Hi holly,

good luck with your appointment. I'm in same position I went to doctors today with some symptoms didn't think I had any lumps but doctor confirmed she found lumps this morning and sent a referral for breast clinic, they. Called me 2 hours later with appointment. So nervous but trying to stay positive. Let us know how you get on so I know what to expect at mine xx

Hi,

Things happen so quickly once you are referred to the breast clinic that it is frightening, especially when you don't really know what to expect. I expect that your phone call so soon after you saw your GP was possibly to try and fit you in before the Christmas holiday, so don't read too much into it.

You will not be given a diagnosis at your first appointment. You will have a physical examination of both breasts, followed by a mammogram and/or an ultrasound, then possibly a  biopsy. There will then be a wait of 1-2 weeks for your results. Most of us would agree that this is one of the scariest times of our entire cancer journey - there are so many unknowns.

It is always a good idea to take someone with you to all of your appointments if you can. It is also wise to draw up a list of questions for your consultant prior to each appointment.

Keep yourself as busy as possible, which shouldn't be hard at this time of year. Try to avoid looking at Google. If you must go on to the internet, make sure that you only look at reputable sites. Others are poorly researched and would scare the pants off you.

When is yor appointment for? Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi, thanks so much for the reply and explaining things I'm so nervous as I didn't even know I had any lumps I only went over some other symptoms with the same breast and then also the quick phone call back too.

wel that's first thing I did was google and it's frightened off even looking now which is why I came on here as I know people have been or goin the through same thing.

well they explained they had no apps before xmas but got me in for 28th decemember so although til be on the not knowing stage at least I can keep myself busy and enjoy xmas with my young daughter just incase it does turn out bad news.

So I take it you have been through this process too if you don't mind me asking how did your results turn out? Hope all is well I will let know once I have been to my appointment how everything went. Do they let you know if they think it could be cancer on the day if they see anything worrying?

thanks so much for getting back to me xx

Hi,

We all feel shell shocked when we realize that there is a possibility of a cancer diagnosis. We also tend to think that our cancer is the worst case it can be, even though this seldom turns out to be the case.

I am glad to hear that you have stopped consulting Dr Google, as it will only serve to make you more scared than ever. You have a while to wait, but not too long considering that it is the Christmas period. What age is your daughter? I'm sure that you can indulge her and keep busy over the Festive season.

I know that this cloud will be hanging over you at Christmas and I hope that you can enjoy the break despite this.

Yes, I have been through this a few times. I initially found a lump 9 years ago and was diagnosed with mucosal cancer and had a lumpectomy, followed by Tamoxifen. I was told that I was fortunate that this was not a very aggressive type of cancer and was unlikely to spread. Unfortunately, a year later, almost to the day, I found another lump in the same breast and had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years. I stopped taking these last year and now get monitored annually. I have also had a few false alarms, so I have been through this process a number of times and know just how scary it is waiting for results.

Some consultants will give you a hint that they suspect cancer, while others won't until you get the results. However, you can never be certain until your results come back.

Do please let us know how you get on on 28th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

It’s horrible waiting over Christmas. I’ve strangely found that being at work has helped to keep my mind off things. I am also trying to focus on the children and keeping things calm for them. I get my results tomorrow. I’m not sure if I’ll sleep much tonight. I am fearing the worst due to the size of the lump and how the consultant spoke to me last week. 

Hi Sar,

I just wanted to wish you all the best for tomorrow. I sincerely hope that your results are not as bleak as you have probably been expecting in the past week.

Do please take someone with you to your appointment and, draw up a list of questions for your consultant.

I have my fingers crossed for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi jolamine,

wow such a strong woman you have been through a lot. Thank you so much for taking your time to get back to me! My daughter is 3 she will be 4 in march, yes keeping busy I still have a lot to do before xmas and not much time either my appointment will be here before I know it! I'm hoping and praying it's nothing serious but my breast just doesn't feel right you know your own body don't you been going out of my mind with worry but worrying will not change a thing I've come to realise and please god could put to me nothing at all I just got a shock because I only went to doctor due to swelling and change of nipple in one breast and then she found lump/lumps I honestly can't remember what she said I was under the impression of going to my app and being sent home told not to worry everything is fine. It is what it is though and il get through whatever the outcome just look at yourself been through this twice and had double mastectomy and with a good bunch of people on here to talk to too I pray you have a healthy life with no more scares or illness again and will definatly let you know how I get on in my appointment xx

I know o had a private hospital appointment booked for this evening but decided not to go private asnofnit did turn out bad news it wouldnpotentiobally ruin xmas for me my little girl so at least I have a no news Christmas lol. Wel I send you all the luck in the world for your appointment tomorrow please let us all know how you got on. How did the consultant talk to you? I can't even feeel the lump my doctor is talking about I feel lumps everywhere I don't know what I'm looking for but j definatly need to learn how to check. My arm keeps getting pins and needles too and going dead not sure if it's all in my head or not though? Good luck for tomorrow try stay positive and take somebody with you xxx

Hi,

Many thanks for your good wishes.

You're right, you know your own body better than anyone else, so if it is not feelingright you need to get it investigated.

With a 3 year old you should be able to have a wonderful Christmas. It is magical with a wee one of that age. Do your very best to put the possibilities behind you until after Christmas and have a lovely family get together. Wee ones grow up so fast and, you don't get the time back to live it all over again, so you've got to make the most of every minute you have with her.

I look forward to hearing your results when you get them and, I hope that they are favourable.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi mummy2myla

That sounds like the right decision. At least you can get through Christmas. It’s a time of magic for little ones and hopefully you can find some way of keeping positive thoughts.  The consultant was lovely. He just said the lump was ‘worrying’ and stroked my arm.  I think you read into any look they give you. My breasts aren’t lumpy. They do have cysts I can’t feel. I’m a way it may be good that yours are lumpy as may be cysts or something similar. Xxx

Hi mummy2myla

That sounds like the right decision. At least you can get through Christmas. It’s a time of magic for little ones and hopefully you can find some way of keeping positive thoughts.  The consultant was lovely. He just said the lump was ‘worrying’ and stroked my arm.  I think you read into any look they give you. My breasts aren’t lumpy. They do have cysts I can’t feel. I’m a way it may be good that yours are lumpy as may be cysts or something similar. Xxx

Hi sar,

yes you definatly do, I started panicking when gps face changed while doing the breast examination and she wouldn't answer me at first just kept the worrying look on her face but it is what it is worrying won't change anything gonna get though Christmas give my baby girl the best day and then tackle hatever news I get on the 28th! Good luck today let us know how you get on I said a little prayer for you last night hoping it's good news xx

Hi,

One thing that does happen when you face the possibility of a cancer diagnosis is that you suddenly begin to appreciate the important things in life and family is one of them.

Worrying about what might/might not be won't make a whit of difference to the eventual diagnosis, so yes, go and spoil that little girl of yours and have a magical family Christmas.

I found that the best way to feel my lumps was when I was all soaped up in the shower. You don't want to keep feeling them for fear of spreading it though.

I shall be thinking of you on 28th, although you will still have another wait for the results after that.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

How very true Jolamine. My diagnosis was this time last year and my op was scheduled for 3rd January this year so had all the Xmas festivities knowing I had cancer.

Still had a brilliant Xmas and New Year. 

On a funny note I had to go into hospital with a huge sore  on my lip. Had to spend my day explaining to everyone that no, it wasn't a cold sore but I'd  had to have two stitches in my bottom lip when my son in law elbowed me in the face during a VERY competitive game of 'Spoons' on New Years Eve.

Enjoy every moment everyone. Life may have changed slightly but ther's still a lot of living to do x

Hi Irene,

I am glad to hear that you still managed to have a fantastic Christmas last year, despite having cancer joining the party.

I can just picture you going in to hospital with a couple of stitches in your lip - it just goes to show that life goes on regardless.

Life will always change with a cancer diagnosis, but there is certainly still a lot of living to do.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi jolamine,

really can that happen it can spread by feeling too much? I've been trying to see what the go was worried about everyday I shall stop now though and just leave it to the professionals on 28th. I know jola I'm just putting all my concentration on my baby girl now and whatever happens after Christmas happens and il tackle it head on whatever the outcome. Thank you so much jola you've helped so much last few days your an angel xx

good luck for the 28th Mummy2Myla. Sending hugs xxx

Thank you so much Mummy2myla. The prayer means a lot. It wasn’t great news today but seems to be very treatable. The experience of my lump appears to be very different to yours so don’t take my positive diagnosis as a worry. Most lumps are benign. I have a huge family history so was prepared for bad news. Thank you for your positive thoughts. Have an amazing Christmas and keep us updated xxxx

Hi sar,

im so very sorry it wasn't the news you was hoping for. Stay strong and positive il keep you in my prayers I've been thinking of you all day. That's good that it is treatable so they caught it early in guessing? What is the next step for you in treatment? Thinking of you xx

ThNk you Irene xxx

Thank you Mummy2myla. I have an MRI next week and then looks like will be surgery. Hope you are doing ok and taking your mind off things xx