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

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 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 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

Hi Jolamine 

I've got my CT scan tomorrow and the consultant on Tuesday so I'll know more then, I feel a bit calmer now family and work have been brilliant. I always thought that only younger women had dence breasts and I was a bit old for it.
My children are 37, 33, 32 and 28 

Thank you for your replies it's nice to hear from someone who knows what I'm going through. Hope your keeping well.

linny x

Hi Linny,

I am glad to hear that you've got your CT scan tomorrow and that you don't have too long to wait after that before you see your consultant again. It is mostly younger women who have dense breasts, but there's always the exception to every rule.

By the sounds of things your family are all old enough to appreciate what you are going through and to be a real support to you. I lost my mum to breast cancer a few years before I was diagnosed. My children were in their early teens at the time, but old enough to know what was happening. I think that they got quite a shock when I was diagnosed too and they naturally thought that the worst would befall me.

I hope that all goes well for you tomorrow and, that it will point a way forward for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine 

so much goes round in your head doesn't it. 
Had my CT scan yesterday strange feeling

when I had my ultra sound he said my lymph nodes look ok and it looks like it's contained within the breast which is good. 
Now my mind gone in overdrive thinking can it still spread without lymph node involvement, I've had a headache pain in my arm and feeling sickly every little thing is making me think it's spread im literally driving myself crazy x

Hi Linny,

Yes. You'll find that your head is literally buzzing at preset. As far as I know, there has to be lymph node involvment for the cancer to spread. If it's of any consolation, many of us develop other symptoms at this stage, but these disappear once we get a diagnosis. 

This will be a long weekend for you, but you don't have much longer to wait. Is there something that you can keep yourself preoccupied with until Tuesday? This will help the time to pass a little quicker.

I shall be thinking of you on Tuesday and am hoping and praying for good news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi Linny, I'm 34, I was diagnosed yesterday with idc grade 2 er pos waiting on her2 results. I don't think there is a wrong or right way to do this stuff. 
your brain must be going a million miles an hour. It's natural to think the worst: keep your brain occupied. We have this! Try taking up something to help occupy you wondering brain. 
I am starting a cancer journey journey, I will be putting all my thoughts feelings and bits and pieces all together. This will be my reminder that I am a survivor of this dreadful disease. Also look at mindfulness, there are some very good audios to help. you. If you are really struggling speak to your breast nurse. If you need a chat I am here x

Hi again 

Thanyou both for your kinds words of support and I hope your both keeping well 

how are you coping rainbow do you know when you'll be starting you treatment. Have you got any children. 
Did you both have a list of questions to ask the consultant. 
I spent the weekend watching films on TV went into work today but staying off tomorrow. 
I spoke to the breast nurse today I'm now having a phone consultation tomorrow as the consultant has covid it will be 3 way with the breast nurse. I did ask how big my lump was as I didn't ask last week think I was partly in shock and denial. Its 5cm. I was asking lots of questions she just said the consultant will speak to you tomorrow, my head then goes into overdrive again thinking it's really bad news it's spread that's why she won't say anything. I'd got myself pretty calm until the phone call I'll know more tomorrow about what's going on. 

Linny x