Hey Jen, it’s weird, this cancer thing isn’t it? One minute everything in your life is completely normal ... and then you find “it” and you know that nothing will ever be quite the same again.  It’s mind-blowing and VERY scary.

So, it’s 2 days on from your first post, where are you up to now in your “journey”?

I’m in for a lumpectomy this Friday (the 14th). X

Hi Jennifer,

I am so sorry to hear that you have found a lump in your breast, but glad to hear that you have already seen your GP. It sounds hopeful if it is still moveable. Most lumps are not painful and many people don't notice them until they have routine tests.

You will most likely be seen at the breast clinic within 2 weeks. Here your consultant will listen to your story, examine your breasts and arrange for you to have a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy. It normally takes about a week to get the results of these tests. The biopsy will confirm the type and grade of breast cancer, if this is present.

I am glad to hear that your husband attended your appointment with you. Can he attend your breast clinic appointments too?  If he cannot attend all of your appointments, the most important ones for him to attend are those where you are expecting to get the results of tests. It can be helpful to write down a list of questions for your consultant. Get your hubby's input too, as he may have different questions than you.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Ben I will have a look through ️

Hi and thanks for your reply, I am no where, called the hospital Wednesday and still no available appointments. Still waiting, had a bit of a melt down yesterday, trying so hard not to think about it, but it's hard. Hope all has gone well for you today. ️

Hi jolamine and thanks for your reply, my husband will be coming with me, thank god, he is very supportive. Thank you for the info and helpful advice. Just waiting for an appointment, the wait seems endless. I will post once I have some more information. Thanks ️

Hi Jennifer,

I'm glad to hear that your husband will be attending your appointment with you.

Just one more important piece of advice. Try to avoid consulting Dr Google. Much of his information is poorly researched, out of date and, aims at spectacular cases. Besides, you don't know whether or not you have cancer yet and, if so, what type. Hence this will only serve to frighten you further.

I know that time seems to stand still at this stage, but here's hoping that it won't be much longer.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello all, I am 8 days in and still no appointment, I called the hospital yesterday but they have no appointments. I am going stir crazy, I just can't sit still, my boobs are only small so it's now noticeable that my boob has dropped slightly and its now rubbing on my arm, I thought I was over looking but my husband agrees that my boob has changed shape and the lump or area is bigger. I really just want to be seen by someone and reassured it's going to be ok. Has anyone else waited this long to get an appointment? Is it going to be a case of cany you come in today? Or am I likely to go over the 14 days? Any advice would be great. Thanks  

Hi that is dreadful . My advice would be get it done privately cost me £500 for a mammogram 

and ultrasound . It wasn't good news but at least 

I knew what I was up against . Failing that kick up a stink because no-one should have to wait 

longer than two weeks 

I can’t believe this.  Firstly, what does your GP have to say about this?  Have you asked him/her?  If not then I wiould do straight away.

There is another thing you could do - ring NHS Direct and tell them that you’re still waiting to hear from the hospital.  Some years ago I had a car accident in which I smashed my hand up. Before I was discharged from hospital I was meant to have been given an appointment with the fracture clinic but for one reason or another this didn’t happen.  So I was at home with a bandaged broken hand, which was slowly turning blue.  I rang the fracture clinic and they said they had no appointments for 2 weeks!! I can’t remember now but someone must have told me to ring NHS Direct and complain which I did and miraculously I had a call that same evening from the fracture clinic (I remember it clearly because they called me at 7.45 in the evening) asking if I could come in THE NEXT DAY.  

So ... sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands and pull some strings. It doesn’t hurt to kick up a fuss sometimes.  Let us know how you get on.  Xx