Sorry I can't offer words of advice about what to expect as I'm going through the same process. I do understand your annoyance at not going sooner, I have been having pain in my breast too where I've found a lump. I described it to the doctor at the time as chest pain and I got referred for a chest x-Ray which was all clear. I just wish i emphasised the fact the pain was more breast than chest and I feel like I wouldn't be in this horrible no man's land at the minute. 
 

please don't be scared I know it's horrible but just try and think positively that even if it is BC we will be looked after well.

Hi Fee616

I understand your fear. To combat the negatives I try to turn things round to cope; you went to your gp, they referred you, & you have an appointment in 5 days. These are all positives.

Clinics will vary slightly of course, and I can only tell you what happened to me, but my first visit was earlier this week. I was told to allow up to 4 hours.
Consultant talked with me and examined me, drew shape on my breast with marker pen around area of concern, that was 15 minutes.
Then had mammogram x4 taken - uncomfortable not painful, that was 15 minutes.

Then to ultrasound, they used the mammogram images to look at affected area, took a biopsy x3 in my case, that was half an hour.

Then back to consultant to review, 5 minutes. Now a 10-14 day wait for biopsy results in my case.

If they don't offer you could ask if they have a patient record system you can register with. Our area uses My Care. I registered while sat in the waiting room and later that same day was able to download the letter the consultant had sent to my gp confirming what the mammogram and ultrasound had shown.

All the staff and their care were lovely. It's the waiting in between stages that lengthens the time.
Sending you virtual hugs and strength. Know that there is always someone here who understands and will chat. Let us know how you get on xx

Hi Fee616    I'm sorry to hear that your having breast problems. The breast clinic staff are really nice,  do take someone with you they can see the consultant with you then they can hear or ask what you forget. I would recommend making a list before you go, lots of people do. 

The drs are really good and experienced with breast issues they are up to date with the current treatments. Your  GP are only able to give their view, which is limited by only seeing a few breast problems a week or month. They just refer you on to clinic. 

At your appointment you will see the consultant then probably have a mammogram or ultrasound. When they have seen the results you see the consultant again, if all is clear they will tell you or plan your ongoing care. 

 if biopsies are needed they can do them in clinic. Then you return a week or two later for the results. 
l like the one stop clinic where they can scan ect.  And tell you if all is clear. Other clinics have to give you a form to book tests which can take ages. 
Try to relax l know it's hard l find keeping busy helps, Don't be scared they will look after you. 
susie

Thank you for your reply! 

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Please, if you're concerned, don't hesitate to contact your GP again for another referral, this time focusing on your breast. Lumps should always be checked out, and I'm so sorry they misunderstood your problem. 

It's horrible being stuck in limbo with all these questions isn't it. I wish you all the best, and thank you again! 

Thank you so much for this! 

I'm sorry you're going through all of this, and really appreciate you taking the time to reply. You've explained a lot about what to expect, and it's really appreciated! 

Yes, the waiting in between is really difficult isn't it. I don't know about you but I'm running through a million different scenarios in my head. I wish it could stop. 

I do access my records online, which is how I noticed the word "tethering" repeated on the report. I almost wish I hadn't looked, but still, it's good to be informed. 

I hope you get your biopsy results quickly, and that they're good news! Please do keep us updated! 

Thank you so much, Susie! That explains a lot! 

I'll be taking my partner with me, thank goodness. We're both quite forgetful though! 

I believe it's a one stop clinic I'll be visiting. I'm agoraphobic so repeated visits to the hospital would be very challenging for me. 

Thank you again, it's reassuring to hear that I'll be taken care of. 

I hope all goes well 

Susie

I hope everything went ok at your appointment xx