Hi Angel,

A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you're here.

The wait to be seen seems to vary considerably from one clinic to the next and it's no wonder that you are struggling, when you've been waiting 5 weeks. Most of us find the 2 week wait a very anxious time, especially when you've already lost your mum to cancer - I am  so sorry to hear this. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer too, so I know the emotional problems only too well. It is perfectly normal to find yourself crying copiously, but don't worry about this, as shedding those tears is a good way to release stress. I was absolutely terrified when I was waiting to be diagnosed too. As it turned out, I had 2 bouts a year apart. Treatments have made great advances since my mum had it and there was just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and after care, which we both experienced. I am now 14 years on from that initial diagnosis and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

These sort of waits are not all that unusual and they don't seem to alter the course of treatment, so try not to panic. Irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you get a diagnosis. Try to find something to keep you occupied in the meantime - any distraction will help the time to pass. Just a word of warning, if you're expecting an immediate diagnosis. If you need a biopsy to determine whether your lump is benign or cancerous, you may have to wait another 1-2 weeks before you get the results.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hey Jolamine, thank you so much. It's been a very hard 5 weeks. Do they tell you at the scan if they suspect it is or make you wait?

HI Angel,

That depends. Some consultants don't like to say anything until they have all of the results back. All a mammogram or ultrasound can do is to diagnose a tumour, but we really need a biopsy to tell whether the lump is benign or cancerous and there is always another anxious wait before these come back. Sometimes, an experienced consultant can almost diagnose, because of the shape or particular characteristics of a lesion, on a scan. If this happens, they may warn you that they suspect that it is cancer, but they would then wait until the biopsy results come back to confirm this.

I really feel for you, having to wait so long.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Angel 

I would book a private appointment if this is something you are able to do xx good luck love Lara xx 

I agree lara if it were me I would definitely go private even if I had to borrow the money ,there's no comparison ,7 week worrying wait is far too long x

I wouldnt even know how to go about it

What would the cost of that be?

I think the best thing to do is check out local private hospitals in your area then just ring up and explain the situation and they should be able to give you a price ,I'm sure Lara will be along soon she might know more as she went private .

Angel 

initial tests were around £800 well worth it booked on Tuesday went on Thursday knew immediately what was going on biopsy results 7 days that Confirmed I had breast cancer but it was thought I had it within 5 mins of appointment x