Hi ellie,

A very warm welcome to the forum, although I'm sorry to hear of what brought you here. You are doing the right thing in getting this checked out. Try not to worry about all these new aches. Breast cancer is seldom accompanied by pain. However, we often manage to convince ourselves of additional aches and pains whilst we are waiting to be seen. Fortunately, these often disappear as soon as we're seen at the breast clinic.

If it's of any consolation to, you most of us tend to think worst case scenario at this stage, but again, this seldom comes to pass. Most of us would agree that waiting to be seen is one of the worst times of our cancer journey. However, only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a diagnosis of breast cancer. You are doing the right thing by seeing your daughter and your grandchilrden regularly. With 6 young children, there should be plenty to keep you busy.

We always advise people to keep busy whilst they are waiting, as this helps to make the time pass a little quicker.Do you have any hobbies or projects to do while you're in this position? Even doing a jigsay will help to concentrate your mind on something else. You will normally have another 1-2 weeks to get the results of any tests or scans, so you are best to be prepared for this.

It is especially difficult when you have nobody at home to talk about how you feel. You don't alway swant to discuss this with your children, for fear of worrying them further. Do you have any friends who you could speak to in this way? Regardless, you should never feel alone now that you have found this site. Please remeber that we are always here for you.

It is difficult to function normally and you will find that your emotions are all over the place. It is also common for your tears to flow copiously and to have difficulty earing, sleeping and looking after yourself as you should. Crying is a good release valve and I hope that you sleeping pills help. Things should gradually return to normal once you know what you are dealing with.

PLease let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I have found readings posts in this thread really helpful.

I had a mammogram as part of a health assessment a few months ago which came back normal.  At my health assessment appointment yesterday I was unconcerned about my breast exam due to the mammogram result.  However, the doctor identified a lump on my left breast.

I have told my sisters, husband and adult son who lives at home.  I will share further with my family if needed once I know more.  

I scanned my health assesment referral to my GP last night and I have been referred to the breast clinic today.  I am of course concerned and this is prowling at the back of my mind waiting for any available head space.  I am trying to remain as normal as possible and remain positive as there is asuch a big chance it will be nothing and I guess if it is something I should conserve my energy and focus to deal with that if I need to.

I had a similar experience following a smear test (3 diferent times) and it turned out to be nothing sinsiter.  So I wait with hope and a few prayers on what comes next.

I hope you folks are all well.

Kitkat42

Hi everyone, 

Jolamine, I just wanted to say wow! What a support you are to all these women.

I am waiting for my referral at the moment. I found a lump a few weeks ago and got it checked this week. The practitioner nurse found a further one under my armpit.

 Its comforting to read everyone's stories. I could have written some of them, the anxiety of the wait is terrible. We need to remember that we have done all we can. We've done the right thing to get our referrals. It's out of our hands, while that causes a range of emotions, we can be comforted in the fact that we are on the track for answers. Good luck everyone, I'll update when I can. 

Hi Clara_dee,

A very warm welcome to our forum and thank you for your kind comments. I know that this wait is always daunting, but you are definitely doing the right thing in getting this checked out. 
I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Kitkat, 

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear of your symptoms and know how worrying these can be. It sounds as if you will cope with whatever comes to pass, but here's hoping that the outcome is the same as it was for your smear test. 
 

Try to keep yourself  busy whilst you are waiting to be seen, as this will help the time to pass. Only 1 person in 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis, so your chances are still good. Remember that 'it's not cancer until you're told that it is.'

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

Keeping my fingers crossed for good news!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks! Very efficient nhs, I've got my clinic appt through already! 

Its 13 days from my GP appt so thats great. Not long to wait. 

I'm not allowed anyone with me due to covid which is annoying. The letter doesn't say what to expect but going by this forum I'd say I know what's going to happen, thanks to everyone sharing their experiences. Puts my mind at ease a bit! 

HI Clara_dee,

This is fantastic, as you certainly don't want to wait any longer than necessary. There are a number of descriptions of what happens on a first visit to the breast clinic on this site which are worth reading, as it never seems as daunting when you know what to expect.

Staff at these clinics are usually very understanding and helpful, so I hope that this is your experience too. I hope that all turns out well for you and look forward to hearing how you get on. Always remember that we are here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

Glad I found this thread as I needed to hear from people in the same situation as me.  My husband is lovely but has always struggled with understanding emotions.  He is super positive and can't relate to me worrying/feeling scared.  

I've got my appointment this Thursday after the GP referred me for breast thickening in my right breast.  I'd gone to the GP with a lump under my right armpit and wasn't even aware of the thickened breast area, so it came as bit of a shock.  I've been positive and not too worried as telling myself no point worrying about what I don't know - until yesterday.  As my appointment draws closer I'm now really, really worried and it's all I can think about.  I know the majority of referrals are not cancer but despite constantly telling myself this I'm terrified for my appointment!​​​​​​  

I hope everyone is keeping well and anyone still waiting anxiously for their appointment I'm sending you massive hugs.  
 

Hi Nuttyb,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I fear that it is a natural reaction for our partners to either be super scared or overly positive. This tends to upset us all when we are in such an emotional state, but I expect that there is no good way to react and we would still get upset no matter which side of the fence they sit on. I'm glad to hear that you don't have much longer to wait before you attend the breast clinic. You will find thestaff at these clinics are usually very understanding and helpful.

Only 1 person in 8 who attend these clinics will get a cancer diagnosis, so try to remind yourself that 'it isn't cancer until you're told that it is.'Those of us on this site know just how worrying how worrying and overwhelming this wait can be and we are always here for you. Unfortunately, you may have another wait of 1-2 weeks after you're seen to get the results, so don't expect to be given a diagnosis straight away. On a few occasions you may, but the agonising wait is more usual.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I sincerely hope that it all turns out well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your reply Jolamine,

After my appointment today I've been referred for a biopsy next week.  The funny thing is it's for my left breast and not the right which was were the GP found the thickened area.  The radiographer and Dr both think it's most likely a benign growth (think Dr mentioned fibrodema?) but doing a biopsy to be sure.  

Hopefully this week and then the two weeks wait after for the results go quickly!