Hi Helen,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the anxiety they are causing. Sadly, this is not unusual. Many people are under the misapprehension that we have to be seen within 2 weeks from the date of referral. This is not so. We have to get given an appointment within 2 weeks from the date of referral, but the actual appointment can be more than 2 weeks in advance. The only thing I can suggest is to phone your consultant's secretary and offer to take any cancellations that might come up in the meantime.

I was diagnosed with pre-cancer in my other breast within 6 months of my initial surgery and had a second bout of cancer within a year. I had a double mastectomy 16 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. I had lost my mum to secondary breast cancer and I was terrified that I was facing the same outcome. We all tend to overthink things at times like this. Our overactive imaginations take us to all sorts of dark places. What I found was that diagnosis, treatment and after care have all improved tremendously in the interim between Mum's experience and mine. There was just no comparison between what we both experienced. Breast cancer is now one of the most treatable forms of cancer.

Try to avoid looking up symptoms on Google. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases - this won't do anything to ease your worries and will only frighten you even more. Keep yourself busy, whether with work or enjoyment - anything to concentrate your mind on something other than cancer.

I know how worrying a wait like this is and I sincerely hope that you manage to get a cancellation. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

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