Hello Allie28 and welcome to Cancer Chat.

I'm sorry to hear that a large lump was found in your breast muscle and that this is, understandably, causing you to be worried.

As you mentioned you were scared to ask your GP the questions you had I thought I might stop by and leave you with the telephone number for our friendly team of cancer nurses, in case you feel like giving them a ring. The number is 0808 800 4040 and they are available Monday - Friday from 9 a.m – 5 p.m.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you very much for the reply and number Renata ....when I feel ready am sure I shall give them a call 

thanks again 

xx

Hi Allie,

I see that you are fairly new to this forum so I extend to you a very warm welcome to Cancer Chat. I am sorry to hear about your breast lump. Protocols vary geographically throughout the country. Your GP will usually refer you to be seen within 2 weeks. Here you will be examined and you may have an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy. Sometimes these are done on different days.  It usually takes about a week to get these results back and they can tell you whether your lump is benign or cancerous. At this stage, your consultant will have already discussed your case with his multidisciplinary team (MDT).  He usually holds an MDT meeting weekly to discuss the best way forward for his patients.

At your next appointment, in about a week, you will be told whether or not there is any cancer present. If there is, he will then go on to discuss possible surgery, and post-op treatment. There are many different types of breast cancer, as well as four different stages of the disease (1-4).  Your treatment will depend upon these factors and your consultant will discuss your options.  Again the time lapses in waiting for surgery can vary throughout the country, but it doesn’t usually take long. Sometimes your care team will recommend a course of chemo first to try and reduce the size of a lesion before trying to remove it surgically.

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago and had a second bout 7 years ago. I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen for the first year, then had a double mastectomy followed by Letrozole for 6 years.

If you feel like crying allow yourself to do this, as it is a good stress reliever. Waiting on results is always a scary time as our minds go into overdrive and we all tend to think the worst. I have a history of cancer in my family too, but I see a huge difference in treatments and after care in the last 20 years.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It can be helpful to write a list before each appointment. If you can take somebody to accompany you to all of your appointments, they can write down the answers whilst you are asking the consultant. A lot of the referrals at this stage turn out to be benign, so I sincerely hope that you are one of the lucky ones.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi , I just wanted to let you know your not alone and a big virtual hug for u x myself , husband and children was away for he weekend . When i came home and was getting ready for my night shift i felt a lump in my right breast ( large ) i phone the gp in the morning who seen me same day and examined my breast.  He confirmed that he could feel the lump and it was approx 5cm by 4cm . He did a urgent referal to breast clinic.  The following morning I got the call with a appointment for 7 days time ( this Wednesday 1st may 2019 ) this week so far has been the worse  I've had all the life and critical ilness policy out of the drawer I've been thinking how am I going to tell the kids.  I cant help but worry that it is the c word . I'm driving myself mad and I still have 2 days to go x 

How are you now this is prob a old thread ? How did your app go ?  Kelly 

Hi kelly

 I totally understand how you feel. I almost went crazy. 

My lump was not cancer. When I went to the clinic I was examined by a doctor. She felt my lump and said it felt strange!?

She then told me she thought it could be something serious. 

She sent me for a scan and a mammogram. I couldn’t believe what was happening. 

They couldn’t find anything suspicious at the scan and they sent me back round to the dr. 

The dr told me not to get my hopes up as it’s quite a significant area and she did a biopsy. I had to wait for two agonising weeks. During that time I think I lost my mind. I was researching wigs and watching vlogs. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I was a mess. 

I even received an appointment letter to get my results from a surgeon! More worry!!

At the appointment I was greeted by the surgeon whom immediately told me not to look so worried as the biopsy was clear. She said not all doctors are experienced in feeling lumps. She said she didn’t know what caused my lump but thought perhaps I may have bumped it recently. She asked about seatbelts etc but I couldn’t remember doing anything. 

Im not going to tell you not to worry but hopefully you can realise that there is a huge chance it’s not cancer and calm down a bit. 

Hugs and take care x

Hi , thanks for the reply.  I'm trying my best to carry on as normal . I work night shifts so I'm working tonight and tommorow night.  I have barely slept and only eating small amounts.  It's really worrying. I have 2 children aged 9 and 15 and I live with my husband . I just can't help bit think the worse. I really hope it is nothing serious.  This is the hardest bit . Waiting and I've only had to wait 1 week up to now x . Thanks again for your reply x

Hi Kelly,

Not long to go now and, I'm sure that you're glad about that.

Of the people referred to the breast clinic only 1 person in 10 will be diagnosed with cancer. Even if the worst does happen and it does prove to be cancerous, try not to worry, as most breast cancers are treatable.

I lost both of my parents to cancer, over 20 years ago. I myself have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years. There is just no comparison between the surgery, treatment and after care that I have had and, that which my parents experienced. Great strides have been made in this time and continue to be made. This is always one of the most worryiing times of the entire cancer journey - there are just so many unknowns. The majority of people confess to finding their emotions all over the place and to find themselves crying at the least thing.

Whatever your diagnosis, things will improve once you get it.

I sincerely hope that all goes well with your appointment on Wednesday, although you are not likely to get any results until a week or two after this appointment.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Allie,

I was just thinking of you today and wondering how you are getting on.
Kind regards,

Jolamine xx