Hi, 

It sounds like you have been super speedy in getting seen and tested. I know this is a worrying time for you, and coming on here to chat will be a great way to get support from others who understand what you’re going through. 

Waiting for results is awful! Your mind goes through a million and one different thoughts- from feeling positive to the complete opposite, but the best thing is to just try and stay in the moment and deal with each thing as you come to it. Keep busy, keep distracted and really try to stay off google.

Sending you lots of love and positive wishes for your appointment xx 

I’m literally sat here with a painful breast and arm after having a lump, indentation near nipple and nipple changed direction (facing arm not forwards). Went to gp last Wednesday, been to the breast clinic tonight. Was examined and sent for mammogram and ultrasound. Lady doing mammogram said I’d only had one 6 months ago and They only usually do them every 12 months so I explained to her my symptoms and she went to ask someone for advice. She then came back and said they will do the ultrasound first, and if you need a mammogram, then I will do it.

Ultrasound, she took lots of pics and measurements on the screen then I went back for two mammograms and one breast. Then had to have two more mammograms done, then back to the ultrasound people who did biopsies and put titanium markers in as a precaution in case they need to do surgery. Was extremely worried by this point as in the past I usually have cysts (Which were drained when I went in January). They then sent me back to mammogram and had two more. Then went to see the specialist and although we have to wait two weeks for the results, he said he wants me to have an MRI. He emphasised that my breast tissue has changed a lot in six months and it is very concerning. He said you know what I mean don’t you? And I said yes but now I’m home after telling my partner and I’m doubting myself!! I was given a leaflet by the nurse that was with him and I thought it was explaining about the biopsy, but it’s a breast care nursing service leaflet.  And beginning to think I’ve made it up? Anaesthetic off quite quickly and I am so sore. Had all over the place…

Maybe but I'm thinking not

53

I likes control but i like to understand more. Unfortunately everything I've been told is riddled with contradictions. 

I'll be at xxxxx for radiotherapy.

Expect worst and hope for the best is my motto but the again I'm an Evertonian

Evertonian - that made me smile x

Same hospital as me

It usually does. I get pity too! 

I am glad I found this thread how are you all coping? I honestly had no idea that these lumps can just appear over night but from reading here it’s very common and shocking. 

Hi Frankiemo, 

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for Friday. I am keeping everything crossed for you and wanted you to know we are here for you. Waiting for results is a really anxious time and as the mental health team as been reaching out to you, don't hesitate to let them know how you are feeling - they are there to help so if you feel down or upset about anything, make sure you talk to them about it. 

You can get in touch with Samaritans about anything that's troubling you at any time of the day or night and you can call them for free on 11612 and I thought I would also mention the charity Mind if you need additional support or information during this time of uncertainty or after you get your results. 

I am pleased to see you have connected with other forum members here who are going through something similar and you can be there for one another and understand what you are going through at the moment. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Seriously, didn't know that either. I had been having blood tests for about 4 weeks because I had suspected haemochromotosis. About 4 days before I was due to get the results I saw the lump straight away. Couldn't miss it. It felt the size of a golf ball. It's only 2cms but feels so much bigger. Even if I had missed it the day before, there is no way I missed it for weeks.

What's your story?

Seriously, didn't know that either. I had been having blood tests for about 4 weeks because I had suspected haemochromotosis. About 4 days before I was due to get the results I saw the lump straight away. Couldn't miss it. It felt the size of a golf ball. It's only 2cms but feels so much bigger. Even if I had missed it the day before, there is no way I missed it for weeks.

What's your story?

I literally woke up one morning and it was there it’s about 3 cms long and just over a cm wide but is very hard. Had started my period that day so thought I would wait a bit to see if it was hormonal and would disappear (never had any kind of lump before) so waited 2 weeks and it hasn’t changed at all hasn’t grown but hasn’t shrunk either so I called my gp surgery for advice. They said I needed to be seen asap and gave me an appointment in the hour. Gp did a thorough examination and said there is some small lumps in the lymph nodes that could be just spots but there is some swelling in the lymph nodes too. I asked her if she thinks it’s serious and she said she is concerned and referring me to the breast clinic. She said if I have heard nothing in 2 weeks she will chase it up. She also said any changes at all to let her know. So now I’m just waiting. My shoulder are so tense and painful I can’t sleep. I am second guessing every symptom I have had over the last year. My armpits and sort and my boobs feel tingly like when pregnant so I’m freaking out. Deffo not pregnant tubes are tied x

You should receive an appointment very soon. If you know the hospital, ring them up yourself. Where I am they are very efficient, but I think they are good everywhere. 

Distraction is the best practice. Do what relaxes you. Have you tried mindfulness? I honestly am relaxed about it but it's natural for your mind to wander. Some people hit google, but I woud say to stay away until you know more, otherwise you will imagine you have everything

A good boxset does it for me or a thrilling film. Total escapism. Have you yold anyone?

I think I’m panicking more because of my children I have 8 and they all have disabilities and they only have me x specially the youngest 5 x life is hard enough for us as it is without throwing the big c in on top xx 

where are you in your journey now hun?

I am so sorry to hear about your situation. I really hope it's all clear for you, but if it isn't please make sure you accept every offer of help. You deserve it. 

So far I have had my initial hospital appointment, were I had an examination, a mammogram, an ultrasound, a biopsy and a final mammogram. It was a busy morning. My next appointment is next Friday for results and options/plan. It's all happening quickly but the wait in between seems endless. It's not that I want it to come round too quickly but it's the lack of control that pulls you down. I also think that this may prove to be my best time when I am still relatively in the dark and know nothing for certain. Once you know you can't unknow, and you have to live with whatever it is. Then again, the thought of this alien growth inside me, turns my stomach. I wish I could just scoop it out

I agree totally hun x I’m not a patient person anyway and it’s like being pregnant in a way because you have no control over anything once the ball is rolling and that’s something I have always struggled with x from everything I have seen on here so far there is a lot of waiting isn’t there xx really hope Friday comes fast for you and your results aren’t as bad as you are imagining xx

Do the tests hurt?? I’m so scared of the unknown x

I was always told that a mammogram hurts, but I can honestly say it doesn't at all. You have to stand in a strange position, but there is no pain. I think if you are a bit stiff and on edge, there could be some discomfort but honesty that is nothing to worry about. 

The biopsy I thought would be painful and expected it to be but it really isn't. You will feel a sharp scratch for a split second, and then the slightest discomfort but definitely not painful. Even when they are digging around it doesn't hurt. 

Have you got someone to look after the kids because you really can't take them with you? More to the point do you know when your first appointment is yet?

That’s really good to hear x I don’t have my appointment yet gp only referred me Thursday afternoon. How long were you there altogether? I think I’m going to have to ask social services for help with the children specially if it’s after Friday because they won’t even have school x

Sorry for the delay answering. I got there at 9am ad was finished by 11.15am. They tell you to allow for 4 hours and every hospital is different I'm sure. Asking social services is a very good idea . You don't need to be worrying about the time on top of everything. Definitely give the hospital a ring. The day I saw my doctor, was the day I got my first appointment at the hospital. Are any of the kids old enough for you to tell them what's happening?

My oldest 2 daughters know but are being optimistic and not really taking it all seriously tbh, they both have adhd so I know if they take it seriously they will be a mess so I’m leaving it as it is for now so they don’t panic x my eldest my son doesn’t know yet. I only told the girls because I needed the one to babysit for me to go to gp. I totally just lost my temper with my youngest 3 at bedtime and screamed at them then burst into tears. So now I’m sat in the top of the stairs crying and feeling *** for shouting. Life really sucks sometimes xx

Kids soon forget those things, so don't worry about it. When you know more about what is going on, it may be worth you contacting their school. The schools will be able to support the kids if they have any questions or are upset. Have an early night, a good sleep and just do relaxing things tomorrow.