Hi Charlotte,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms. It is not at all unusual to find additional symptoms, so try not to worry about the third one. I am sorry to hear that there is a family history of under 50 breast cancer. Of the people referred to the breast clinic, only 1 person in every 8 who attend will get a breast cancer diagnosis. There is also a greater likelihood of being in this group, if you are in the older age bracket.

You have done the right thing by getting these changes investigated and, even if the worst should happen, it is eminently treatable. I lost my mum to breast cancer and have had 2 bouts myself. There is honestly no comparison between the treatments that we both had. Things have advanced considerably in the past few years. I still lead a busy and fulfilling life 13 years on.

No matter how level headed you are, it  is almost impossible not to worry whilst you're waiting for answers. You are quite right to avoid consulting 'Dr Google'. This is never very helpful until you know what you are dealing with and it can cause our imaginations to go into overdrive.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for such a lovely reply Jolamine. Glad to hear you're doing so well! It is reassuring to think that even if it isn't the news I want, it really is so treatable. And you're right, the stats are on my side (something my logical brain finds a lot of comfort in). Even when I was pregnant, I relied on statistics and information to quiet the nerves and worries I had before having my perfect little girl. 
 

I'll keep you posted! Xx

I think that's a big part of it isn't it? Not expecting the action. I fully expected my appointment Wednesday to be a case of here's a cream, nothing to worry about. Obviously I'm so grateful they're being thorough, and as you say, aware that it's a normal procedure and likelihood is still that there's nothing to be concerned about.

But it just wasn't expected. 

My appointment is 9th November, 5 days before my little girl turns 3. She's the thing I'm fixated on at the moment.

Please do let me know how you get on Thursday, I have everything crossed for you xx

Hi Charlotte. I'm exactly like you. A total control freak. I hate surprises so I'm always anticipating every possible outcome in every situation. I'm a glass half empty kind of girl. I went in to my consultation expecting the absolute worse and although I do have breast cancer it's been caught really early. Stage1 Grade 2 which was a bonus in a strange sort of way. Your anxiety is totally normal. I was lucky that it was only 4 days from seeing my gp to diagnosis so my anxiety is just kicking in now. My advice would be to be positive but prepare for the worst. I knew in myself that it was cancer and my motto was it is what it is now it's time to kick it's *** and stamp on it. . Hope everything goes ok for you. Xx

Hi Elaine,

How are you doing now? Kicking it's *** I hope!! 
I'm going to try and do just that, stay positive but prepare for if it's not news I'm wanting. I'm probably one of the most resilient people I actually know, so I'm ready to face whatever it is and show it who's boss Xx

Hi Charlotte. You've got this. Take whatever comes your way. Take it all step by step. I'm doing ok. Waiting for surgery on 8th. It's all go with appointments and pre ops. The cancer came back slightly larger than they originally thought so I opted for a mastectomy. New boobs for me and a tummy tuck too. I'm not going to pretend I haven't had bad days but I'm more positive with some dark humour thrown in. I'm sure people (including my surgeon) think I'm nuts.  I hope everything works out ok for you but if not then. You've got this. Xx

Thank you! I will let you know how it goes on Thursday. I'm nervous about it but also looking forward to it in a way if that makes sense?! I feel like my life has been in limbo this past few weeks and I just want to move forward again. 
The lack of control is hard but as a lady in work told me, there's no point in worrying over things you can't control. It's so much easier said than done though! 
Fingers crossed we will both be fine xx

Hi Charlotte,

I've got everything crossed for you!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Charlotte, 

I just wanted to let you know all went ok at my breast clinic appointment today! I'm not going to lie, I had a bit of a wobble this morning and then the hospital got their records mixed up and thought I'd cancelled my appointment but thankfully were still able to fit me in. I had a physical exam first, the doctor couldn't feel any lumps but told me the reason I was referred was because there was an area that had shown up different from the rest of the breast that they wanted to take a closer look at. I then went on to have an ultrasound, mammogram and fine needle biopsy. Thankfully I got results while I was still there and it was just glandular tissue. Feeling massively relieved and grateful this evening! Hopefully you will have a similar result xx