Hello and thanks for your post

Although breast cancer has the ability to come back many years later, it's not a foregone conclusion that it has. Abnormalities can occur for many reasons and and until you have the CT scan no one is going to be able to tell you any more just now.

Easier said than done but try to keep an open mind for now until you know more. But I know waiting when you are worried like this is very stressful.

Hopefully, some people will come along and post, but even if they do, it's important to bear in mind that their experience may not shed much light about what is going on with you.

I hope you'll know more soon. Give us a ring if you want to talk any of this over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

I was referred on a 2 week referral for Breast Cancer on 21st October and received an appointment last Friday 28th October. Saw the registrar to the Consultant. He did a breast biopsy and has requested a mammogram (had one done December 2021 which was clear) and a scan of my right breast and under arm. When I mentioned about the shadow on my liver, he did not seem too concerned. A CT scan was requested as a priority on 21st October to find out if it is cancer. So I could have a breast cancer secondary on my liver. Cancer  can spread fairly quickly, I am only too aware that if it is they cannot cure it, but can give treatments. Am I living on borrowed time if they are slow to organise my scan, and give me a fighting chance. I feel very angry that they are not following this up quickly. I m sure I m not the only one.

Hi Kit190 and thanks for posting.

I am sorry to hear you are having such a worrying time.

As my colleague Celene said the CT scan will be able to give you more information.  We can all let our minds go into overdrive in situations like this and think about every outcome while waiting for results.  It can be so stressful.  Some people find carrying on with their normal routine and finding things to distract themselves is useful.

You said you have had a biopsy and are waiting for a mammogram.  The biopsy will also be able to give your team more information so it is positive that you have had this done.  Hopefully you will receive the results of this soon.

There is some information here about waiting times in relation to diagnosis, although it is worth remembering that these are guidelines.  We are hearing from lots of people who are having to wait longer than the recommended times at the moment.

Hospitals will do their best to meet their waiting targets, however many are finding this difficult to achieve. This could be due to staff shortages and the effect the covid -19 pandemic still has on the NHS. 

While no one can give an absolute assurance that waiting times do not affect outcomes,  it is useful to know that if it is cancer, most do grow slowly and waiting a few weeks for tests is unlikely to affect the overall situation.

I can't tell you not to worry, but hopefully this information is helpful to you and helps you worry less.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take Care

Rachel

Hello Rachel

I had my Ct Scan but have not found out results. Report sent to Clinic. Spoke to GP's Receptionist who said my GP had marked the results as a routine call which I have on the 21st. So I am somewhat perplexed does this mean it is nothing to worry about. Had my Endoscopy which reveals a Hiatus Hernia  with two ulcers with ongoing medication, I bought the report back with me the GP still waiting for their copy!! This is not easy. Any thoughts.

Thank you

Hello Rachel

I had my CT scan on Saturday 5th November. Report came back on 8th November which was sent to Clinic. I was informed that my GP marked this as non urgent routine call for 21st November to me. Now I am confused. Does this mean nothing to worry about. I had my Endoscopy done yesterday. Was given the report Hiatus Hernia with two ulcers, was informed after. GP sent a copy. 

Trying to get my head around this. If there is a problem should they have not let me know either way good or bad instead of making me wait.

Thank you

Hi Kit190 and thanks for posting.

I'm sorry to hear you  are still having a worrying time.

Unfortunately no one here can tell you what your scan results may be.  We are often hearing of people waiting for a number of weeks to receive scan results, which can be really frustrating.  It may be worth getting in touch with your GP surgery to see if you could have an appointment sooner, perhaps ask if they can get in touch with you if they have a cancellation.

I hope you find out your results soon.

You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take Care,

Rachel