Hi ArtyFarty,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry they are causing you. I was in a similar position when I was first diagnosed. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, along with several other relatives. I found a lump, saw my GP and was referred to the breast clinic. I hadn't realised how much diagnosis, treatment and after care had advanced in the interim. Fortunately, there was just no comparison between the experiences which we both had.

Within a year I had 2 diagnoses of cancer and 1 of pre-cancer. I had a lumpectomy the first time and a double mastectomy for the second bout, followed by hormone treatment for 6½ years. That was all 17 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

You have done the right thing by getting these symptoms investigated. Sadly, all of the side-effects associated with the wait are sentiments that many of us are familiar with - it does get easier once you know what you're dealing with. Our CRUK nurse Naomi, has given you some excellent advice.

How soon is your appointment? I sincerely hope that it goes well.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi ArtyFarty,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry they are causing you. I was in a similar position when I was first diagnosed. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, along with several other relatives. I found a lump, saw my GP and was referred to the breast clinic. I hadn't realised how much diagnosis, treatment and after care had advanced in the interim. Fortunately, there was just no comparison between the experiences which we both had.

Within a year I had 2 diagnoses of cancer and 1 of pre-cancer. I had a lumpectomy the first time and a double mastectomy for the second bout, followed by hormone treatment for 6½ years. That was all 17 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

You have done the right thing by getting these symptoms investigated. Sadly, all of the side-effects associated with the wait are sentiments that many of us are familiar with - it does get easier once you know what you're dealing with. Our CRUK nurse Naomi, has given you some excellent advice.

How soon is your appointment? I sincerely hope that it goes well.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Jolamine that is such a hopeful message thank you sooooo much! Thank you for sharing, sorry to hear of your loss but great to hear of your recovery and longevity! 

I’ve no idea when my appointment is yet, still waiting to hear but I know it will be within the next couple of weeks as it went through as urgent 2 week referral. Hoping for quick results just for some damned clarity! 

along with the lack of sleep it’s this inner sense of dread, it’s damned near all consuming. 

I hope you have had some answers. Please update us. 

Your appointment won't necessarily be within 2 weeks. You usually get an appointment within 2 weeks from the date of referral, but the actual appointment can sometimes be a little longer than 2 weeks hence.

Jolamine xx

Hi, sorry for delay, yeah I got an appt letter through…. 25th of June!!!! Thats 7 weeks from the drs appt, absolutely stunned and fuming. I get that the system is saturated but 7 weeks?! A long time to be in pain and worry

This does seem like a long time. It might be worth phoning your consultant's secretary and telling her that you'd be willing to accept a cancellation, if one comes up.

Jolamine xx

I agree. Write a letter to explain everything. Or contact the secretary.