Hi Lauren, 

Sorry to hear what you are going through. I've just turned 19 and am pretty much in the same boat. Im not too sure exactly how COVID is effecting everything but I will share my experience as it might be similar. Last month I noticed a dimple in my breast, aswell as a red patch and nipple change. As soon as I saw this I freaked out and called the doctors to make an appointment. I had a phone consultation and was asked me to come in so she could examine my symptoms in person (the appointment was only two hours after the consultation). At the appointment she said at this age it would be extremely rare for it to be anything sinister but I was referred to the breast clinic anyway due to the symptoms. Two weeks passed and I had heard nothing from the clinic, so I called to find out what was going on, as I was getting extremely anxious about the situation . I then found out that I wasn't likely to be seen for a few more weeks as it was non-urgent (likely to be because I am only 19 and limited appointments). I honestly couldn't have waited anymore time to be seen so I made a private appointment for the same week. My appointment was last Thursday. Before I went in I was expecting to have a mammogram, biopsy etc but this was not the case. Once he examined the breast, he said that no more tests would be needed as it would be very rare for it to be cancer at my age. I left feeling quite upset as I felt he had dismissed my symptoms only because I am 19. I think I am going to have to get a second opinion as I have convinced myself something is wrong. In regards to your situation I honestly wouldn't worry too much as there is a 99% chance it won't be anything bad. At the clinic I was told being young means that breasts are extremely dense and they undergo a lot of changes which can mimic cancer symptoms. I know exactly how you are feeling though and it's hard to think about anything else. Sorry I haven't been too helpful but I Hope everything turns out to be okay, and keep me updated about your situation. Tegan Xx

Hiya, 

I can only really comment on what I have recently experienced regarding my wife's situation. 

She discovered a lump, and a dimple. 

She called her GP who didn't want to see her at all, just reffered her straight for a mammogram. 

No one else was allowed in the appointment itself with her due to Covid, and she had to wear a mask throughout for obvious reasons. 

She had 4 mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy all on the same day. 

We had a 1 week wait for the results and was called in when they were ready. I was allowed in to this one.... Probably because it was bad news, not that yours will be bad news so please try not to panic!

They confirmed it was her2 positive breast cancer. And that they didn't suspect it had spread, but she had to have more scans as part of the procedure. 

But in this appointment they asked for her thoughts regarding lumpectomy/mascectomy/reconstruction. 

Because she was initially concerned incase it spread to the other one, she said she thinks she would go for a double mascetomy. Which they said shouldn't be a problem, but she would need to see a physiologist to make sure she is of sound state of mind as she'd basically be giving up a healthy breast.

But unfortunately the scan results came back and showed that it has spread. So now the operation isnt an option. 

If I could offer any advice it would be get it checked out ASAP because this has all unfolded for me in the space of 6 weeks since she found the lump. 

I hope that gives you an idea anyway. And fingers crossed that it's nothing serious. 

Stu x

Hi Lauren! 

Thought I'd share my experience. I am 27 and 4 weeks ago noticed a dimple in my right breast below my nipple. Got seen in person the next day by GP who did an examination and referred me to the breast clinic. After 3 weeks I got my appointment through, and it is tomorrow. My GP advised I will be there most of the day and to bring my lunch etc with me. Nobody is allowed in with me, only to pick me up/drop me off. 

Since I have been to the GP I have went on to have a little discharge from both nipples. I'm hoping it is unrelated, and due to being a newish mum (daughter is 1.5 years old) but will keep you updated on my appointment tomorrow. I'm not sure about the double mastectomy etc. All I can say is try not to worry too much about the small stuff! Take one day at a time and keep yourself busy, although I know that's easier said than done. It is so scary. I was panic stricken when I went on to have discharge. Dont worry about uni etc at the moment, see what your GP says and take it from there. Remember also your health comes first above everything. Boobs are weird so it could very well be some issue with fat or something, I too have quite large boobs like yourself. Be brave and we can do this and get to the bottom of it! 

Would love to know how you get on. 

Amber xx

Hi Tegan,

I'm so so sorry that they kind of dismissed it without a proper check with scans etc. Did you get your second opinion in the end? Have you found anything else out? I had my physical examination yesterday with a GP 2 weeks after my phone consultation (which was my choice because i couldn't get home from uni) with a really young woman who was so nice. she examined me and said that although she doesn't think it's anything to worry about, she's referred me to the breast clinic. i had the call booking the appointment today which sadly falls on my brother's birthday, but i was told to expect to be there for a few hours. They didn't say what kind of tests i'll be doing though, so i'm assuming its more than just another physical examination. I really hope everything is okay with you, please keep me updated !! Lauren xx

Hi!

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife, it must be so scary for both of you. How is she doing?

I had my GP appointment yesterday and have been referred to the breast clinic and have been told to expect to be there for a few hours, so maybe i will have some similar tests done too.

Thank you so much for your kind words, i really really appreciate it.

hope you're both doing well x

Hi Amber

Thanks so much for your comment, it really helped. I've also been referred to the breast clinic next week and have also been told that i should expect to be there for a few hours. What tests did you have done and how did it go? I really hope everything is good with you, i'd love an update on your situation. i'm quite scared about having to go in my myself which might sound like a silly worry, how was it for you?

Lauren xx

Hi Lauren I hope you are well. It's a scary wait, isnt it? So long story short, I got no tests...only an examination. One by a nurse, followed by the doctor before announcing she wasnt concerned. I left feeling a bit...I dont know...I was relieved. But I was wondering if I had been dismissed due to age maybe? I'm trying to trust the doctor that all is well and I've had no further problems with my breasts. Got told to come back if things worsened. I would say I was there only about an hour! 

She reckons the cause is that our breasts can go through phases of being normal then less firm then back to normal through our life, but dont always do it at the same time? 

Going in yourself is a bit scary but the staff will be absolutely lovely and explain everything. Dont forget your mask! I'm wishing you all the best for your appointment, sorry that I cant give any further advice! Please let us know how you get on. And please dont worry if they go ahead and do tests and your experience isnt like mine, every breast clinic will operate a bit differently! 

Amber xx

Hi Lauren,

Thanks so much! I am now waiting on for an appointment with my GP again to explain why I want a second opinion. I am hoping to be referred to the clinic again and maybe have a biopsy or ultrasound etc. It's hard to be taken seriously when the doctors think there is nothing wrong at all! That's such a shame about your appointment date, however hopefully it will mean your mind is put at rest sooner.  Good luck with your appointment anyway! And let me know how everything goes, always here if you need to chat! Tegan Xx

hey everyone

thank you all so much for your kind words and support i truly appreciate it.

i just got back from my breast clinic appointment. the wait was so long but the actual appointment really was in and out in 10min. i had another physical examination and the doctor told me that it seems that the ligament of cooper has been stretched due to my breast size, and that it is probably nothing to worry about. she's booked me another appointment for 3 months time just to check that nothing has changed. so i guess there's nothing to worry about! they didn't offer any other scan or anything, but i trust her opinion and hopefully i'm fine.

if anyone was interested in the other half to this story, i also asked her about a breast reduction surgery and said that if another referal was needed to be able to discuss it, my GP was happy to provide that. however she told me that they don't have funding for them anymore unless a GP can get special funding to get it approved or something like that so it is very rare that they do one. however once examining me (and watching me cry in disappointment) she told me that i seemed to fit all the criteria, and she will write to my GP to ask if they can request a special funding. i'm not expecting this to actually work due to the rareity that this happens, but fingers crossed. she said she'll write me a letter explaining what they said and also give me the date for my next appointment soon. I burst into tears as soon as she said that and bless her she was so kind and completely understood. she even gave me a hug, which although isn't technically allowed, was really needed.

again, thanks so much to everyone that commented and offered some advice. i'll tune back in when i get my next appointment just in case there are any changes to my situation but i doubt there will be. i would absolutely love to hear how the rest of your journeys go, please keep me updated!

lauren xx

Thanks for the update, it's always nice to read how people are getting on, especially when the outcome is positive. I hope you get your breast reduction, my cousin had hers in her late 20's and it made a huge difference to her quality of life.