Referred to a Surgeon

I'm 34 years old mother of 2.  I discovered a pea sized lump in my left breast last week and made an appointment to have it checked by the Nurse Practitioner.  The nurse had a doctor also check this.  The Doctor referred me to a Surgeon for a consult.(I'm going later this week) Is it typical to be referred to a Surgeon without a mamogram (mammogram) or ultrasound?  When I called the surgeons office and asked if I would be having a biopsy - they said no - this is just a "consult".  What can the surgeon tell me without a biopsy, mamogram (mammogram) or ultrasound? The waiting is tough enough - will the surgeon also make me wait longer for an ultrasound/mamogram?  Any suggested questions I should ask the surgeon?  Any advice on making the waiting easier?  I feel like this is weighing so heavily on me that it is effecting my work and my home life! I guess - all in all, I really just need some comforting words.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear srw:  If a lump can be felt, a biopsy (if indicated) can technically be done without a mammogram.  The consultation with the surgeon is to try to determine what the next step should be.  If he feels a mammogram/ultrasound is necessary, he will order one.  Some surgeons, who specialize in breast surgery, may have the equipment right there in the office.  You might call your doctor and ask about a mammogram or ultrasound and explain your concern.  Waiting is very difficult - if you don't get any answers before your consultation with the surgeon, make sure you let his office know how concerned you are and that anything they can do to facilitate obtaining answers will help your anxiety.  Please know that, even if this is cancer (and there's a good chance it is not), it is safe to have a few weeks pass by while all the information is being collected.