Hi Zoe,

Firstly, sorry to hear you're going through this. It's a stressful time! 

I'm 32 and went to my GP in May after finding a dip in my left breast. From my GP appointment to my first appointment at the breast clinic was just over 2 weeks.

My biggest piece of advice to give you would be to take someone with you if you're able to and if your clinic allows you to. My consultant found what they suspected to be cancer and was up front with me there and then that they were 95% sure that I had breast cancer. They obviously couldn't confirm until results came back but that wasn't a nice thing to go through alone. 

Unfortunately for me, they were correct but at least for my results appointment I'd already prepared myself and took my husband with me that time!

I have everything crossed for you that you'll have nothing to worry about but thought I'd give you that heads up as I think the consultants tend to be very honest if they find something that they believe to be cancer. I had no clue what to expect from the appointment so just plodded along by myself and I wouldn't want that to happen to anyone else if it can be avoided.

Good luck x 

Hi Zoe.

I had similar symptoms, my left breast was very heavy,  very dense and breast pain over a few months. I didn't have any raised lymph nodes but my breasts were randomly feeling engorged and 'lactating' (i have 2 children I breastfed, aged 5 and 6). I do however have generally quite lumpy boobs, my left especially, so it's not hugely unusual for me except the pain and 'lactation'.

I went to my GP and she was brilliant, she referred me straight away on the 2 weeks pathway, warning me it may be 3 weeks, but I actually ended up being seen in one week! So I was really lucky. I am in the Midlands, but I know timescales do vary.

I agree with Jamie90 though, if you can take someone with you then I would advise you do. Even if your clinic doesn't allow people in, have someone waiting outside.

I went by myself, to be honest I was expecting to be in and out quickly (I have been to the breast clinic once before, around 18 months ago, that time I was there half hour and saw a nurse, had an ultrasound and left feeling like I'd wasted their time!). However this time my experience was much different. I saw a doctor to start, not a nurse. I had an ultrasound, then was told they needed to do a mammogram, then do 2 biopsies and put in markers, then another mammogram. So I was there over 3 hours. I did get tearful as I didn't expect to have all that. And whilst the biopsies were OK due to local anaesthetic, I already had breast pain before I started and so I did feel a little battered and bruised. And driving home on my own like that, whilst feeling upset, wasn't ideal. So if you can get someone to be there with you I would recommend it.

Also,  as Jamie has said, and other people on the forum mention quite a lot, if they suspect something like cancer, they may well tell you there and then at the first appointment, and that's a huge lot to deal with on your own!

While you wait try and stay calm, I know it's easier said than done. I don't have the end to my process yet as my results aren't until Thursday, but I will make sure I update for anyone who may want to know. However, remember all stories are different, and one person's symptoms, even if they match yours, may not have the same result.

Good luck, I hope your wait is not too long xx

Thanks I was going to go alone but I'll take my husband with me now. X

Please keep me updated, wishing you all the luck in the world and I hope it's nothing x

Hiya

The waiting is awful isn't it. I had a phone appt on 29th June and saw him on 6th July to check lump I'd found. He is confident it isn't anything to worry about but due to family history he referred me via the 2 week wait. I have had a phone call to say my appt will be on 11th August. Not had letter yet.

I imagine if your GP is concerned then you would have a shorter wait - I assume I've been triaged as less urgent than others. 

It is but I thankfully got my letter today I'm in next Wednesday 10th at 11am, it's a 1 stop so you get diagnosis etc. all in the one day. 
Greatful I'll have answers. 
Hope your appointment is all good. 

I would take a list of symptoms as we forget as soon as we see someone, you can take someone with you l went to the breast clinic last month, there were relatives with patients. The friend will be able to see the surgeon with you, but may have to wait outside before the appointment.
I hope your appointment goes well. The waiting is not easy it's hard not to worry . I have had lots of breast surgery and visits to breast clinics each one fortunately milk ducts infected and not cancerous. I have an open appointment and have been told to come back if l have problems. 
take care 

Susie 

Thanks but covid is bad in our local hospital where the clinic is so I won't be able to take anyone, it says on the letter to come alone. My husband going to sit out in the car.
Even though the letter says it could be a 2-4 hour appointment, I've gone from having symptoms, to them getting worse, to me now questioning them and if I made them up in my head.

My neck/left shoulder is in agony which feels like muscle pain, I think I've been tensing without meaning to since I've been waiting. 

I've gone from being 1000% sure it's cancer and it's spread to now thinking I'm crazy and it's all in my head. Can't wait to get the appointment over with so I can just relax. 

Hi Zoe,

I've just had my appointment at hospital Wednesday after my 2WW. I found a lump, saw the GP and was referred. Since then I've played it down to my husband despite my worry. I have since then noticed a large indentation where the lump is. The shape of my breast has visibly changed. 
 

At my app Wednesday my husband dropped me off, I made up some story about him not being allowed in. In my head I'm telling myself, I don't need to really speak about it with him until I have something wrong with me. Silly I know at the age of 41, but we all process our feelings differently. 
 

At my appointment they were amazing!! I had a mammogram, mri, ultrasound, numerous biopsies on two different sites of my breast and under arm due to the lump and they noticed raised lymph nodes. They put clip markers in and I then had another mammogram. I couldn't fault them or the service. It was first class.

When I got out, I felt shaken and sat in the cafe. Overcome with emotion and acceptance to what I had just been through I rung my mum just to hear her voice. I didn't tell her anything but right in that moment it hit me.

Needless to say, my husband is coming with me on Wednesday as it is all too much for one person. My mind like yours is in overdrive, I have played out ever scenario in my head. I hope all works out for you, please keep us updated on how you're doing. You aren't alone. X