Hi Studders, I'm sorry you are going through this. It sounds as if your doctor is conscious of your anxiety and has referred you to the cancer unit so you can get an answer quicker and put your mind at rest. I don't know if it's normal procedure - it may be for your area. I wouldn't read any more into it. I hope it all turns out to be nothing to worry about. Please let us know how you get on. Take care, Amy x

Hi Studders,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

You have done the right thing by getting this lump investigated. It is quite normal for a GP to refer you to the breast clinic at the hospital. Don't let the name cancer clinic, worry you. They normally see you within 2 weeks from the date of referral at these centres, so this should be quicker than waiting for a routine CT scan. These clinics have quick access to all the different types of breast tests that you may need. Some lumps show up better with one type of test than another.

Although this is called a cancer centre or a breast clinic, not everyone who attends has cancer. In fact, out of every 10 people who attend, only 2 will get a cancer diagnosis. It is also a fact that not all breast lumps turn out to be cancerous. Many are benign cysts or firbrous changes.

Most of us get scared while we're waiting for an appointment. Try to keep yourself as busy as you can, to help the time to pass. Also, avoid consulting Dr Google - There is no pioint in doing this until you know what the cause is.

Please let us know when you get your appointment through and remember that we are always here for you.

Here's hoping for good news!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Studders,

It is always frustrating when you need further tests, although it is reassuring that the person you spoke to said that nothing was standing out. Most people get a biopsy when they attend the clinic, as this is the only way to decide whether the lump is cancerous or not. It can take anything from 1-3 weeks to get the results back, but it is always a good idea to ask this question at the time that you have your biopsy, as waiting times vary from one clinic to another.

Were you given a date for your ultrasound and biopsy? I hope that you don't have long to wait.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for your reply. So i was called on Monday this week and have the ultrasound and biopsy on tuesday next week. So its all happening pretty quickly. I spoke to my doctor today and asked him what he thinks and he said its being treated as urgent so they can get it looked at and treated if needed asap.

I dont know, as a man whos never been afraid of anything this is totally freaking me out, mind is in overdrive and naturally thinking the worst of it all is going to get said to me. its the not knowing and waiting to be toild one way or the other isnt it. Scary stuff, that either way is going to make me appreciate everything even more thats for sure

Hi Studders,

I am glad to hear that you now have your appointment through and  to see that it's not that far away.

You're so right. We can all deal with bad news if we have to, but the unknown is a different thing altogether. Our over active imaginations don't help either. I am normally a very self-sufficient person too, but I totally went to pieces when waiting for my first results. I have now had 2 bouts of breast cancer, a year apart, and I have benefitted from the tremendous advancements made in the past few years.

I lost my Mum to secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her brain, bone, liver and lungs. Naturally, I thought that I would suffer the same fate. There has been just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and after care, which we both experienced. It is now 14 years since I was first diagnosed and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

I shall be thinking of you on Tuesday and hope that nothing untoward is foun.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx