Hi it sounds like what I had, a one stop shop appt where they do everything, physical exam, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, and at the end tell you what they expect. I didn't tell my mum/sisters at that stage as I was still in the dark myself, but my husband came with me. Take someone if you can xxx take care xx

Thank you both so much  for your replies. The problem is i moved hundreds of miles from friends and family earlier this year and my husband works away during the week.  So i can't get a friend to come with me and if i tell my husband he will have to take time off work. The other issue is a few days later he is collecting family to bring back home with him so if i tell him and he stays he then has to drive back up to collect family  to bring back for xmas. Its just all really complicated. Its stressing me out trying to decide what to do.  Xx

Aww I see. Quite a complicated situation. Could you speak to your husband and see what his thoughts are. He may want to take time off work to be with you . Sorry I can’t be more help xx 

Hi Klk,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

Most of us only tell a partner, close friend or family member, before the results come back, as it is a great help to be able to talk to somebody. I had 2 bouts of breast cancer and only told my husband that I was going to the breast clinic. He insisted on coming with me and he was a great help. They usually advise you to be prepared to spend 4 hours in the clinic, but in most cases, you will be out sooner. The reason for the appointment taking so long is that they usually carry out different tests, depending upon what they find.

You will first have a discussion with your consultant about your symptoms, followed by a physical examination of your breasts. Depending on your age, you may then be sent for a mammogram. Younger people don't usually get a mammogram, because younger breasts tend to be denser and don't show up so well with this type of imaging. You may also have an ultrasound. Depending upon what the lump looks like, you may then have a biopsy. At a one stop shop they will usually tell you straight away if something looks suspicious, but they still need the results of your biopsy, to determine whether or not there is any cancer present. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the results of a biopsy. As you can imagine, all these tests involve moving from one clinic to another and some waiting time in each of them. This is why you are advised to allow so much time for your appointment.

Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be cysts, fibroadenoma or due to hormonal changes. It is a fact that only 20% of people who attend the breast clinic, will get a cancer diagnosis. This wait is always a very emotional and worrying time. I am glad to hear that you have an appointment through for next week and hope that it goes well. In the meantime, try to keep your mind occupied with other things, whether this is work, leisure or a hobby doesn't matter, so long as it helps to pass the time. Try not to consult "Dr Google", as most of the information there is aimed at the more spectacular cases, won't pertain to you and will only scare you further.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolaminefor breaking down the appt. I am early forties so i think they can do a mammogram. I think i will tell my husband this weekend. I think he will need to know just in case it isn't good news. I will update this post after my appt. Crossing fingers. Xx

Hi Klk,

I don't know your husband, but I expect that he might be quite upset, if you don't confide in him prior to your appointment. You can then decide between you if he should accompany you. To be honest, it is not so important to have someone with you at your first appointment, as it is to have someone with you, if you are going for biopsy results. They will usually do a mammogram with over 40ies, and sometimes sooner if the breasts are not too dense. 

Please keep in touch and let us know how your appointment goes. I'm keeping everything crossed for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx