Thanks for your reply Jolamine, my appointment is on Monday so not long to wait. I keep reading different stats but bit confused really. 4 out of 100 get recalled and only 1 in 4 have cancer. But it also says about 1 in 100 have cancers that need treating and 3 in 100 have cancers that don’t. I keep thinking that hopefully if I've got cancer it's been found early x

Hi Debjay,

Forget about all the stats. Cancer is individual to each and every person, so, to some extent, stats go out the window. I'm glad to hear that you don't have long to wait for your appointment.

Here's hoping that you get good news on Monday. Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine,

Do you know if they can diagnose cancer from just an ultrasound or will it need to be a biopsy? Will I get told there or then or need to return? I know I can't take anyone with me due to COVID. 
 

It's going to be a long weekend. 

Hi Debjay,

In most cases you need a biopsy to diagnose the type and grade of cancer present, so you usually have to wait 1-2 weeks for the results of this. Sometimes your consultant can be pretty sure whether or not cancer is present from looking at your scans and may tell you this on your first visit. Despite Covid restrictions, most hospitals will let you take someone with you when you are attending for results.

Will be thinking of you on Monday.
Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine, I am going on my own on Monday but should I take someone? I was planning on asking about whether I could bring someone when I get any results but now worried what if they tell me I've got cancer on Monday and I'm on my own. 

Hi Debs,

I thought that you were just going for a repeat mammogram on Monday. This is all that I had when I was recalled. Fortunately, I was told immediately that all was clear and discharged there and then. 

I am not sure what the procedure would be if they find anything on the scan, as this varies throughout the country. I would expect that you won't be told anything for sure until they get the result of a biopsy. At the very worst, they might be able to tell you that it looks as if cancer might be present, but they would still have to carry out a biopsy if this is the case, as this would confirm the type and grade. You are probably best waiting until the second visit, if needed, to bring someone with you.

I hope that it all turns out well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi again,

I don't really want my husband taking leave to come on Monday as, according to the letter, he can't come in but could wait in the car. My daughter lives near the hospital and is a teacher so is on standby to come up for any bad news. Do feel bad for putting this on her tho

Hi Debjay,

If someone is in the car park, they could always be called in if there is any news to impart, but I doubt that this will be needed.

You can do this!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I keep telling myself I can do this but only really concerned for my children who are adults in their 20s