Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Covid.However it may turn out that you've been fortunate as it has identified a mass that you were previously unaware of and now it will be fully investigated.

The waiting is the hardest part and our minds always focus in on the worst outcomes and make us sick with worry.  Please take comfort from the fact that only 1to2 people out of every 10 referrals to the breast clinic end up with a cancer diagnosis. The flickering pains you're experiencing may be a good sign because most cancers are painless.

I was referred to the breast clinic in October after finding lumps. Unfortunately after having mammogram scan + biopsies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I'm currently on chemotherapy prior to surgery.

I hope everything goes ok for you and that you get some answers soon. 

Please let me know how you get on.

Extending a big hug to you 

Lilyanne xx

Hi I'm so sorry to hear of your news! I hope you don't feel too poorly from your treatment! How very kind of you to reply to my post! I've been going out of my mind with worry! And the fact I can't feel any lumps is scary because I know something is there ! Just want the appointment over with! It's the fear of the unknown which is the worst ! And I've also read the biopsy is painful I'm so scared  

Morning thank you for reassurance it really means a lot ! The hubby is telling me not to tell anyone because it's prob nothing but I think it's good to talk ! I do feel positive just in the back of my mind I'm feeling a little worried bit that's normal I'm sure! You keep smiling your amazing ! 
 

xxx zoe 

Hi Zoe,

My husband says the same thing but I think some men find it difficult to open up to other people. I truly believe that talking, whilst it can't change things, certainly helps. At this stage even if everything turns out ok (hopefully), the anxiety and fears that you're currently experiencing are all too real.

It's totally normal to be nervous, I know I was and I still am. I've had + continue to get support on this site and am really happy to try to give a little back. We're all on a steep learning curve and we all need a hand to hold.....even if it's only a virtual one!

In your previous message you asked me why I'd been seen faster. However that's not the case. I went to my GP about  the 7th October 2021 and was first seen at breast clinic on 21st October. At that first appointment I had mammograms and scans and they showed there was a problem so I had to have both breasts biopsied, which they did the same day.

I think from our dates, that I'm about 3months ahead of you.

I'm a little confused, Did your GP refer you to breast clinic before you had the CT scan following Covid. Or were you referred following the scan result?

Once I was under the breast clinic things started to move quickly. Hopefully your appointment will arrive anytime now.

Big hug Lilyanne xx♥️

Hi Zoe,

I've just realised it was someone else, on this thread, who asked me about my dates. 

(So just ignore the second part of my message where I mentioned your previous response and my confusion over your Breast clinic refferal cos I realise now that wasn't you)

Sorry about that, 

Lilyanne x

Hi don't worry it can get confusing messages different people! It's just lovely you have time to reassure others ! They found the mass in my left breast during a ct scan looking for blood clots because i had covid! Wish my letter would just arrive already Ali want it over with so I know what's what ! 
 

xx zoe xx

As if Covid wasn't enough for you to cope with! You certainly are having more than your fair share of stressful events xx♥️

My first breast clinic appointment was exactly 2weeks to the day from when my GP referred me. Keep your mobile handy cos I received a text reminder for the appointment before the actual letter arrived in the post.

Lilyanne xx

Wow really ? I had a letter yesterday to tell me what they found and that if I haven't had a referall letter to contact my gp but not sure how long to wait before I call them! I almost called the breast clinic today to see if they had reverse referall but didn't want to be too premature ringing them! It's bloody torture ! 
 

xxx zoe xx 

I am going through something very similar at the moment. A year ago I found some lumps in my neck which are swollen lymph nodes and they have been growing ever since. Unfortunately due to covid, tests got delayed and my GP did not take my issues seriously, so I am still waiting for appointments which has been extremely stressful. To add to everything I found a lump in my breast on new years eve and have been referred to the breast clinic as well. The wait is worse than anything they could tell me, I'll be relieved just to get an answer as to why I have been struggling over the last year. 

Omg my lovely how awful for you having to wait all those months for a referral have you not had to it neck checked at all yet? No wonder your anxious and worried ! It's such a terrifying time , I really feel for you! Any idea when your appointment is? Xx zoe xx 

Hi Zoe,

If I was in your position I'd call the breast clinic tomorrow. Worst case scenario is they haven't had referral yet. I'm sure they'll understand your anxiety. Tell them you've had the letter but you couldn't get through to your GP + you want to to know if they've got a date for your appointment. If not are there any cancelled appointments they can give you 

Fingers crossed Liliyanne xx

You know what sod it I shall do that tomorrow , I should of today but got so side tracked ! I'm trying to keep busy to take my mind off it ! 
 

xx zoe xx 

You know what sod it I shall do that tomorrow , I should of today but got so side tracked ! I'm trying to keep busy to take my mind off it ! 
 

xx zoe xx 

Hi Zoe,

Let me know how you get on . Lilyanne xx

Morning lovely I've rang them they haven't referred me I'm so upset the consultant hasn't done it! Now I've got to wait for them to call me !   

xx zoe xx 

Oh Zoe I'm so sorry. Thank goodness you called them at least you've prompted some action. If your CT scan was done at same hospital (or under same health authority) they should be able to access it.

I hope they get back to you quickly and can offer you an appointment without further delay.

Sending much love, Lilyanne xx

Hiya lovely hope your ok? It was the exact same hospital, the breast clinic is part of it so there is no reason why the referral wasn't done when my discharge notes were issued! I'm so frustrated just want it over with! If it's something serious I want to crack on and get it sorted ! It's just a whirlwind of emotions right now! I do feel angry at them 

xxx zoe xx 

Hi Zoe,

You have every right to feel angry. You shouldn't have to chase up your appointments like this. I'm afraid it's probably due to how overstretched the NHS currently is.

Did they give you any indication of when they'll call you back?

Love Lilyanne xx♥️

Hi I've chased them up again and the referall has finally been done ! So it's a case of waiting for my letter now ! It's been horrible today ! I do feel a tad better knowing it's been done! I would like to know why it wasn't done but like you say the NHS is so busy I understand why it was forgotten 

xx Z xxx

Hi Zoe,

Pretty crap day, but it would have been worse if you hadn't chased it up.

Hope the letter arrives soon

xx Lilyanne xx

Thank you lovely ! Hope your ok ! And thank you so much for your support and kind words 

xxx 

Hi 

I'm fine thanks. Going for my third round of Chemo in the morning. So early bed for me tonight.

Keep me posted on your appointment.

Love Lilyanne xx

Hope all goes well today sending you lots of love xxxx