Hello, I'm new here, I read through this entire thread yesterday before deciding I should maybe post. Sorry to hear about those of you who have had bad news the last couple of months. I had an appointment at at the GP (although I think I saw a "Physician's Assistant" rather than a GP) on Tuesday as I found a lump on my left breast. Well I say on the breast, it is in a weird place, basically right underneath in the crease, where the breast joins to my chest. It feels firm and I can't tell if it moves or not really, the skin over the top obviously moves and I can't really work out if the lump is moving too. PA said she didn't think it felt like anything nasty but for reassurance has done the urgent referral thing anyway. I had a text Wednesday morning confirming they'd be in touch but as yet, no phone call and I'm feeling so jittery about it all. Trying to keep busy etc but I would just like to know really. I'm 35, and have two young kids. My husband is being good, although is sort of relentlessly positive which I am finding a bit annoying although I know he is just trying to stop me panicking. I haven't told my mum even though I normally tell her everything. I just don't want to worry her unnecessarily. She has lost a lot of people to breast cancer and also is a retired GP so will know more than I do. Anyway, any tips on how to cope with this waiting....? Sorry for long post.

Hey Mamabird,

Welcome to the forum (we’re a friendly bunch here). Sorry that you find yourself on this forum, but I’ll start by saying you’ve 100% done the right thing by going and getting yourself checked out and referred. 

The waiting around for the appointment is definitely the worst part. What I will suggest is doing everything you would normally do if you weren’t being referred - keep any social plans you have and keep yourself really busy. Getting out for walks is also really good, getting some fresh air and soaking up nature (if the weather’s not pouring of course). I also tried to do some YouTube exercise classes too which were good.

I understand that you don’t want to worry your mum, but do consider having a chat with her if the worry is getting too much. 

also, focus on a good bedtime routine - perhaps a relaxing bath with spa music playing and get lost in a good book before you go to sleep, to slow down the mind and assist with winding down.

I hope these little tips help, and do reach out to chat if you need to. We are always here. Take care of yourself during this time xx

Hey Mamabird,

Welcome to the forum (we’re a friendly bunch here). Sorry that you find yourself on this forum, but I’ll start by saying you’ve 100% done the right thing by going and getting yourself checked out and referred. 

The waiting around for the appointment is definitely the worst part. What I will suggest is doing everything you would normally do if you weren’t being referred - keep any social plans you have and keep yourself really busy. Getting out for walks is also really good, getting some fresh air and soaking up nature (if the weather’s not pouring of course). I also tried to do some YouTube exercise classes too which were good.

I understand that you don’t want to worry your mum, but do consider having a chat with her if the worry is getting too much. 

also, focus on a good bedtime routine - perhaps a relaxing bath with spa music playing and get lost in a good book before you go to sleep, to slow down the mind and assist with winding down.

I hope these little tips help, and do reach out to chat if you need to. We are always here. Take care of yourself during this time xx

Thank you. The bath idea sounds lovely although not very possible with the tiny ones... maybe I will persuade my husband to give me half an hour tomorrow at some point... The kids keep me very busy but are the main reason I'm so worried. I obviously keep doing all the "what if?" thinking and getting upset about ruining their lives.