Long wait for breast clinic - feeling anxious

Hi

i I found an indent in my breast a couple of months ago.  It’s an obvious dent when I raise my arm, not there when static.  I can’t feel any lump behind it but my breast tissue feels very ‘broken up’ if that makes sense.  I’m 46, and based in Aberdeen.  Oh and my mother had breast cancer at 50.

i saw the nurse at the gp and she examined me and agreed with above.  So referred me on the 2 week cancer pathway.  This was the end of June.  I received a letter to attend a mammogram, which I did on the 25th July.  I didn’t have any other checks.

I eventually spoke to someone at the breast clinic and they confirmed I’m on their list but have a 13 week wait, so it’ll be end September before I’m seen.

She confirmed that I’d get the results of my mammogram then too.

i am sick with worry. I’ve been through the breast clinic process about 20 years ago when it was a 2 week wait and I was found ti have a benign tumour, this was the other breast.

i feel like I’ve had one escape so this time it’ll be cancer, totally irrational I know.  I also can’t get out of my head that someone has seen my mammogram, knows it’s cancer and I’ve to wait 7 weeks to be seen.  I can’t stop thinking about it. 

  • Hello KatyBirdie

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had some concerns about your breast health and that following a mammogram, you're now having to wait for an appointment for the results and to see a specialist. We know that for many people, this period of waiting and uncertainty can be really difficult. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpfu lto talk things through with one of our nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. We also have some advice about how to cope with waiting for news that may help. 

    If you're available to attend an appointment at the clinic at short notice, then you could also consider giving them a ring and asking if they keep a cancellation list. It may be that you're able to be seen sooner that way. 

    Hopefully you will get an appointment soon. Katy and the team will be able to give you some reassurance. Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator