I have an appointment next week to the breast clinic and I’m terrified. I have no one to go with me. Everything inside me is saying don’t go, but I know I have to go. I’m 64 and cancer runs in the family. Help.
Hi Maddy22, I think most people have these feelings while waiting to go to the breast clinic, it is a really stressful time. Please be reassured that you will be well looked after. The breast care nurses will be there to give you all the support and reassurance that you need. Hope all goes well next week. Xx
I notice that your appointment at the breast clinic is tomorrow. I shall be thinking of you and I sincerely hope that it turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
This is always a worrying wait, but you will find the staff at the clinic are usually all very understanding about how nervous we feel. Are you aware that not all 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. I am sorry to hear that cancer runs in your family. This makes your visit all the more scary, but also more essential.
I do hope that they can manage to rule out cancer in your case, but please keep in touch and let us know. We are always here for you.
Thank you for your lovely reply and your warm compassion - its very much appreciated x
Yes I had my appointment this morning at the breast clinic after being referred by my GP for changes that I had noticed in my right breast
I noticed that I had a burning sensation and pain and intermittent discomfort (especially when lying down)
My GP quite rightly referred me (and I really didn’t want to go)
I have 20 year old implants in and hadn’t had a mammogram since 2015) - Shocking I know
The “What ifs” of anxiety started
“What if it’s Cancer of some sort?” “What if the implant has ruptured?” “What if I have both ?” “What if I need an operation right away or have to have something else something else ?” ……..What if…What if……on and on….Chatter in The mind !!!!
I couldn’t eat couldn’t sleep for weeks
So…appt was 9am this morning - I was first one there (very nervous and kept talking to myself saying - you can do this ) and the clinic soon filled up with ladies waiting too
Firstly, Went in first to a consultation room for a physical examination with a lovely lady breast surgeon and a lovely student lady also checked too
She asked questions and recommended that an ultrasound and mammogram be done to look for cancer or anything else that may show up - I agreed
Then had an ultrasound next and she said good news - implants ok and nothing sinister showing up - no ruptures, no leakage just a little bit of rippling which is normal and due to age of implants and a bit of scar tissue
Then the mammogram - the lovely lady who did my mammo said it’s a bit different for someone with implants having a mammogram because they can’t press down as much (obviously) and I had to sign a few forms to go ahead - it wasn’t to bad to be honest
They took 6 images
Thankfully everything was ok - no cancer - which I’m soooo relieved about
but said could be a start of Capsular contracture which is painful as it’s the body’s scar tissue and immune system around the implant causing it to become firm
However she did say that they would have to come out at some point as they don’t last forever
and I said - Of course and I will cross that bridge when that happens
The staff were lovely, they were very efficient, very thorough, very compassionate and we did have a laugh as we were given baskets for our belongings (just like the ones in Tesco or Morrisons supermarkets ) and we all looked like we’re were going shopping with our gowns on and had our belongings when we’re we’re called in to the different rooms and depts
A big relief thankfully - until my next visit whenever that is and knowing is everything as we can deal with it then - it’s the unknown which is the worst and the mind starts whizzing
Thank you Jolamine for your thoughts, time in replying and compassion - that is so lovely xx
And as scary as it is - it’s best to always find out - you are right xxx
I am delighted to hear that you got good news today and I'm sure that this has come as a great relief to you. Did they say how much longer it might be before your implants might need to come out, or make any arrangement for further checks? You might feel more reassured by keeping a regular check on your breasts and attending your routine mammograms. This way any changes will be picked up quickly and acted upon, if need be,
Aww thank you so much - it’s was such a relief yes - in fact it’s priceless
They didn’t say his long it would be before they had to come out but I guess when they start to feel uncomfortable - and become firmer
and yes you’re right about regular screening too as my cousin was diagnosed last week with stage 3 breast cancer and is starting chemo this week (she is 58)
Bless her - we are in constant touch
I read about your personal Journey and you have come quite a way yourself Jolamine
You are very inspiring and are great at helping people in this forum with your knowledge and understanding - having been there yourself
Again thank you so much for taking the time here and I wish you well and good health on your journey
