Hey MrsBR! 

I have just read your message on the forum and felt compelled to join so that I could reply to you. Until now, I have been reading the odd story for my own peace of mind, hoping to find positive outcomes from anyone in a similar situation to mine...Thus far, I just read and then leave without interacting! However, noticig you're also from Scotland I thought I would pop on and say Hi! I'm so sorry to hear about all your recent worry. The waiting must be absolutely horrendous and I do hope you hear back very soon. 
 

I found a lump in my left breast at the end of Sept. I realised it was during my cycle so thought I would wait a couple of weeks just on the off chance it was hormonal. After this time, I realised it was most definitely not period related and decided to book a gp app. I called my practice and was seen that very day. After the lump was confirmed, I was told I would be given an urgent referral to the breast clinic. Just over 4 weeks later ( I had been surprised as I thought it would only be 2 ) I was seen by a breast consultant who, just like my own gp, felt the lump ( actually 2! a 2nd larger lump was found ) she didn't seem overly concerned but told me I would be referred to have an ultrasound to investigate further. That appointment took place on the 25th Nov . I am still waiting. I couldn't believe that I had waited all that time to be told I had to wait again. Mental torture! It's now been over 7 weeks from that appointment and I habe just now been told I have my 'urgent' scan referral, ( after numerous phone calls! ) I was told they had absolutely no idea when I would be offered an appointment, they had no lead times. After another phone call, I was told they managed to 'squeeze' me in. My ultrasoumd is booked in for the 25th Jan. exactly two whole months after my  first hospital app and 3 months since going to my doctor. I am absolutely horrified and truly hope there is nothing sinister as the time that has been potentially wasted isn't worth thinking about. I have a friend whom works in the department and know of the incredible pressure the staff are under, however some communication would have been nice. I left the hospital assuming I would have a letter within a couple of weeks at most. 

since finding the initial lump, I have been having burning pain just below the larger one of the two close to my rib case. It's very uncomfortable. I think this makes me so much more aware as I can be doing things, feeling positive and not worrying only to suddenly feel the pain reminding me of the uncertainty. So in a very long drawn out reply...I completely empathise with your anxiety over waiting...albeit not for the same thing! 

It's now my turn to apologise for the long story! Ha. That's was the very quick version! 
 

Sending positive vibes your way,

V x

Hello V,

Thanks for reaching out & replying.

You are a little ahead of me from when your lump was discovered & first clinic appointment but sadly you are a now  behind me with still waiting for your ultrasound which must be so difficult! In Aberdeen it's a one-stop clinic so everything happens at that first appointment. 

I agree that our nhs staff work so hard & they'll be doing everything they can but it is so difficult all the waiting. I too I'm mostly positive but then as time goes on my doubts start to creep in.

Have you passed on information about your recent burning pains, to the clinic or your GP. Maybe they would want to see you sooner or could offer you some assurance about it being ok to wait for another few weeks.

Keep busy & stay strong. I'll let you know if I hear a date for my results & I'll keep the 25th for you in my thoughts xx

Good morning MrsBR!

Lovely to hear from you. I had initially thought that my appointment would also be a one stop clinic also. I had geared myself up for proper investigative tests on the day of my appointment so had been surprised when I was told I would have to come back. I did re read the letter I received and had noticed it stated that the appointment may be spread over two if necessary....I'm not sure as to whether this is down to recourses in my particular area ( Ayrshire ) or something else entirely. When I called the X-ray department recently I was told that my referral wasn't submitted until the 20th of Dec. I was horrified and after some questioning, I got the impression there had been some mistake along the way. Considering my hospital visit was on the 25th Nov...the referral too nearly 4 weeks to be submitted?! I found this very odd. However my friend said that sometimes when someone is trying to chase up an appointment they make re-referrals which can look like it's only been put on from that particular date...who knows! They do have the biggest backlog of patients than any other department. So you and I are two of many many women out there facing the long wait. 
 

I am somewhat disheartened by thinking that if, like yourself I need a biopsy that the wait time for this will also be similar! Whilst on the topic of your biopsy, did the procedure hurt? We're you able to go back to your normal activities straight away?  
 

Ah, with regards to the pain situation, I passed on the new info of my symptoms which is actually when I was told by the department that they would chase up my referral. I'm just so thankful to have a date! I'm very busy so I won't have much time to think too much but it's the odd night ( mainly when my fiancé is night shift ) that my mind wanders! Only natural I suppose. 
 

 Take care lovely,

V xx

Hi,

I'm not in Scotland but am waiting on my one stop clinic appointment and it's on 25th jan. I am praying I won't need a biopsy but of course know it's highly likely. This waiting is absolute agony, I can understand why you are so frustrated, I would be if I were in your shoes. I'm going to call the clinic tomorrow to see if there have been any cancellations as if I can speed it up I want to. I don't feel like im really able to concentrate on much at the moment. 

Hello, I'm so glad to hear you can keep busy, it does help! You've had such a long a wait already, keep focussed on the 25th as it might be the date you get all the answers you need. If you do need to get biopsies taken don't panic, I can honestly say the experience isn't awful. You get injected with local anaesthetic & it's not painful. It all feels a bit odd, pressing/pulling at your breast to get the correct position for the samples & photographs, but not painful. Each step was explained to me before it happened. I was also unaware when the markers went in so again not painful. Afterwards the tenderness was no worse than pre-menstrual type soreness which is noticeable but not bad (for me anyway). I'm very active & was back in my sports bra a few days later. I had light bruising that went after a few weeks xx

Hello,

You & V above both have clinic dates set for 25th Jan; do come back on to confirm how the appointments go.

It is so difficult the waiting & not knowing, I feel a bit snappy with people too which I don't mean to be.

Did your doctor give you any feedback on initial ideas? Did you also find a lump? 

Hopefully you'll get all your answers on the 25th but if you also need biopsies try not to worry, I was saying to V in post above I didn't find the experience too bad & certainly not painful xx

 

I'll definitely let people know how I get on as I always look to see how things have panned out for others.

im not worried about the biopsy I just want an answer if that makes sense. My GP was completely straight faced, very factual so I got no indication. 
 

have you got a date?

Hey! 
 

Ah this is good to know, I'm not bothered by needles or worried if this procedure needs to happen but was concerned about how I would feel afterwards due to having a work commitment & kids. I'm thinking way too much into the future. Most likely I shall go and be told all is well! PMA!!!
 

Thanks again for the reassurance. It took me a lot to come on here and post but I do feel better knowing I can chat to people in similar circumstances. 

enjoy your evening,

v xx

Hey! 
 

just noticed we have the same app date! I wish you all the best with yours. The waiting and unknowing is really difficult isn't it but hopefully you're given some comfort by knowing there are others out there who completely understand and are in the same situation. The first few weeks for me were the worst. I then got myself into a good head space where I was almost able to put it to the back of my mind. I have waited so long that now I finally have another appointment in sight it's almost made me anxious all over again. 
 

Sending positive vibes your way.

V xx