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Really scared awaiting my ultrasound tomorrow.

Sara89
Offline

Hi everyone,

my first time posting to this site. I am beyond terrified. Just a bit of background, I suffer wirh my mental health and suffer with extreme anxiety and panic attacks, especially when I have to go to the doctors or hospital. 
I saw my GP a month ago as I was concerned about what I thought was a change in skin on my breast. I had to take diazepam to get me to the GP as was so anxious. (I have these on prescription) 

 

anways she said what I thought was a change was actually fine but then examined me. She found thickening of breast tissue first in my left breast then checked the other side and found it in both sides

she said it was unlikely to be anything as it's in both sides but still referred me to breast clinic on a non urgent referral to have an ultrasound. 
 

my appointment is tomorrow and for the last 2 nights have not been able to sleep as I keep having panic attacks. I'm terrified to go to it. Because of COVID they said not to bring anyone but I'm taking my husband as I wouldn't be able to go alone. 
I'm so so worried. I have no idea what to expect. I've been on dr google constantly looking up breast thickness and just scaring myself thinking it is definitely going to be bad news. 
I don't know how I'm going to get to my appointment with my anxiety and I'm crying as I write this because I'm so scared. 
not sure what I'm asking but just wondering if anyone can shed any light on what will happen. How long does the ultrasound take? I'm 32 years old but I am just terrified I've convinced myself it is cancer. 
thank you so much if you read this far and can make sense of my scrambled Brain.

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    Hopefully by now you will have had your ultrasound at the breast clinic and they will have been able to provide you with  some reassurance.

    Often women are referred to a breast clinic to find out what the cause of certain breast conditions (such as the thickening in both of your breasts) as in your situation rather then because they think something serious is wrong such as cancer.

    As your GP said it is unlikely to be anything serious as it is affecting both of your breasts.

    Breast cancer is not common at your age. It is usually a cancer of women in their 50's. The vast majority of women seen in a breast clinic will not have cancer.

    As you will probably find out the ultrasound does not take very long and is completely painless.

    It is lovely if you are able to have the support of your husband. The nurses and doctors are aware how anxious women can be at a breast clinic and I am sure will put you at ease.

    Try not to use the internet as Doctor Google as it is so general and does not replace your GP's expertise.

    Worrying about our health can be exhausting and very stressful. I am not sure whether you have had a chance to chat this through with your GP. There is help available for people worried and anxious about their health. The NHS have produced some information called 'Every Mind matters' which you might find helpful to look at here

    I do hope that your appointment goes well today.

    All the very  Best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Thank you for your message. 
    I was brave and went in on my own abs because of COVID husband sent allowed in but could wait outside. 
     

    the consultant examined me and said she couldn't feel anything that the GP said but performed an ultrasound and thankfully and luckily, everything looks normal. 
    thanks so much for your message and take care 

     

    Sara

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