Hi, I've just had my breast clinic appointment after FINALLY getting round to see the GP  *

Dr google told me the lumps I could feel were nothing to worry about so it took several months to bother to get a proper opinion! I'm 29 happily decided that I'm far too young for BC

Went in fully expecting to have my diagnosis of "nothing to worry about" confirmed and sent on my way, instead the Dr asked me what hospital I wanted to go too and handed me a print out called "understanding your fast track appointment" which explained that I needed to be seen within two weeks because my symptoms could be caused by cancer.

Freaked me out big time, as I had completely ruled that out already.

Less than 24 hours later the hospital were on the phone to sort out an appointment

 (cue more panicking ...surely they only act this fast if they have good reason to thinks it's something serious, crap why was I not taking it more seriously when I was in with the GP yesterday, I shouldn't have assumed it was nothing that's why I wasn't listening properly arrrggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!)   

I spent the next 12 days all over the place freaking out, convincing myself that this is serious, and I'm probably dying. Couldn't focus on anything, shot tempered and panicked. But somehow I came to the same rational(?) decision as you...can't tell anyone because there is nothing to tell yet (and also my family are a little over dramatic and protective and would have tried to look after me too much and driven me crazy)

Well got to the clinic last week, and was reassured by the really nice consultant that any symptom of cancer is routinely seen within 2 weeks... not an emergency...just standard practice even when they are already pretty sure it's not cancer. It's a symptom so they like to see it quick, just so they can confirm the 100% not cancer diagnosis very quickly

Now it did say that all on the info the GP gave me but TBH I don't think anything would have helped me chill out during the wait, you just see or hear the C word and freak right out!

Thankfully I'm mostly good, I definitely Don't have Cancer (YAY!!) but the ultrasound Dr said one of my lumps had some "character" to it. Worst case scenario is the biopsy will show some abnormalities and I'll still have to have it out. 

So another week of stress waiting to find out if I'm gonna have to have an op or not (i'm a big baby, more terrified at the thought of an op that any potential diagnosis!!)

Anyway stress is fine and natural and normal and somehow you will survive to appointment day

I will just point out than when last week was all done and I was sure I wasn't dying I finally told a few people...most people were nicely supportive and my older sisters were MAD MAD MAD at me for not telling them and threatened to beat me with a slipper (see above re. "over dramatic and protective"!) 

Just have a think about the pros and cons of telling different people, some sort of selective disclosure may be the way to go to take some of the weight off your mind.

Hi all,

Thanks for your responses and I'm so sorry I've given you radio silence until now. I actually didn't realise there were any replies until this evening!!

I can't believe how slowly time is passing. I feel like I'm going mad. I just want to go back to my old life where I wasn't obsessed with the idea of having breast cancer!!

I've made a list of 'reasons to worry' and a list of 'reasons not to worry'. My list of 'reasons to worry' is longer...

One of them is the serious demeanor of the GP. Do you guys think you can guess what a GP is thinking by their manner, or is that too subjective a thing to be worried about? I've also considered phoning up the GP in question to get her opinion on the situation but then thought that might make it worse as whatever she then says on that phone call I will obsess about for the next few days... and I guess GPs can't know what's going on inside a breast really. But maybe they can give an educated guess.

Sophie x

Hi mrsh7 

I have had exact thoughts as you i went to doctors on monday with Puckering bo lump but when he did checks he said he could feel lump this threw me big time cant stop worrying and wondering could Puckering be caused by something else. I'm wondering how are you and did you get any answers for this. I hope you had good news . I've had letter my appointment is tuesday so panicking also it seems very quick n yesterday when u rang to see if they have received my doctors emailed referral they said they had and is with consultant still I am concerned but am I being silly. I dont how I'm gonna come  to terms with this as I have a type 1 child too n 2 other kids husband is being amaizing hes really shocked me actually. 

Laur xx

Hi Laur,

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms, but you are just as well to get them checked out. Don’t panic about how quickly your appointment for the breast clinic has come through. Most of us are seen within a maximum of two weeks from referral, so there is nothing untoward in being seen so quickly.

We all tend to panic at this stage, as there are so many uncertainties. Even if you get told the worst, you will find it easier to deal with once you know exactly what you are dealing with. Having said this, I sincerely hope that you get better news. Only 1 person in 10 referred to the clinic will turn out to have breast cancer, so here’s hoping that you are one of the lucky 9!

It is particularly scary when you have a young family relying on you for everything. Fortunately, not all breast cancers are such bad news as they used to be. Many are treatable, especially if they are caught early enough. I myself, have had 2 bouts in the past 10 years.

I am glad to hear that your husband is being so supportive. It is so much easier for both of you when you fight this together and, can be totally open with one another about your feelings.

One good thing about your appointment coming through so quickly is that you have less time to wait – this has to be a bonus!

Please keep in touch. We are always here for you.

I’ll have my fingers crossed for you on Tuesday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi Laur

i’ve only just seen your message. It is scary and the wait is awful. 

I had my appointment on Monday, they did an ultrasound then mammogram and biopsy. They said that the puckering didn’t look suspicious on my scan and mammogram but they were worried about the lump. I’m having to wait till the 25th July for my results and the consultant said I may have to have more tests done on that day. 

This has thrown me as I’m still not sure what’s happening. They still can’t tell me whether it’s cancer or not.

I do hope you manage to get answers quickly. Always here if you want to chat. 

MrsH

Hi MrsH,

Most of us expect to get an instantaneous diagnosis on our first visit to the breast clinic, but this seldom happens, so please try not to be too disappointed. Most go down the same route as you – mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy and, then have to wait 1-2 weeks for the results of these tests.

Depending on the type and grade of cancer, further tests may be needed at that time, although some are fortunate enough to be discharged at this stage, due to having a benign diagnosis. I agree that the waiting time is pure torture. Try to keep yourself as busy as you can to distract yourself from the wait. This doesn’t always have to be hard work, try some more pleasurable pursuits too.

I shall be thinking of you on 25th and, hope that it all goes well.

Don’t forget to let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Oh dear so more waiting for you ??? At least they are looking in too it properly hun. Thank you for replying I just find it hard to talk to anyone close as I dont want them realising how worried I am . I really hope all is ok for you will be thinking off you and same if you wanna vent am here x

I no I dont think I could wait longer I feel sick with nerves thank you for your message of reassurance and kind words 

Laura xx

Hi

I’ve been trying to keep busy Jolamine, although it’s hard. I have a hen party on Saturday we are going to goApe, not sure how I’ll get on I hate heights but thought it would distract me.

My boob still hurts from the biopsy. I was kinda hoping that would have passed by now so I wouldn’t have the reminder constantly. 

How are you feeling Laura? 

I’m the same with talking to people. There is less than a handful of people who know but whenever I talk to them I just brush it off and say it’s nothing. Whereas inside my I’m feel I’m going crazy. 

Hxx

Hello, 

I went to my GP last Thursday with left lumpy breast and she referred me to the breast clinic, appt was today (Tuesday) so it was very quick! I had an examination and she said I had two lumps close together and now I’m a totally freaking out! She said I will need an ultrasound and biopsy, do you know how quickly appt will come through? Supposed to be going away on hols for 12 days from 28th July just know I’ll be worrying the whole time waiting for results! 

Any advice is welcomed! 

Laura. Xxx

hi 

Sorry you didn’t get all the answers today. 

Sorry mine was all done on the same day as it wa a one stop clinic.

 I would have thought you would get a letter by the end of the week with your appointment if not before.

hx 

Hi. 

It’s tuesday evening, I went to my GP today about a lump & have been referred under 2 week wait (i do the referrals as my job as medical secretary which kind of makes it scarier). Anyway, just waiting for my appt. I can’t concentrate on anything though & feel like i’m In my own bubble. It doesn’t help that I know a lot of people who have/had breast cancer. 

Frightening times, i’m a 43 year single mum with an 11 year old daughter

Hi. 

It’s tuesday evening, I went to my GP today about a lump & have been referred under 2 week wait (i do the referrals as my job as medical secretary which kind of makes it scarier). Anyway, just waiting for my appt. I can’t concentrate on anything though & feel like i’m In my own bubble. It doesn’t help that I know a lot of people who have/had breast cancer. 

Frightening times, i’m a 43 year single mum with an 11 year old daughter

Hi Sweetjp,

Welcome to the forum, although I'm sure that you would rather be anywhere else but here.

It's one thing dealing with referrals for others with cancer, but a totally different scenario when you yourself are in the frame.

All I can say to you is to steer clear of consulting Dr Google, as this will only scare you further. You will naturally be concerned for your daughter. As a medical secretary, I'm sure that you know that there are positive cancer stories as well as negative ones.

Treatments are improving all the time. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her brain, bones, liver and lungs. When I was first diagnosed I panicked, because I immediately thought of how she was treated. Fortunately, there is just no comparison in the diagnosis, treatment and after care which I have received and that which my mum experienced. I had my first bout of primary breast cancer 10 years ago and a second one the following year and, have welcomed 2 grandchildren into the world in that time.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

I hope that your appointment comes through soon and that all goes well on the day.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I so feel for you, I wish that I could be stronger but I too am in a bubble of fear.  It is just a horrible waiting game.  Wishing the very best outcome for you, I will post about how my tests go, don’t know how I am going to get through the next 9 days. xx

Hi Christmas,

I am sorry to see you back again and, with a different worry this time. It must be difficult having to socialise with people on your cruise, when I'm sure that this is the last thing that you feel like doing. Try your best to enjoy your holiday despite having this hanging over you and, whatever you do stay away from the internet.  You will only scare yourself further if you do this and, it will serve no purpose until you discover exactly what you are dealing with.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer 10 and 9 years ago respectively. Mine were found as a result of a breast lump and, fortunately my lymph nodes were clear.

If I can help you in any way, you only have to ask. I hope that all goes well on 26th and that you once again have a favourable outcome.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Jolamine, thank you for remembering me.  I hate hospitals, tests etc and here I am again with the 2 week urgent referral with the armpit lump.  Yes, you are so right I do not want to socialise and being confined with a relatively small group of people who are, seemingly having a wonderful  holiday when all that I am thinking about is the lump.  I do the worst thing and consult Dr Google and now I am thinking that I have a cancer that has spread to an armpit lymph node.  I always overthink a problem.  I am so happy to hear about your recovery and I really appreciate your support.  xxx

Hi Christmas,

Do your best to avoid consulting 'Dr Google'. It will only worry you further and will serve no purpose.

I still remember how worrying it was when I discovered my second cancer, less than a year after my first. You are right. We do tend to overthink things and, nearly always persuade ourselves that we are facing the worst scenario. Fortunately, this seldom happens and, I am hoping that you get a better result than you are expecting.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine for your kind advice, especially as you have had to deal with it twice, so very hard.  As I have posted previously I am on holiday, and frankly struggling with it. Lots of happy faces all around me and l am totally eaten up with fear.  I haven’t even had the tests done and I am in pieces.  I wish next Friday was tomorrow, what ifs send me down a rabbit hole of worry and yes, I admit it I turn to Dr Google and feel even worse.   What does bring me comfort is to know that I am not alone and these chats help a great deal.

Lyn xxx

Hi Lyn,

You know that you are never alone when you come to Cancer Chat. We are always here for you.

I can appreciate that it is difficult to deal with all the socialising with this hanging over your head, but there is no guarantee that this is cancer, so do your very best to put it to the back of your mind until you know for sure one way or another and enjoy what is left of your holiday.

There is a great piece of poetry which sums up the situation you find yourself in.

“Never trouble troule till troubles you

For you’ll only double trouble,

And trouble others too.”

Live in the day and you can deal with the rest when you come home.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Joalmine, those are very wise words.  Our last day tomorrow, home on Tuesday, work on Thursday and then the tests on Friday.  This holiday l have put on a brave face, my husband does not say anything other than he is worried when asked.  Coming to ‘Cancer  Chat’ is my little haven where I can discuss my feelings and find some comfort with people who understand.

Thank you

Lyn xxx

Hi Lyn,

Many people find it easier to talk to strangers who have experienced what they are going through, in preference to worrying friends and relatives.

My hubby was like yours in the beginning, but things have improved for us now that we can talk openly about our hopes and fears. He started to open up more when I involved him in drawing up questions for my consultant and, he felt better when he could contribute to some of the questions.

I found this site invaluable in the early days of diagnosis. It sounds as if you're going to have a busy few days before Friday.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, flight home tomorrow, Work on Thursday, blood tests at GP Friday, practiioner mentioned the word  Lymphoma, which has added to my worries and than late appointment in the afternoon at hospital for all the breast tests.  My husband is a man of few words but I did ask him if he was worried and he said he was.  Hopefully, everything will be ok but right now this site is so helpful and every comment and reply is so very much appreciated.

Lyn xx