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 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

 Hi Lyn,

I know you just feel in total limbo don't you! I have managed to get a private ultrasound scan for tuesday with the hope that i get some results before I go away a week Sunday. Trying to be positive and keep busy. I have my son's birthday next week and also a funeral to go to so really feeling all over the place!

I really hope you get to enjoy some of your holiday, i am a real worrier about things too!

Take Care,

Laura. x

Laura it is good to know that you are going to get tested on Tuesday and I hope that you can get some positive results before you go away. I am on holiday now, and to be honest l am just thinking about the underarm lump, try as hard as I do to be distracted.  Friday week is my hospital appointment.  Why is it ‘ Sods Law’ crisis happens at relevant times!  In the evening I have no choice but to dine with strangers and drink a few glasses of wine and it has greatly helped to forget my worry for a few  hours.

You take care to

Lyn xxx

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 Laura,

I am delighted to hear that you have made a private appointment for an ultrasound on Tuesday. It sounds as if you are in for a busy week with all that is going on.

Here's hoping that all turns out well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine

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 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

Hi Lyn,

I hope that you have a good flight home tomorrow. It is possibly just as well that you are working on Thursday - it should help to take your mind off things until Friday.

I sincerely hope that, despite your worry, things will work out well for you then.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you, Jolamine,

Lyn xxx

Hi Christmas 2018 and Laura, how did you both get on? 

Iv just found this chat tonight whilst on DrGoogle as I have my one stop breast clinic appointment tomorrow after finding a swelling with a sort of mass under my armpit. My mum had breast cancer 6 years ago and my auntie had it in her 30s. I had bloods done and they want them redone and iron studies done in 2 weeks and I got a call from breast clinic the day after I saw doctor with an appointment in less than a week. This may mean nothing but iv convinced myself i have Lymphoma and its spread to my womb cos iv had really bad periods and pelvic pain recently and my leg as iv had bone pain and have a swelling under my knee. These things i know could be entirely unrelated and because I'm a bit overweight but my mind is going crazy imagining all sorts. I have 3 children with special needs, one is an adult the other 2 are young and a grandchild I help to take care of. I'm sitting planning all the things I'd need to sort out if i died before i even know if it is anything. I hope you guys are okay. And you too Jolamine, what a time you have had. 

XX

Hi Christine, as it turned out the lump in  right armpit was nothing to worry about as was the breast  However they found  suspicious microcalcification in my left breast after mammogram and ultrasound A few days later I had a biopsy taken.  I go for my results on Thursday and  I am very anxious.  My blood tests came back asking for me to have a repeat kidney function test, one more thing to worry about.  My maternal grandmother died of breast cancer and my aunt underwent treatment for it last year.  I hope you get good results from all the tests, I wont say try not to worry because I have found it impossible. xx 

Hiya, thanks for replying. 

I truly hope you get good results on thursday and that the kidney function thing is just a blip. 

I'm stressing and my head is throbbing but I cant sleep. So glad my appointment is early. 

You take care and be kind to yourself.

Big hugs xxxx

Hi Christine,

A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that you've had to find us. I hope that all goes well for you tomorrow. Don't worry about the  speed with which you've got your appointment through. The hospital is duty bound to see you within 2 weeks from the date of your GP's referral. You are not likely to get any results tomorrow. You will usually have some tests and then it will take 1-2 weeks for the results to come back after that. It is always helpful to bring someone with you to your appointments, but particularly so when you are expecting to get test results.

I am sorry to hear that your mum and auntie both had breast cancer. My mum had it too. We nearly all tend to convince ourselves that things are worse than they actually are. I sincerely hope that your symptoms are not related and have a simpler explanation.

It sounds as if you have more than enough to cope with without this. Many of us do start to plan our funerals and sort our finances, etc, when faced with a cancer diagnosis. It doesn't do any harm to have this all in place.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Lyn,

I'll have my fingers crossed for you on Thursday and,  hope that your tests don't throw up anything untoward.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine,  One more sleep to go. xxx