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.

Hi Mamabird,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry that this is causing you. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, or due to fibrous or hormonal changes. It is a fact that only 20% of the people who attend the breast clinic, will receive a cancer diagnosis. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in my right breast. Both of these lumps were on the underside and near the mid-line of my breast. These occurred within a year of one another. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her liver, lungs, bone and brain, so I was naturally terrified when I was diagnosed. I also had 2 young teenage children and I worried about their future. 

Cancer treatments have made great advances since my mum's day and there was just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and after care, which we both experienced. Instead of dying with cancer, many people are now living with it. I am 14 years cancer free and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

You should normally get your appointment within 2 weeks from the date of referral. Most of us get annoyed by our partner's positivity at this stage, but I'm sure that it is well-meant. 

I see that you have been given some excellent advice from Sandpiper, about coping strategies. I would also add to steer clear of consulting "Dr Google". Much of the information here is aimed at the more spectacular cases, which are not applicable to you and will only serve to scare you further, without giving you any answers.

I do hope that your appointment comes through soon and that nothing untoward is found.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine and thank you :) 

That makes sense about the HRT. I’m not going to take anymore until I get some more info at the appointment, hopefully in the not too distant future. 
BBC iplayer have uploaded loads of Dr Who episodes and I’m a bit of a nerd, so I think that is what I am going to binge watch to get through the wait! 
thanks again xxx

Hi GoonerGirl, 

I’m in Egham, sort of near Heathrow way but on the Surrey side. Thank you so much :) 

The Dr did say “they could call tomorrow so keep your phone near you” which is promising though my paranoid head thinks that it could be an ominous sign! I’m overthinking it, I know. 
Thanks again xxx

Personally I don’t think it’s an ominous sign when they call you quickly. You are supposed to be seen within two weeks, and in Surrey they seem to be on top of that at the moment. I first saw my doctor on 8th September, and was diagnosed, and had surgery on 24th October. So all happened really quickly. 

xx

Oh wow, that is super fast. Thank you, my brain is my own worst enemy at times. I hope that you are recovering from the surgery well xxx

Hi Ivy,

Dr Who sounds like the ideal thing to binge watch on. I have just read your reply to GoonerGirl - ignore your paranoid head. Getting an appointment quickly has no significance, as far as your possible outcome is concerned.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello Ivy ,having an appointment quickly is brilliant.I was seen in July last year and had surgery in September,which I thought was pretty efficient. Welsh NHS been excellent.Good luck and keep up the positive vibes xx

Thanks so much! Trying to keep up the positive vibes :)

The hospital just called and I go next Thursday 23rd at 9.50. She said that I was referred under the 2 week rule so they will do the tests and tell me the results on the day. After reading experiences on here, I assume she means a 'rough idea' rather than actual results. Unless of course, it is something routine and not to worry about.

Thank you for all the supportive replies. I will be watching Dr Who for a week and having lots of baths. I hope everyone is having a good day today. The sun is out here in Surrey, which is a lovely change from the rain we have had.

Sending love to you all and thank you for this forum and the lovely ladies in it 

xxx

Hi Ivy,

I'm delighted to hear that you've got your appointment now. I suspect that you're right, as you are likely to have to wait for definite results, if you need a biopsy. Let's hope that this is something routine and nothing to worry about. Enjoy your baths and your Dr Who.

Unfortunately, we're dull and rainy up north and we're just waiting for all this heavy snow that's forecast.

Please let us know how you fare on Thursday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Great news Ivy , fingers crossed all will be well . Enjoy the nice weather ,sunny and cold with us . Keep in touch xx

Hi Ivy,

that’s great news, similar to myself my appointment was a week after my GP appointment so it’s good you don’t have to wait too long, less time to worry and sit in Limbo.

I doubt they would be able to tell you anything definitive at your appointment unless (fingers crossed) it’s nothing to worry about. If they do a biopsy it can take around 2 weeks to get the results back. At my appointment they told me it wasn’t looking good but couldn’t say anything for certain until they had my biopsy results back, however I think if all looks ok and they don’t have any concerns they will tell you then and there. All I will say is even if you do need a biopsy try not to think the worst, they will do one even if it’s just the slightest chance so the odds will still be in your favour.

the waiting game is awful, even though my news was bad I still felt enormous relief at the fact I new for certain.

I was bad and googled everything possible 10x over so it’s definitely better not to, so many things vary person to person too so better not to read anything.

I would just try to keep as “normal” as you possibly can and take time for yourself, watching tv, a book, or going for a nice walk or few drinks/coffee with friends will help to pass time.

if you need anything we are all here, I find it definitely helped talking to people going through the same wait and experiences.

sending lots of love xx

Hi Ivy,

that’s great news, similar to myself my appointment was a week after my GP appointment so it’s good you don’t have to wait too long, less time to worry and sit in Limbo.

I doubt they would be able to tell you anything definitive at your appointment unless (fingers crossed) it’s nothing to worry about. If they do a biopsy it can take around 2 weeks to get the results back. At my appointment they told me it wasn’t looking good but couldn’t say anything for certain until they had my biopsy results back, however I think if all looks ok and they don’t have any concerns they will tell you then and there. All I will say is even if you do need a biopsy try not to think the worst, they will do one even if it’s just the slightest chance so the odds will still be in your favour.

the waiting game is awful, even though my news was bad I still felt enormous relief at the fact I new for certain.

I was bad and googled everything possible 10x over so it’s definitely better not to, so many things vary person to person too so better not to read anything.

I would just try to keep as “normal” as you possibly can and take time for yourself, watching tv, a book, or going for a nice walk or few drinks/coffee with friends will help to pass time.

if you need anything we are all here, I find it definitely helped talking to people going through the same wait and experiences.

sending lots of love xx