Hello and thanks you for your post, 

I can appreciate how worried you are about this, given your friend, but try and hang on to the fact that a lot of the time, there are other explanations. 

We know there are still some delays to the usual clinic waiting times, but I'm afraid we don't know how quickly the waiting lists are moving at each local breast clinic. You should hear soon, but it can take from 2 to 6 weeks to be seen in some areas. 

We often suggest calling the breast clinic directly to see if you can find anything out. The hospital switchboard should be able to put you through. 

Most breast clinics say what they think is the matter at the first visit. Sometimes they want to take a biopsy. They usually examine you and do some sort of imaging. Another charity, Breast Cancer Now explains what to expect at the appointment,

breastcancernow.org/.../what-expect-breast-clinic-appointment

Waiting can be difficult and we often suggest the Every Mind Matters website,

www.nhs.uk/.../

for tips to cope with stress and anxiety.

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.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda