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 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 Lawsash,

I am surprised that you didn't get these tests today. Like Mrs H, mine were all done on the same day any time I've had to get tests in the past 10 years.

I would expect you to be seen well in advance of your holiday for your ultrasound and biopsy, but just to be sure, it might be worth phoning your consultant's secretary to see that you will be fitted in before you go on holiday. Unfortunately, you are likely to have to wait another week or two to get the result of these tests, so, I fear that you will have to wait until you arrive home to get these.

I know that this is a scary time and, your emotions are probably all over the place. Try to forget about the results until you get back. There is really no point in worrying until you find out whether or not there is anything to worry about, although most of us do it regardless.

Do please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

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

Hi Jolamine,

Thanks for replying, it really is comforting to speak to other people about this.

They couldnt' do it there and then as they didn't have the team in to do it! :-(

I have spoken to the appointments team this morning and they can't guarantee an appointment before I go away on the 28th so it might have to be after the 10th August, or do i postpone my holiday.

If i speak to my doctor can they do anything to hurry it through? Trying not to worry and be positive!

Laura. xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thanks for replying, it really is comforting to speak to other people about this.

They couldnt' do it there and then as they didn't have the team in to do it! :-(

I have spoken to the appointments team this morning and they can't guarantee an appointment before I go away on the 28th so it might have to be after the 10th August, or do i postpone my holiday.

If i speak to my doctor can they do anything to hurry it through? Trying not to worry and be positive!

Laura. xx

Hi Laura,

This must be a difficult time for hospitals to keep within time frames, as their staff have to have holidays too.

I'm not sure how much influence your GP will have, but it's certainly worth talking to him/her. 

Only you can decide whether or not you want to cancel your holiday. You've had this for quite a while, so I doubt that another week or two will make much differece. If you are unfortunate enough to get a positive diagnosis, things will move quickly and it may be some time before you manage to get away again.

I know that it's not easy, but try to remain positive. If you do go away on holiday, do your best to enjoy the time you and your daughter have together.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx