Hi Nicole,

A very warm welcome to our forum. We always advise people to steer clear of consulting 'Dr Google', as this will only serve to scare the pants off of you. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes and, many people have naturally lumpy breasts. This wait is always bes especially worrying when you have a young family. I presume you meant that your appointment isn't until 14th February?

Try to keep yourself busy until your appointment comes up - this shouldn't be difficult with 3 little ones! Here's hoping that this is nothing too serious.

Please keep in touch and let us know. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi 

I found a lump in my breast last week I've been to gp who agreed there's a lump. Also said she can see some indentation, she's referred my to breast clinic 2WW on 26/2 as my mum and sister have both had breast cancer. I've received a letter on Saturday saying they've recieved my referral. I rang up today to be told there's no appointments for this week and they'd be in touch, I asked for one next week she said no someone will be in touch with me to make the appointment it could be short notice if they get a cancellation or longer than the 2 weeks as there really busy. I know times are hard with covid but I'm worried about having to wait to be seen x

Hi Linnymc,

A very warm welcome to our forum,

Breast cancer clinics throughout the country are very busy and are under more pressure than usual due to Covid. I do hope that you manage to get a cancellation. The additional length of time that you hve to wait shouldn't make any impact on the outcome.

I am so sorry to hear that your mum and your sister have both had breast cancer and hope that they are doing well now. Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for the reply Jolamine, I'm just getting myself so anxious worring about it. It's hard for so many people at the moment the waiting time for for appointments everywhere is such a long wait x

Hi Linnymc,

Waiting to be seen is always an anxious time. Try to keep yourself busy with a pastime, or catch up on some of those jobs that need doing. This helps the time to pass more quickly. We usually advise people to steer clear of the internet at this stage, as this will only scare you further and serve no useful purpose.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine 

Trying to keep myself busy with work and running the house but my mind keeps drifting, I'm now sore and got bruises because I keep poking to see if it's changed I know I shouldn't but can't help it. Hope your ok I'll let you know when my appointment finally comes through x

Hi Linnymc,

It is always difficult to concentrate on anything at this stage. All you can do is to try. It is also difficult not teep poking and prodding yourself, but try to avoid the temptation. If you have to do this, try only doing it in the shower, when your breasts are good and soapy. This is much gentler.

Hope to hear that you have an appointment soon.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Linnymc,

It is always difficult to concentrate on anything at this stage. All you can do is to try. It is also difficult not teep poking and prodding yourself, but try to avoid the temptation. If you have to do this, try only doing it in the shower, when your breasts are good and soapy. This is much gentler.

Hope to hear that you have an appointment soon.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi again 

I've got my appointment for the 14th February. Trying my best not to poke and prod till then x

Hi linnymc,

I'm glad to hear that your appointment has come through. I know that every day of waiting feels like a lifetime, but it does help to have a date to work towards.

I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for you on 14th February.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine 

Thanks for the advice, hope your ok and everyone else waiting for appointments it's a stressful time. Unfortunately I've been using Dr Google so I've had every type of breast problem in one night. I'd say don't go on the internet it will send your anxiety through the roof. 
 
Linny x

Hi Linnymc,

You are quite right. We always advise people not to consult 'Dr Google', as this will only set your stress levels through the roof and serve no useful purpose. Much of the information there is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the most spectacular cases.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Just to upda,

I've been the hospital had mammogram ultrasound and biopsy, went back in to see the doctor he said hes 98% certain it's breast cancer certainly not what I was expecting to hear. I go back next week for the results and need a CT scan. I'm gutted all I've done is cry worried about what's going to happen next and about my family x

Hi Linnymc,

I am so sorry to hear this. In some ways this will help to prepare you for the bad news next week. Remember that one person in two has cancer, so there is life after diagnosis. I have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and felt the same as you in respect of what would happen to my family. Since then I have seen them leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and have families of their own.

Don't worry about the crying - this is a good release valve for all of the stress that you've been under.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine 

sorry to hear you've been through this but glad you've come through it how did your family cope I'm always the strong one who looks after everyone and runs round when there sick, it's hard cause it's me now. 
I questioned yesterday why wasn't anything seen on my screening mammogram 3 years ago, the consultant said it didn't show on this mammogram only on the ultrasound as I have dence breasts. Now im worried how long it's been there and if it's spread. There's so much going round in my head how am I going to pay bills if I have to have to much time off work x

Hi linnymc 

Just reading through as I also have lumps and awaiting an appointment, so sorry to hear of your bad news. 
It's truly terrifying even hearing other people get the bad news and my heart hurts for you (all) but your in the best hands now and many people are cured and live on to have a healthy life. Don't give up the fight!! 
 

sending prayers, hugs and well wishes.X 

Hi Linnymc,

I'm always the strong one in my family too, but it's amazing how they all rallied round. What ages are your children? Some cancers don't show up well on ultrasound or mammogram. I have mucinous cancer and this was missed too. They don't usually give ladies under 40 a mammogram, because their breasts are often too dense to show anything. It sounds as if your dense breasts might well be the reason why it didn't show up for you.

Try not to think too far ahead. Don't look at the big picture just now, as it's just too much to cope with. Deal with one thing at a time. Everything will fall into place eventually. If you do need a lot of time off work, you might qualify for some financial help. There is usually someone who can help with this in most hospitals - ask your consultant or breast care nurse. Have you got a date for your CT scan yet.

Not knowing what you're up against is the hardest part. By next wek your consultant should have a treatment in place and you can then begin to move forward.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Riley89 

hope your ok, yes it is a worrying time and you think the worst.

Try to stay positive and stay off Google it will drive you insane, hope your appointment comes through quickly.

let us know how you get on x