Too long to wait for mammogram

Hi. I am extremely worried having noticed my areola turning white I. The shower in December. I then noticed my nipple was flattening and I'm sure when lifted around my nipple was a bit orange peel. Couldn't see a doctor because of covid so sent to a nurse. She said come back in 2 weeks but can't book a doctor so come to me and I will get a GP in if necessary. Then I noticed a lump under my arm. Big, oval, doesn't move or hurt. Obs I was worried as it's a node. Rang gp straight away and got to see a doctor. Was referred and went to clinic on 4th January. Was supposed to be a one stop clinic but they didn't have anyone to do a mammogram! I saw a consultant who noted my node. I now have to wait until 27th January. I know it's bad and I'm convinced that it will now be in my nodes spreading everywhere. In the summer when stretching a noticed my rib that side was tender and still is. My shoulder hurts to.  I cry every day. Having to hold down a full time job. Hardly sleeping. Please can someone talk to me. I'm in pieces. 

  • Hiya . 
    Having read your post a couple of times I really can feel your pain and distress . It's a rubbish time for you and I think everybody on here will agree that the start and maybe a bit beyond until we have answers are the most difficult times of our lives so far . 
    Waiting for appointments, tests and then the results is mental torture and everybody reacts differently . For me this means mainly being strong and outwardly coping whilst inside having an absolute meltdown . I wait until the house is empty before I completely go to pieces . After I'm done I feel better . It's like a slow build up , boiling point , explosion , level off then start again ! I find in the days leading up to appointments are the worst and that's when my anxiety rears it's ugly head . I have never suffered from anxiety before so it's a bit of a double punch in the face if I'm honest . 
    I knew I couldn't cope mentally at work until I had all the answers and thankfully my employers have been absolutely fantastic in supporting me and have allowed me extended leave .the negative of that though is that I have a lot of time to think which may be a good thing or a bad thing . 
    have you spoken to your GP about your anxiety over this ? They may be able to help you until your appointment date ? With me 3weeks seems to be the norm for appointments /tests and results . I'm still in the planning stage even though I was diagnosed with ILC at the end of November but theres been a few curveballs chucked in there to stop progression to surgery so far . I think once they have all they info they need they are pretty speedy no matter which part of the country you're in , but it's the getting to that point that's absolutely soul destroying . 
    If you want to chat anymore give me a shout  and I'll help as much as I can . Xx

  • The waiting for results and tests are the worst part appointment times are difficult. I have had stressful days just before scans and breast clinic visits. After lots of surgery I still have moments and feel for you. Talk to anyone about the situation l know some people are stressed and don't want to be reminded what's going on. My husband was really quiet just before Christmas when I was waiting for my ovarian biopsies to come back, fortunately ok. He then told everyone that they were fine. 
    take care 

    Susie