HI Shddbri,

A  very warm  welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you find yourself in this unenviable position. It is always a  worrying time while you are waiting to be seen and then waiting for the results of any tests. You should get your appointment date through within 2 weeks from the date of referral. In most cases you will receive your scan on the same day that you first attend. This will usually be an ultrasound scan - the same scan that we get during pregnancy. This is totally painless. Depending upon your age, they may also carry out a mammogram - this is not normally carried out in younger people, as their breasts are denser than those of older people and do not show up well with on a mammogram. If a lump is detected, you may also have a biopsy. While the mammogram and ultrasound can detect any lumps or irregularities within the breast, only a biopsy can determine whether a lump is cancerous or not. You will usually have to wait a further 1-2 weeks to get your results, although this can take a little longer in busy clinics.

Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, Fibroadenoma or due to hormonal changes. It is a fact that only 20% of those who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis. Even if the worst comes to the worst, treatment for breast cancer is "doable" and outcomes are greatly improved on what they used to be. I have had 2 bouts myself, 14 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

Try to occupy yourself, either with work or a hobby in the meantime, as keeping busy helps the time to pass.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine !!

Thank you so much for your advice, I will try to keep busy with college work and hobbies! it’s always the waiting part due to the uncertainty that gets you. The what if is haunting. I’ve been on antibiotics for 3 days now and I think there’s improvement, it’s not as painful as before though I can still feel the lump

I’ve been given my appointment date now too thankfully, only a weeks wait so distraction and finishing my antibiotics is top of the list :]

thanks, 

Sophie x

Hi Jolamine !!

Thank you so much for your advice, I will try to keep busy with college work and hobbies! it’s always the waiting part due to the uncertainty that gets you. The what if is haunting. I’ve been on antibiotics for 3 days now and I think there’s improvement, it’s not as painful as before though I can still feel the lump

I’ve been given my appointment date now too thankfully, only a weeks wait so distraction and finishing my antibiotics is top of the list :]

thanks, 

Sophie x

Hi Sophie,

Our overactive imaginations tend to run away with us while we are waiting and often lead us to all sorts of dark places. Try to remind yourself that no amount of worry will change the outcome. It is certainly less likely to be cancer at your age, although sadly, not impossible. I am glad to hear that the antibiotics seem to be kicking in and that the pain is lessening.  It's also good to hear that your appointment has come through and that it's not too far away.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx