Hi there Chelbel,

Sorry to hear about the lump discovery,  and especially about your sister.

As far as I am aware the two-week pathway is standard for a new lump in the breast, after all your GP cannot tell what it is so has to have it checked out for worst case scenario.  You're seeing it as an emergency, but the urgency of it being checked out doesn't make it cancer, it just means your GP is following procedure.  Remember the same procedure and two-week referral time is used for all women presenting with breast lumps, and yet the vast majority of them turn out to not be cancer.

Really sorry that your sister passed away so young.  The only thing I can say with regards to that is that it is also only a very small percentage of breast cancer sufferers for which there is genetic input.  Even in families where there appears to be a strong family history of cancer they usually test as not being genetic in nature.  So again the statistics are on your side, even though having that happen to your sister will naturally make you more anxious, chances are you still aren't at any increased risk of breast cancer.

The other positive is that even if it does turn out to be cancer, most breast cancers are discovered at stage 1 or 2 and the survival rates for stage 1 and 2 are so high as to be really no different to the chance that any female without cancer will still be around in 5 years time.  At stage 1 it may just be that they would do a small operation and put you on some medication, so that wouldn't even be too disruptive for what sounds like a really difficult life at the moment (sorry for everything you're going through with your husband too).

It is a huge worry and it needs checked out but everything is on your side.  I totally get where you're coming from with your sister's passing and presumably also the fact that I imagine you don't feel like you get much luck in life (don't blame you), but please try not to worry about it unless the day comes that you have to.  All the worry is doing is making your current life even harder and it is statistically likely that worry will turn out to be for nothing.

Even if you do get the news you dread you are far from alone.  There are numerous charities out there to help practically and financially.  I was dumbstruck at the amount of help that I didn't even have to ask for, and the amount that is available that I don't need but could have if I did need it.  And in terms of advice and moral support we are all here.

My mum first had breast cancer a bit younger than you and she had 3 children.  She must have felt very much how you feel now, but she got through it.  Indeed she went on to beat breast cancer again 20 years later.

I will be thinking of you and I am hoping for the best possible outcome.  Please let us know how you get on.

LJxx

Dear LJ,

Thank you for your reply. It has offered some reassurance although I am still wracked with anxiety. I am guessing that is the same for everyone on here but it is just such a horrid feeling. 

I am wondering if my lump has gone down a bit but at the same time wonder if I am tricking myself with hopeful thinking. 

If it has gone down I do wonder if it would go down if it was a cancerous lump?? However even if it as I still worry what the scan will show. 

This is fast turning into a ramble but I am trying to be positive and see this as an extra health check ‘just in case’.

Thanks again for your reply and your mum’s story gives me hope. 

Take care and I’ll stay in touch.

xxxx

Hi Chelbel,

Ramble on. This is what we are here for. We've all been in your position and know just how scary it all is, especially when you have children to worry about too. What ages are your chidren?

It sounds as if you have more than enough to cope with already and I sincerely hope that your lump will prove to be of no significance.

A 2 week referral period to the breast clinic is normal, so please don't panic. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years, plus a few false alarms and, was referred to the clinic within less than 2 weeks each time. I have also lost both of my parents, several family members and close friends through cancer.

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your sister at such a young age to this awful disease. You will have some tests taken when you attend the breast clinic and will then have another worrying wek before the results come back.

I sincerely hope that they don't show up anything untoward.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

How did you get on? Hope you're okay x

Hi Chelbel,

It's good to hear from you again. What did you scan show and, what treatment have you had since? If your lump has reduced this is excellent news.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx