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Waiting for diagnosis

Ruth28
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Hello, 

I noticed my nipple was flat on the 23rd December and then found a lump in my breast and another under my armpit. What with Christmas etc, I didn't get to see the doctor until the 3rd January who made an urgent referral for me and I was seen this Tuesday. The consultant didn't go as far to say it is cancer, however he did say it was very worrying and immediately referred me for an MRI and CT scan. I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy on Tuesday and have an appointment scheduled for next Wednesday to speak to the consultant again. I'm really confused as to how I didn't feel it before, it's such a big lump! I know I checked myself in October, and I didn't feel anything. I have a bit of pain in my arm on and off too so am worried it might have spread. I am trying really hard not to worry but I can't help but get upset when I think about it, especially having to tell my family bad news. I'm 33 and my dad is poorly (with something that is hereditary so I'm worried about that, too!) But I don't want to worry my family now unless I need to. 

My partner came with me to the appointment and will come with me next week. He is really struggling as well, his dad passed away when he was quite young from a brain tumour and he is naturally thinking the worst, although he is trying not to show it. Feel like I need to be strong for him. 

I found this forum and just thought it might help writing it all down. The waiting is so hard! 

Parents
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    Hello Ruth28, 

    You did well to see the doctor after you noticed all these breast changes. I can imagine this is such a worrying time for you especially as the consultant looked concerned and referred you to an MRI and CT scan. I hope that you find out more on Wednesday when you see the consultant again. Try not to worry too much about the pain in your arm as it might well be unrelated but to mention it to your doctor or to the consultant on Wednesday just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. I know it's really hard but try if you can not to anticipate the worst as it's difficult to know yet what it might be until you have had all your test results. It can be tempting to look for answers on Google but resist that urge if you can as it will only bring up the worst and least likely possibilities. You are right that you don't need to worry your family at the moment and you still don't really know what your diagnosis is especially as your dad is poorly at the moment. It's nice of your partner to be coming with you to the appointment even though it can't be easy for him due to the trauma of losing his dad when he was young. As you rightly point out, the waiting can be really hard and sadly there is nothing really you can do at this time other than wait. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been in a similar place before and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. It does help sometimes to come on the forum and write things down so feel free to come and express yourself here whenever you feel the need to. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be fine for you.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Hello, 

    Thank you for replying to me ! I've been worried I'm doing the wrong thing not telling my mum, but I suppose I have nothing to tell her until I have the results of the test. Thank you for your really kind reply. 

    Ruth 

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