Hello BStarMSK

I'm sorry to hear that your Mum is waiting on some biopsy results following a recent appointment at the breast clinic. We know that waiting for results can be a worrying time for many people and it's understandable that you're feeling anxious. 

It's not uncommon for some people to wait a few weeks before receiving their results as it can take a few weeks for the biopsies to be processed and then for all the results to be discussed at a multi-disciplinary team meeting. The good news is that it sounds like the team should be in a good position to give your Mum some clear answers about these lumps when she sees them in a few weeks. 

I know many people have found it helpful to chat things through with one of our nurses ahead of a results appointment and I'm wondering if this might be something that you, or your Mum, might find beneficial. I'm sure the nurses will be happy to offer any advice, information, and support they can along with helping you think about any questions that your Mum might want to ask. If you'd like to chat with the nurses they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040, excluding bank holidays. 

Do let us know how your Mum gets on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi BStarMSK,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear about your Mum's symptoms and can appreciate the concern that this is causing for both of you. As our moderator, Jenn, says it is not unusual for people to have to wait a few weeks for their results. By the time you meet The Breast Care Service Team, your results will have been discussed at your consultant's MDT (Multi-disciplinary team) meeting. This is a meeting attended by all of the professional people involved in your case. They discuss all the details like whether or not you might need regular monitoring, surgery, treatment or simply discharge. 

If you are diagnosed with cancer, they will have possibly decided on the best type of treatment for you and, as Jenn says, they should be able to give your mum some clear answers.

Are you aware that not all lumps are cancerous? Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma. It is also a fact that of every 10 people who attend the breast clinic, only 2 will get a cancer diagnosis. Even if the worst should happen, treatments have advanced dramatically in the past few years. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer which had spread to her liver, lungs, brain and bone. Since then, I myself have had 2 bouts. There was just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare, which we both experienced. I was diagnosed 13 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

Please keep in touch and let us know how your mum's results go. We are always here for both of you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine and Jenn

many thanks for your responses. all makes sense now. Will pass this onto my mum and think it will be helpful for her to speak to one of the nurses. 
 

only thing I was concerned about is I read on an NHS Trust page (can't remember which one!) that consultants give diagnoses within 28 days from being referred. Wondered if you had any further information on this ? My mums appointment appears to be after 28 days 
 

thsnks!

bee

Hi Bee,

There doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule. Some people get their results within a week, whilst others have to wait a lot longer. A lot will depend upon what tests have been carried out and the pressures of work load on the consultant. You also have to faction in public holidays and your care team's holidays.

I hope that your mum finds a chat with one of our nurses helpful. Please let us know how she gets on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for your supportive words Jolamine! This is a case of me going down rabbit holes, trying my best to find anything that might be positive! Will keep you posted :)