Hi,
I've found during this wait the thing that helps me the most is reading about what happened during other people's referral appointments the more details the better. So here's mine.
I was referred by my GP on 5th December after showing her a hard lump on my right breast near the armpit. I had my appointment yesterday morning.
The consultant that performed the examination was very light-hearted marked the lump with a pen and said off you go for a scan. As the nurse took me to radiologist she said "you're lucky, you will find out today what your result is so no horrible wait!" I wasn't sure how she knew this but was pleased to hear it. In the ultrasound room I was left alone to undress so I went to see what was written on the screen. It just said lump, please scan and send home if nothing suspicious found.
The nurse and person doing the ultrasound were so kind and lovely, but they scared the crap out of me. The radiologist said the lump was worrying, that she didn't want to sugarcoat things but she didn't like the look of it and we need to find out what it is. I was sent for a mammogram which found another lump deep in same breast. They biopsied that, the original lump and an enlarged lymph node. From this point onwards every new health professional I met asked me if I had brought anyone with me today.
Went back to speak to same consultant and he and a new nurse told me I'd coming back next week to discuss results. I asked if they suspect I have BC and he responded by telling me that treatments are much better than they were 3 years ago. After an awkward silence the nurse said that the results could also be benign and best not to Google it.
Is this normal practice to prepare patients for the worst? Has anyone else had a similar experience?
I'm 35, about to move house and planning to try for a baby this year.
Sorry for long post, and sending lots of love to anyone who is reading it xx
