Hi Madgirl07,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear of your symptoms. Most of us find that our emotions are all over the place when we discover any unusual signs. Fortunately, not all lumps are cancerous. It is a fact that only 20% of people, who are referred to the breast clinic, will get a cancer diagnosis. In many cases, the lumps are due to benign cysts, fibroadenoma or naturally lumpy breasts.

I know that this is a worrying wait, but you have done the right thing by getting your symptoms investigated. Don't add any significance to the fact that your appointment came through so quickly. Appointments have to be cancelled or re-scheduled for many different reasons and, it sounds as if you may have managed to get one of these. The team at the clinic will be keen to fit in as many people as possible, before the holiday period and you have been fortunate to get one of these slots.

I am sorry to hear that so many of your family have been affected by cancer and understand why you are so anxious. I am glad to hear that you have steered clear of consulting "Dr Google". We usually advise people to avoid doing this, as much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This only serves to Increase your anxiety and doesn't gives you any answers. It is understandable that your thoughts should turn to your children. Try not to get ahead of yourself, as there have been tremendous strides made in the diagnosis, treatment and after care of cancer, in recent years. I lost my mum and several other family members to breast cancer. I have had 2 bouts myself and I am still here 14 years on. I still lead a busy and fulfilling life and look forward to the dawning of each new day.

Breast cancer is seldom painful. Lymph nodes under the arm can sometimes cause a throbbing type of pain. The tests you'll have at the clinic will discover whether or not, there is anything amiss.

You will find the staff at the clinic are usually very understanding of your feelings and will do their best to put you at your ease. At your first visit, you are likely to have a physical examination of your breasts, then you may possibly have a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy. It can take about 2 weeks to get the results of a biopsy, so you could still have another anxious wait. However, the biopsy will tell you whether or not there is any cancer present.

I do hope that everything goes well for you and that nothing untoward is found. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for explaining to me, i appreciate it loads. Yes think i maybe getting a head of myself a little. Im so glad to hear you are living a fulfilling life. Im keeping myself busy so i dont let my mind wonder. I will keep you updated. Xx

Thank you for explaining to me, i appreciate it loads. Yes think i maybe getting a head of myself a little. Im so glad to hear you are living a fulfilling life. Im keeping myself busy so i dont let my mind wonder. I will keep you updated. Xx