Hi CC78,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear about your gran. Her passing from cancer will naturally make you worried. My mum passed as a result of secondary breast cancer and, I was terrified when I was first diagnosed twelve years ahgo. The following year I had a second cancer in the same breast.

This wait is always scary, as there are so many unknowns. Whatever the outcome, you will feel better once you know.  Your doctor is right. Most people are seen within two weeks, but this can take a little longer at holiday time or where there is a high incidence of Covid.

The triple assessment is a very straight-forward procedure. First of all you will have a chat with your consultant about your symptoms. You will then have a physical examination, before being sent for a mammogram. After this you will have an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. You will then usually have another 1-2 weeks to wait for the results of these tests. The result of the biopsy will confirm whether or not you have cancer. 

Breast cancer is not usually painful. Many lumps are not cancerous, but benign cysts, hormonal or fibrous changes. Only 1 person in every 8 referred to the breast clinic will receive a cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays, so don't give up hope. I still manage to lead a busy and fulfilled life.

Try to keep yourself busy to detract from the wait - this shouldn't be too hard at this time of year. Also, stay away from Google. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This will only serve to scare you.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx