**UPDATE **Possible BC Recurrence

**UPDATE**

Hi all, I'm posting an update of what's happened and where I'm at since my last post.

After a lot of phoning by myself a secretary at my GP practice and my GP (GP's husband is my breast consultant!) I finally managed to get an appointment on Monday 31.07.2023.

I didn't see my consultant as he was away on holiday.  The consultant that I did see, however, was very dismissive, telling me that the cancer that I'd had in 2021 had all been removed and had not spread and that there was not a possibility that I had lumps in my breasts, he said GP's always find lumps!! I said to him that I hoped I didn't have lumps, and I needed to, obviously, ensure that I didn't have cancer again.  My consultation consisted of taking my bra off, placing my arms out to the side, above my head and on my hips, a swift sweeping movement over my breasts (whilst I was stood up) and told that I didn't have any lumps - I didn't have an ultrasound either (which I had expected).  He then said as my mammogram was due next month that I might as well have it done and that he didn't need to see me again.  I asked what if the mammogram shows up something that needs to be looked at and he said the GP will refer me again.  I was in the consulting room for 5 minutes!!  So I'm not really any further on than I was in mid-July. 

I'm still experiencing soreness/tenderness in my breasts, which the consultant said to 'rub in some Ibuleve Gel' (I'm allergic to Ibuprofen) and I'm awaiting the results of my mammogram.  All in all I'm not particularly happy with the situation, all I can do is wait for the results and see how I go from there.

My experience with the breast clinic this time around is totally different from my first, which was excellent as the 2 week pathway was followed to the letter.  

God willing my mammogram comes back clear, however, I will then have to begin the task of finding out why my breasts are so sore.

Have a good weekend all.

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Hi all, I haven't posted in a long time, but feel the need to do so now. 

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 BC (left breast) in August 2021 following a routine mammogram.  I was immediately placed on the 2 week pathway and had a lumpectomy on 10.09.21 followed by 7 consecutive days of radiotherapy and prescribed Anastrozole for the next 5 years.  My consultant gave me the all clear on 24.09.22 (my 12 month review).  Everything has been great until 3 weeks ago when my left breast started to feel tender to the touch and sore in general.  A couple of days later I felt the same sensation in my right breast.  Uncannily, my lymphodema nurse called me out of the blue to see how I was doing and I explained to her how I was feeling.  I said I was sure that it wasn't lymphodema as it wasn't the same sensation/feeling.  She said that it was probably best to contact the breast care nurses at my local hospital as she was sure that you could do this within 3 years of being given a clean bill of health.  I decided to contact the breast care nurses and explained to them what was happening and were they able to pick me back up as a patient or whether I would have to be referred by my GP.  I must admit that I was disappointed (rightly or wrongly) that I would have to be referred via my GP, but hey ho I got an appointment with my GP right away and had an examination. The GP said that she could feel a lump in my left and right breasts and that she would refer me to the breast clinic and that I would be on the 2 week pathway (again).  To be fair to the GP I was placed on the waiting list the following day.  After not hearing anything for 6 days (I was advised to contact the breast clinic direct if I hadn't heard from them within 5 days) I contacted the breast clinic who advised me that, unfortunately, as they have had soo many referrals that they were no longer operating a 2 week pathway and it could be several weeks (even months) before I would get an appointment.  She explained that they were trying to get further funding to open up a new clinic!! 

Obviously, since hearing that I have been in a right old state, feeling anxious, depressed and scared, I've even been clearing out my clothes and planning my funeral so that my husband and son don't have to (I know sounds drastic, but I'm not as optimistic this time).  I now have a pain in my back, level with my left breast and my dog keeps wanting to sniff my breath and lick/nip me, I've read they are good at smelling illnesses and cancer - so as you can imagine I've already signed, sealed and delivered my own fate!!!! 

I am considering paying privately to have a mammogram to check for lumps but wonder what good that would do if a mammogram confirms this, apart from confirm the diagnosis or put my mind at rest. I can't afford to go private for treatment, and would still be on the waiting list at my local breast clinic.  So my mind just keeps spinning around, one minute I'm telling myself to get my act together and the next I'm choosing funeral music and wondering what items to leave to who. Hopefully, it won't be months before I get to see a consultant, but I'm not feeling confident.