Have no advice on healing after biopsy mollybird but just wanted to wish you all the best

bernieobr · 07-06-2015 11:41pm

Hi everyone, I'm delighted I have come across this thread, it has helped me calm down a bit. I recently turned 50 and was called to a mobile breast screening unit last week for a mammogram. I wasn't worried as I knew this was just because of my age and all women over 50 are given the opportunity to attend. Anyway within the week I received a letter saying I had to attend the breast clinic in Eccles st this coming Wednesday 10th June. Now I'm scared stiff as I am convinced they wouldn't call me unless something was wrong. I haven't even told my hubby and I intend going on my own. I have a couple of questions that some of you might be able to answer for me. Firstly, my appointment is 10 am which I will not be able to make as I want to drop my 12 yr old to school at 9 so she wont know anything about me going to Dublin. As I live in the south east of the country it will take me around 1 and half hours to reach Dublin so my question is - do lots of people get the same appointment time like in some hospitals and also can anyone help with information about parking (keep in mind that i'm a culchie and not used to driving in Dublin though I have a good idea where the mater is). Thanks in advance for any help.

spurious · 08-06-2015 8:10am

bernieobr wrote: »

Hi everyone, I'm delighted I have come across this thread, it has helped me calm down a bit. I recently turned 50 and was called to a mobile breast screening unit last week for a mammogram. I wasn't worried as I knew this was just because of my age and all women over 50 are given the opportunity to attend. Anyway within the week I received a letter saying I had to attend the breast clinic in Eccles st this coming Wednesday 10th June. Now I'm scared stiff as I am convinced they wouldn't call me unless something was wrong. I haven't even told my hubby and I intend going on my own. I have a couple of questions that some of you might be able to answer for me. Firstly, my appointment is 10 am which I will not be able to make as I want to drop my 12 yr old to school at 9 so she wont know anything about me going to Dublin. As I live in the south east of the country it will take me around 1 and half hours to reach Dublin so my question is - do lots of people get the same appointment time like in some hospitals and also can anyone help with information about parking (keep in mind that i'm a culchie and not used to driving in Dublin though I have a good idea where the mater is). Thanks in advance for any help.

When I was there everyone had their own time, but give them a ring and let them know you are coming and will be late.
It may be as simple as just having to re-take the images. There is paid parking around the area and in the Mater Hospital car park. It's always fairly busy.

bernieobr · 08-06-2015 8:56am

Thanks for the info Spurious, I will ring them straightaway.

hey diddle diddle · 21-06-2015 12:55pm

So waiting for letter from St James for appointment when I decided to ring n was told sorry haven't received referral letter from gp..long story short gp had my name down wrong.just wondering how long it usually takes from referral to actual appointment as mine is a 7week wait..

mollybird · 21-06-2015 1:44pm

hey diddle diddle wrote: »

So waiting for letter from St James for appointment when I decided to ring n was told sorry haven't received referral letter from gp..long story short gp had my name down wrong.just wondering how long it usually takes from referral to actual appointment as mine is a 7week wait..

think i was waiting about 4 weeks. could depend on your history (if you have breast cancer in the family) and maybe if you have health insurance or not. in my letter it stated that i have 2 genertations of breast cancer so i have 20% of getting it so maybe that's why i got mine quick enough. im not sure it's just what my thought it on it.

my tests in the end came back clear. my mass was what they thought it was but will be going back every year from now on and im in my mid 30's. hope you get seen quickly diddle. if you have any other queries or anything let us know.

Best of Luck!!

hey diddle diddle · 21-06-2015 1:54pm

mollybird wrote: »

think i was waiting about 4 weeks. could depend on your history (if you have breast cancer in the family) and maybe if you have health insurance or not. in my letter it stated that i have 2 genertations of breast cancer so i have 20% of getting it so maybe that's why i got mine quick enough. im not sure it's just what my thought it on it.

my tests in the end came back clear. my mass was what they thought it was but will be going back every year from now on and im in my mid 30's. hope you get seen quickly diddle. if you have any other queries or anything let us know.

Best of Luck!!

Also have history of breast cancer in family..am in mid thirties just freaking out with long wait..glad u got all clear n tanx for replying

mollybird · 21-06-2015 8:13pm

is this your first time going for a check? my consultant said due to there being 10 years between my age and the age of my mum when she was diagnosed i now have to be seen every year. gives me piece of mind some bit to be honest. my dad's mum was in her late 30's i believe when she was diagnosed but due to there not being the knowledge there is today and the medicine she didn't beat it.

Mam of 4 · 21-06-2015 8:25pm

In this week for another check up , a few more new lumps and bumps , doctor confident they're more cysts , as I have lots apparently , but sending me to get them checked just to be safe .

hey diddle diddle · 22-06-2015 11:17am

mollybird wrote: »

is this your first time going for a check? my consultant said due to there being 10 years between my age and the age of my mum when she was diagnosed i now have to be seen every year. gives me piece of mind some bit to be honest. my dad's mum was in her late 30's i believe when she was diagnosed but due to there not being the knowledge there is today and the medicine she didn't beat it.

First time.. Went to gp with embarrassingly itch nipples which led to breast exam where she found lumps.. Bit shell shocked at moment.. My gran aunt had double mastectomy in her early 50s n when my grandmother died they discovered lumps on her breast..all on my mother's side..

hey diddle diddle · 22-06-2015 11:21am

Mam of 4 wrote: »

In this week for another check up , a few more new lumps and bumps , doctor confident they're more cysts , as I have lots apparently , but sending me to get them checked just to be safe .

My sis in law the same up every so often to get them checked was told there's nothing to do as lumps will keep coming back.. Can't think of the name of wat it's called..good luck with your check up

Mam of 4 · 22-06-2015 11:58am

hey diddle diddle wrote: »

My sis in law the same up every so often to get them checked was told there's nothing to do as lumps will keep coming back.. Can't think of the name of wat it's called..good luck with your check up

Thanks

think it's called polycystic breast disease or is it fibrocystic?? Get confused ! I also have a fibroadenoma , a non cancerous small tumour, they keep a check on that also. Excuse the spellings

Best of luck with your appointment , try not to worry too much, easier said than done I know

hey diddle diddle · 22-06-2015 12:19pm

Mam of 4 wrote: »

Thanks think it's called polycystic breast disease or is it fibrocystic?? Get confused ! I also have a fibroadenoma , a non cancerous small tumour, they keep a check on that also. Excuse the spellings

Best of luck with your appointment , try not to worry too much, easier said than done I know

Wow alot to deal with..Best of luck with everything.. Fibrocystic is wat the sis in law has..cheers..trying not to worry..easier said than done is riteðŸ˜€

Mam of 4 · 22-06-2015 1:01pm

hey diddle diddle wrote: »

Wow alot to deal with..Best of luck with everything.. Fibrocystic is wat the sis in law has..cheers..trying not to worry..easier said than done is riteðŸ˜€

Thanks , kinda knew it was fibro but had poly in my head for some reason ! I think I was waiting about 6-7 wks also for appointment , so maybe it's a standard waiting time , not sure. Keep your chin up , poitive thoughts and well wishes heading your way

Mam of 4 · 23-06-2015 10:33pm

Had appointment today , all well Tg , mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration again, results of that in a week or so but they were happy that it's just more new cysts that had developed.

Best of luck to everyone still waiting .

mollybird · 23-06-2015 11:17pm

Mam of 4 wrote: »

Had appointment today , all well Tg , mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration again, results of that in a week or so but they were happy that it's just more new cysts that had developed.

Best of luck to everyone still waiting .

what the fine needle aspiration mam of 4?

Mam of 4 · 24-06-2015 1:24pm

mollybird wrote: »

what the fine needle aspiration mam of 4?

Hi , it's just where they insert a (large

) needle into the cyst to draw out whatever fluid/ gunk may be in it , and then then send it up to Cytology to be analysed just to make sure there's nothing abnormal/strange in it. When I say gunk , I mean that mine normally tend to have been cysts with infection so the fluid is always gunky in my case

Doesn't really hurt to be honest, just more of a pressure when the needle is going into the cyst.

Hope that helps !!

mollybird · 25-06-2015 9:55pm

oh i heard about that today in work. one of the women said she had to get one done. i had a fine needle biopsy done.

Mam of 4 · 25-06-2015 11:14pm

mollybird wrote: »

oh i heard about that today in work. one of the women said she had to get one done. i had a fine needle biopsy done.

Yep , had fine needle biopsy done on the fibroadenoma before , glad things went well for you.

hey diddle diddle · 02-07-2015 8:01am

Hi can I just ask how long everyone waited for the letter from St James with appointment date..3 weeks till my appointment n no letter as of yet only that i rang I wouldn't no the date..

Waiting for breastcheck - how to not worry?

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