Apologies for this long thread, I answered another thread with some of this info as I felt like I was reading my own story but here we go -

I went to the breast clinic on 3rd July under the two week rule due to a lump in my left breast, indentation near my nipple which has caused my nipple to change direction.  I presumed it was a cyst that would be drained (as previously) but was concerned that I have never had the indentation/nipple change.  I was examined, asked questions like if I had noticed any weight loss (no, I've actually put a lot of weight on despite trying to lose it) and sent for mammogram and ultrasound.  Radiographer initially wouldn't do the mammogram as it was less than 12 months since I last had one.  She went out then came back and said I would have ultrasound first then mammogram if needed on the left side only.  After the ultrasound (lots of measurements made on the screen) back to have mammogram, then back to ultra sound.  This time the nurse was told to tell the radiography for 2 more, and for me to be seen before anyone else waiting.  Different 'positions' of mammogram then back to ultrasound where they numbed me, did biopsies and put 6 titanium clip markers in, in case I need surgery.  Then back to mammogram for 2 more.  

To say I was in a dazed is an understatement.  When I went back to see the consultant he said he was extremely concerned and said 'but you knew that, didn't you' which I said yes, more so because of the indent change.  The nurse in the room asked if I had anyone with me (I was on my own).  The consultant reassured me that they would know more when the biopsy results are back and I would be having an MRI.  He emphasised again that I already knew and that I should prepare/would be looked after.  I was asked who is at home, would I be ok driving back and the nurse said to think about who I will tell for support.  I said well they don't need to know until I know for sure.  She then said to discuss with my other half and decide between us who we want to tell.  I was given a leaflet and I drove home.  Told my other half and decided to tell anyone else until I know details and a plan.  

Although I was pleased that everything was done in one appointment I have been off work since which has disappointed me, as I've had a flare up of auto-immune disease and I can't keep up a front all the time.  I have also have a lot of pain/discomfort in my left arm.  So I am signed off work and go back toward the end of the week.   The auto-immune disease that I have  leaves me extremely fatigued/mobility problems/painful joints/head pain that feels like the remains of a hangover/ear problems/bad back which gets me up each night.  I am also borderline POTS (Postural tachycardia syndrome).

My life for a long time has been working full time and not much else than bed/sleep/rest and trying to not overdo it when I do feel a bit better.  Life is good though, just different to how I used to be and I have been under a Post-Covid team who help a lot.

My NHS app showed another appointment at the breast clinic for Tuesday 23rd July but had been permanently cancelled.  I phoned the nurse who called me back and said it looked like it had been made in error as the consultant that I saw in January holds her results on that day.

I was actually feeling positive about having an MRI as I have felt I have needed one for years on my lower back but each time I get referred to physio and given exercises. I noticed on my NHS app that another appointment had been made for the breast clinic at a different time for the 23rd July. When I phoned the nurse on Friday 12th July  to ask what exactly it is that they are concerned about she asked if I had not received a copy of the consultation (no) and said it is a 30mm lesion and told me that I had already had my MRI.  I told her I haven't heard anything about an appointment, let alone had it.  She assured me an urgent referral had been made but would only be for the breast area.  She also said the appointment on the 23rd could be brought forward/pushed back depending on if results are back.

The waiting is torturous.  I truly believe in you can deal with what you know and the unknown is exactly that. I have a history of breast cancer in my family and although I am dreading telling my children it is also my siblings/mum who I feel for.

My concerns at this moment in time are the following, if anyone can give any advice?  I know I have to wait for results to know anything for sure and I am trying to flip my thoughts but -

They have only checked my left side

It was only January when I had a mammogram and a harmless cyst was drained - all clear, so this has developed within 6 months

I am due to have an MRI on my breast area but given all my other health problems it would make sense to me to check me all over (head and back especially)

I don't know if lymph nodes checked/raised? Is my arm sore because I had the mammograms/biopsy or due to my auto-immune disease or something completely different

I have been putting weight on, can this be attributed to breast cancer?

Thanks in advance x