Hi Julia, welcome. My name is Jess. It's lovely to meet you x

I'm really sorry you've found this lump and are naturally worried. I want you to know that you aren't alone, we are all here with you during this frightening time.

I know you're scared but remember that it may not be cancer. As soon as anyone finds a lump the first thought is cancer but it's important to remember it could be a lot of other things as well. My advice for you is to try to stay positive and keep busy. Easier said than done I know. But do try. Do the things you love and enjoy, keep yourself occupied and don't give yourself time to think. The waiting is the worst I know, but hopefully you'll hear back soon and won't have to wait for too long.

I am sure everything will be ok. Hang in there lovely x

Sending you positive vibes and hugs xx

Hi Jules V. I think I joined this forum a few minutes after you so just wanted to say hi. I'm a little further along the diagnosis path than you as I've had tests now, just waiting for results - others on here who have more experience will probably be better able to give specific advice - but just to say I know where you're coming from. I was the same - being hyper-aware of any sensations in the area and not knowing if they were because I was thinking about it all so much.

I really hope you get word of an appointment soon - it makes these things extra stressful when they fall on a holiday and the wait is stretched out even more! If you haven't heard anything by Tuesday maybe it's worth getting in touch with the clinic - they should understand that it's a worrying time. Best of luck x

Hi Crow_

Thank you so much for replying. What's happening with your situation? I do hope it's all ok. It's such a worrying time isn't it, it's just awful.

Yes I will phone them Tuesday if I don't have anything
 

Lots of love x 

Thank you so much for your reply Jess. I hope you're doing ok x

Hi Jules - I also found a breast lump - I noticed it about a month ago - I waited a couple of weeks before going to the doctor just to see if it would change as I thought it might be something hormonal. That's probably not a good approach and I don't know how I had the patience as the waiting seems much harder now!

I got referred under the two week thing by my GP. At the breast clinic I had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. It was all waaaay easier and less traumatic than I expected and the staff were so kind and explained everything sensitively and thoroughly. The doctor said it could be one of several things. He didn't rule out cancer (I can't remember if he said how likely/unlikely it was - there was a lot of info to take in) but that if it is, it's tiny and everything looks clear around it - so I am actually doing ok. It seems whatever it is it will probably just be a case of taking it out. I will get the results the week after next.

I really hope you hear something soon - the wait is definitely the hardest part. It seems most things turn out to be benign or, if not, very treatable, but I know that's not much help until you know for sure. Did your doctor give you any idea how long the wait would be? I don't know where you are but if there is a symptom such as a lump you will usually automatically be seen within two weeks.

Good luck and hope you will update us if it's helpful to do so.

Hi again!

That's all very helpful thank you. I really hope your news is good and you get results quickly.

The doctor said she'd put the referral in on Monday afternoon but I haven't heard anything yet and now it's the Easter weekend it's even longer to wait which is hard. 

I will update news as and when I get it, hope you will too x

Hi Julia,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

I am sorry to hear that you find yourself waiting for an appointment at the breast clinic. These normally come through within 2 weeks from the date of referral, so you should hear soon. No matter how scary you are finding this, you have done the right thing by getting it investigated. There is always the temptation to keep poking and prodding ourselves after we discover a lump. This can often make something that was painless become painful. 

Try your best to leave well alone and don't start looking up things on google. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the spectacular cases. This just serves to frighten you further and has no useful purpose. There are several different types of breast cancer and there is no point in looking anything up until you know exactly wat you are dealing with.

It is hard to say what is causing the pain in your arms. Many of us do imagine pains all over our bodies once we find a lump. Some of these can be associated, but others disappear as soon as we get a diagnosis.

The possibility of a cancer diagnosis always bring us round to the thought of how our children will cope. I was the same at first. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilled life - I'm sure that you will probably do the same.

The best thing you can do at present is to keep busy. This doesn't always have to be work related - do you have a hobby that you could get involved in? I expect that, with two young children, you will have no bother keeping busy, but this really does help the time to pass.

Please keep in touch and let us know when your appointment comes through.

We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm just so frightened of it being cancer and I just don't know what I'd do. My children are so young and my husband is so worried too (even though he's trying to be a lot more positive than me about it). I have been googling and it's the worst thing to do, you're absolutely right. 
 

Thank you again for your reply.

Julia x

Hi JulesV

Just wondering if you've heard anything about an appoinment yet? (Only if you feel like posting of course!)