Hi Derek,

The early hours of the morning tend to be when our imaginations tend to go into overdrive and our worries about loved ones kicks in. If it's of any consolation, I was in a similar position 13 years ago. I had a second bout of cancer the following year. Since then, I've seen both of my children leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and provide me with 2 beautiful granddaughters.

I am glad to hear that your appointment has come through. It can take up to 4 hours, depending on what tests you need. You are likely to talk to your consultant about your symptoms, then to have a physical examination of your breasts. After that, you  may have an ultrasound scan and possibly a biopsy. You will then have another 1-2 weeks' wait to get the results of your biopsy back, before you get your actual diagnosis. As far as what to wear, wear something that is easy to slip on and off, as you'll need to take your top half on and off a few times for different tests.

If you do have to have a biopsy, make sure to ask when you can expect the results to be back, before you leave the hospital.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you - don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine 

Thanks Jolamine, excellent information there. I’ve got a shirt with poppers down the front so that should be perfect. 
I’m managing to keep my mind occupied during the day - my house and garden have never looked so clean and tidy! And because of that I managed to get to sleep last night due to sheer exhaustion lol 

i smiled a happy smile for you for your story with a happy ending. I’m hopeful that there’s no cancer here but life will eventually be good even if it is. 

Take care,

Derek

Derek 

good luck for your appointment I wish you the best 

love Lara 

Hi Derek,

Whatever the outcome, a positive attitude will help - although, I know that it is hard to conjure one up at the moment!  I am glad to hear that you managed to sleep last night, even if only from exhaustion. Do you have a big garden?

This can be a difficult wait and you may have a further 1-2 weeks to wait for the results of a biopsy, if you need one. It is only then that you are likely to get a definite diagnosis.

Please remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine 

Thanks for the well wishes Lara. x

Thanks Jolamine. 

I’m still optimistic for a good outcome but I’ve just noticed redness just around the left side of my nipple right where the lump is. It’s not like an angry red, just a bit discoloured. The sensation there is a bit numb too. I do now remember the other doctor saying something about there being skin involvement but as I was a bit overwhelmed I’ve only just remembered it lol! Could this just be a symptom of like a cyst or something? I am NOT going back on Google. That’s a dangerous place. 

thanks all for your support and well wishes! x

Derek no problem I’m hoping all will e good xxx 

Hi Derek,

You will be overwhelmed at any appointment, so you will find it handy to write down any questions that you may have. It is also handy to have someone with you, especially when you return for results, as we all tend to forget most of what is said before we leave the hospital grounds. You are quite right to avoid consulting 'Dr Google', as this will only scare you further. Many lumps do turn out to be cysts or fibroadenoma. It is a fact that only 2 people out of every 10 who attend the breast clinic, will get a cancer diagnosis.

Kind regards,

Jolamine 

Hi Derek,

You head will be all over the place at present, but no amount of worry will change the outcome. They're usually pretty good at answering most questions, however,  there's usually one or two that they forget to answer.

Kind regards,

Jolamine