Hi there
For months now I've been reading everyones posts on here. Apologies in advance for the long post, but if anyone is going through a similar situation then I want to reassure you that your feelings are normal. I'm 26 and here are my good results.
5 weeks ago I went to my GP with a breast lump and breast/armpit/shoulder/shoulder blade pain. I got an urgent referral on the 2WW to the Breast Clinic. My breast clinic appointment was on the 14th day. I was examined by a doctor who found the lump and marked it and my armpit for an ultrasound. She suspected a cyst. Ultrasound showed a solid lump, 22mm, consultant thought it was a fibroadenoma but took a biopsy just to be on the safe side as it had some atypical features. I was told to await a call in 7-10 days for results. I then received a letter dated 1 day after my biopsy (obviously sent before the lab had assessed it) with a results appointment in 3 weeks. Another letter recieved which was a copy sent to my GP, a summary of the first appointment. Honestly the most difficult 3 weeks ever. The anxiety/sickness/crying alongside convincing yourself you're okay is just exhausting.
You find yourself analysing every single word said or read on letters, reading far too much into them, out of sheer anxiety. For the whole 5 weeks I was on an emotional rollercoaster. Fine one minute and crying the next, planning how I'd tell friends/family/colleagues that I had cancer. I often got well ahead of myself, and coming to read some stories on here helped so much. What a community!
Everyone I saw or encountered at the breast clinic on both ocassions was fantastic. Compassionate and considerate.
Thought I was going to vomit or pass out whilst waiting to be seen for my results. Consultant told me at the results appointment that it was a benign condition, very common, a fibroadenoma. Nothing to worry about. Crying from relief and still shaking hours later. He did say he had tried to ring me on 2 occasions to give me these results over the phone but for whatever reason my phone blocked the calls and they didn't come through!
This was truly the scariest experience of my life. I wanted to share a positive story as I know how much I clung to them.
Hope this helps somebody, and I'm happy to answer any questions anyone may have about the process or my symptoms, or anything!
Take care everyone, and stay strong!
X
