Lump In Right Breast

[tamirra]

Hi my mum is 75 and has a huge phobia of hospitals, she knows if she goes to see the doctor he will send her to the hospital so going to the doctor is a no go, she says she has had it for a few months and not said anything, the lump is very painful but hasnt grown in size since she first noticed it, she says she is losing weight but ive told her weight loss can be due to stress and worry, ive offered to take her to see the doc and so has my dad but she just doesnt want to hear it, does anybody any idea what this could be, cancer? Cyst? Any help appreciated. X

[albaqwerty]

wishing your mum (and you and dad) all the best Tam.
Please keep us updated if you can xx

[Sqad]

alba

"I was told by my GP that breast cancer is not painful"
Then you must have misheard him. Most cancer lumps ARE painless....but not all. See my post above 10.25.

[albaqwerty]

sqad, I probably did mis-hear her.
It's possible I just picked up on the words I wanted to hear.

[Sqad]

;-) ^^

[murraymints]

oh dear ..mum's GP would not discuss anything with you anyway without written permission from her... would she go for a mammogram at a mobile unit ? I go every 2 years..find out when one is next due and go for one with her too ?

[albaqwerty]

the steps to my mobile unit are a bit perilous to say the least.
Don't like heights, don't like wobbly stairs.
(don't really like getting my boobies squished either)

Am glad there are mobile units tho.

[ummmm]

GP's do discuss things.

[tamirra]

Thank you everyone xx

[murraymints]

gps have to observe strict confidence about a patient even with relatives ..I and mum had to get written consent from dad to be able to talk about them in times of crisis..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath

confidentiality is part of their oath

[woofgang]

murray GP’s will listen to what they are told and can comment, make suggestions, and even act on what they are told. What they can’t do is talk about the patient or reveal what a patient has told them. For anyone who is interested, the line I have successfully used on several occasions with different GP’s is “I know you can’t discuss my mother/husband/mother in law with you but I can talk to you about them ........

[woofgang]

argh "“I know you can’t discuss my mother/husband/mother in law with me but I can talk to you about them ........

[NoMercy]

Breast cancer can sometimes be painful, particularly inflammatory breast cancer.

Weight loss is also a concern and so it is imperative she sees her GP asap.

[murraymints]

agreed woofy... you can talk at them about a patient, but a GP will not comment in relation to a patient's treatment ....what they prescribe arrange or even suggest to a patient will not be revealed, neither will they take instructions or suggestions about treatment...

[albaqwerty]

That's the line I've used too Woof.

The first hurdle is to get round the perfect receptionist who will tell you that the Doctor cannot discuss the patient with you.
I'm not wanting a discussion, I just want to bring something to the Doc's attention

[murraymints]

but they will not act on information from a third party without consent from the patient !

[dmbhunt]

Phobic or not she needs to get it checked.

[Mamyalynne]

You have described a very lively sparky lady with a lot of character and obviously lots to live for.

I'd try the direct approach - 'Mum, I have no idea what this lump is, nor do you - do you want to die if it's serious and left untreated?'

[albaqwerty]

when mum started on the road to dementia, I mentioned summat to the doc (can't remember what now, too long ago) and Doc thanked me.
Have no idea if it was of any help to the Doc or not.

[woofgang]

Depends what you mean by “act on” I know my Mum’s lovely GP “just happened to be passing” my mums front door a couple of times after we had mentioned things to him.....and my experience is that they will certainly listen to and consider suggestions although NOT discuss them.

[mallyh]

the doctor may not send her to but may put her mind at rest it could be mastitis .I had this it was painful .