Hi Alicaic,

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the fact that you have to wait until the new year for your clinic appointment. This is always a worrying time and our imaginations take us to all sorts of dark places. Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, hormonal or fibrous changes. It is also a fact that only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a cancer diagnosis. The younger you are the less likely you are to have breast cancer. 

Even if it does turn out to be cancer, breast cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years, but I still live a busy and fulfilled life.

Do you have a pastime or any jobs to catch up on?  We usually advise people to keep themselves as busy as possible to help the waiting time to pass.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you're getting on. We all know what you are going through and, are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for replying. I have been following cancer research forum for a week or so and you have been very helpful. Thanks. 
 

I am a third year student nurse who is currently on AL so I have three weeks off to sit with my own thoughts! And as a nurse, I feel like I am going slightly crazy. I am struggling to switch off at night. 
 

I've had this lump and swelling for at least 6 weeks now. And even though im aware there chances of it been cancer are low... im just concerned with the swelling in the armpit and the fact I have a separate lump in my breast. 
 

I have children aswell (that im not breastfeeding) and it's just stressful. 
 

alicia 

We are awful patients. The waiting is awful. 
 

I am also just home from hospital with my 8 year old as she has broke two bones in her arm ‍♀️
 

im sorry to hear you've also been through this journey. 
 

alicia 

Hi Alicia,

I hope that your daughter is lapping up all the attention and that her arm will heal quickly. How did she manage to do this?

I've had two bouts of this. The first was 12 years ago and the second was 11 years ago. It's not a journey that anyone wants to take. However, it's all 'doable' if we have to do it. The waiting is awful. Are you finding yourself tearful and short tempered with family? These are all perfectly normal. Try to avoid consulting 'Dr Google'. Much of the information there is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. Until you know exactly what you are dealing with, this will only scare you further and serve no useful purpose.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

She sure is!! I don't blame her with two breaks in her arm! Poor soul... and just a few days before Christmas aswell. 
 

im sorry to hear you've had two bouts of cancer. How is your health now?

trying to stay off google, but also with clinical experience, i know where to look for reputable and trusted information. 

tried to keep myself busy today. Done some Christmas wrapping and played trivia games with the kids. 
 

Alicia 

Hi Alicia,

Poor wee mite. At least she can get used to having her plaster on without being at school. 

I am certainly slower than I was, but it's hard to say how much is due to my cancers and how much is just old age. I am in one of the professions allied to medicine, so know what you are going through with the clinical experience you've got. Even reputable information is no great help to you until you know what you are up against.

It's really hard to concentrate on other matters with this hanging over you. I'm glad to hear that you managed to keep busy today.

Jolamine xx

I've had multiple breast ops due to blocked breast ducts starting in 1977 , they improved following breast reduction that removed half the breast tissue, l have a season ticket for breast clinic they are great . The staff are really informed about the up to date treatment of breast problems. Google can just make you feel that you have a bigger problem, waiting for your appointment is the hardest bit, you could ring the clinic COVID may make some openings as patients cancel, and offer to take a cancellation. Nurses do make the worst patients l have just had gynaecology surgery and the one hour op became four and a half hours. It was a bit of a shock.
I hope you have a great Christmas and your results are good.  Try to relax and enjoy the day. 
susie

Hey, 

she is trying to get used to having a cast on but I also think the fear of the pain is also a factor. 

I am so glad I can relate to you about being an allied health professional. 
 

The healthcare professional I seen said my breast symptoms were similar to those of mastitis with the swelling of the underarm and breast lump but I have no symptomatic symptoms of infection such as a temperature or redness. I am genuinely making myself ill waiting. I have lost 3kg in two weeks. 
 

alicia xx

Hi Alicia,

Your poor daughter. Which arm did she break? She must find it awkward when she tries to do certain things. 

I can certainly relate to how you are feeling. I was a total wreck when I was first diagnosed. I am normally very sensible and the person that people come to with their problems. However I cried copously, which was most unlike me. I was also very snappy with my family - again, unlike me. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, so naturally thought the worst. Like you, my diagnosis was delayed - not due to a holiday, but to the fact that I needed additional tests.

It would be great to think that you just have mastitis and nothing more sinister - fingers crossed!

Jolamine xx.