Breast Clinic Visit

When I was 40 I was referred to BC with lump under my arm.  I had mammogram and then US to armpit.  Lump under arm was fat pad but reassuring that mammogram clear.  My profile tells you how I was diagnosed 11 years later

Hi

I guess there will be 2 trains of thought on this.  If it were me, I'd be thinking - 'dodged that bullet!', but others would be thinking that 'hang on, they haven't done a mammogram of my breasts, so I should still be concerned'.

I'd personally rely on the specialist (mainly 'cause I like to hide my head in the sand), but others have been caught out purely BY relying on specialists.

It's really good news that it's nothing sinister under your armpit and that they felt your breasts for lumps.  They know what they are looking for when they are checking them and tbh, despite having had breast cancer, I still wouldn't know how to check my breasts properly! I'd had no pain and was just caught by a routine mammogram.  It wasn't until mine were checked at the breast clinic that I realised what she was pushing on (the lump) actually hurt.  Wouldn't have had a clue otherwise.

At 35, it would be more unusual to have BC (not unlikely of course, but more unusual).  If you are still really worried, you could write a letter to the breast clinic and detail your worries and 'lay it on thick' in the letter how much it is distressing you that they didn't do a mammogram of your breasts and ask them why not? because you are still very concerned by the fact that you have pain.  

Is the pain a particular time with your cycle? Is it in both?  If both, then again, less to worry about.  If just one and no pattern, then perhaps push harder to get some more tests.  If they refuse, I do know ladies who have had one done privately and it might be that this would give you the reassurance that you need.

Kindest wishes,

Thank you. 

I keep telling myself that they are the experts and if they couldn’t feel anything then not to worry. I’m definitely not happy at the lack of care they shown today though. I’ve been a wreck and nobody discussed or even seemed to have the time to just talk to me about them. It felt like a one in one out operation and even though they said it was a cyst, they didn’t mention or advise what I could do about it. 

I think I will head back to the GP in the next week or so to discuss if I need to leave it all alone or can have it removed and what the pains may be. The pain is in both breasts but more so in the right (same side as the cyst). 

Ive heard so much positive feedback about breast clinics, how nice the staff were etc but I felt so confused walking out and like nobody was interested in what I had to say. I don’t want to “moan” as today could have been so much worse but I’m definitely considering going private for any future concerns. 

Hi  

my story is on profile .

I would go back and ask for mammogram. At least then you can be reassured .

Yes they are the experts but it's your body and you need to make sure your happy with what is being done 

margaret xx

Hi Samanthamarie,

i had a history of breast cysts and they used to operate to remove them in the early days, later on they would drain them. 

Yes they mammogrammed me but explained at the same time that due to the density of younger  breast tissue the mammograms may well not show anything much at all. Perhaps this is why you didn’t get one? 

But yes I would certainly see your GP to find out what to do next? If they had explained the reasoning for no mammogram I’m sure you’d feel more at ease 

 hugs xxx

My left breast has always been a bit troublesome (lumpy, less milk breast feeding, mastitis etc) and when I was about 35 it felt swollen so I was referred to the breast clinic. They told me that they would do a mammogram, but also an ultrasound due to the denser tissue in younger woman. It was all OK that time, and for 2 routine mammograms in my 50's where they did ultrasounds to rule out an issue in that breast, but the last one was when I was diagnosed with the lump, a small area of DCIS and later one node positive.

They should run an ultrasound over where you feel a problem (both breasts actually) and it should only take 5 minutes to do. I'd not be happy to leave it at that either....