Hi there ...

If i were you , I'd phone G P ...and ask for the next nearest hospital . . It's a shame that they didn't tell you how much longer it will be ... tell your G P what you were told ... maybe they may be able to move things along ... but please keep in mind 8.5 out of 10 lumps in the breast are benign... my first four call backs from mamorgrams were all clear. . 

Fingers crossed it will be a good result ...  Chrissie x

Hi daftmummy, sorry to hear about this. Like you, I found a lump in my breast on 21 Feb. I was urgently referred by my GP, supposedly within 2 weeks. 2 weeks came and went with no contact from the hospital, so like you I called them, only to be told (by an equally unhelpful and matter of fact receptionist!) that all urgent referrals were taking nine weeks due to staff shortages. Ahhhhhhrrrgghhh!!  I'm in Scotland though, where the two week period is only a guideline and not mandatory. In England I believe it is mandatory, so if you are in England I'd make a huge fuss and insist upon being seen asap.

I know how difficult it is not to worry (I've been driving myself up the wall with the what ifs!!) but hopefully you'll be seen soon. I'll cross my fingers for you xx

Hi there, 

I know theres no point moaning and I'd definitely do what [@Chriss]‍ said because somehow her advice is always so good and really works for me since being here, X BUT... 

I just cannot for the life of me understand the attitude of people taking these calls and working in this environment.  You're calling because you are absolutely terrified and they have no sympathy or empathy and make you feel worse like you have nowhere to turn and they leave you in a state of confusion. There's no reassurance there, it's almost as if they just want to get you off the phone. I couldn't. I just couldn't be like that. If I was taking these calls I'd be the most empathetic person on the planet, I just don't think they understand the enormity of the worry and suffering involved in having these tests and the waiting for results. The waiting is the worst part and how they don't appreciate that and behave accordingly is totally beyond me. I know I'm ranting a little on your post and I don't mean to but a little bit of compassion costs nothing and would mean everything to us. I am so sorry you are now in limbo like this. I think I would keep trying to call back and when you get through eventually I would ask to speak to a manager, have a pen ready, take her name and ask her exactly what you should do next as you are totally confused by the phone call yesterday. You poor thing, if you were my mum I'd be calling for you today. That is just awful and I'm so sorry. Xxxxxxxx

Hey Hun, 

First off, I'm so sorry you're going through the worrying time of finding a lump in your breast. I know exactly what that's like. But I'm also sorry for the horrible way that the receptionist spoke to you, showing no empathy or emotions towards how you might be feeling, nevermind what facts, numbers and dates they aren't hitting. And as for your husband, dont worry, when I'm on the phone and the person ends up being rude, you get so shocked and appalled, you cant think to say the logical things, you just think why the hell are they in a job that requires such communication! 

If that hospital hasn't fitted you into the 2 week time scale, then they may be able to fit you in after that. But if it were me, I'd try to get back in touch with the GP, either by phone or appointment as it is something worrying, not something that doesnt warrant an appointment. Then ask your GP if they are able to chase the referral, or if not at least see what is going on with any appointment. At least that way you should be able to find out something. Hopefully a lot more than what you did find with that receptionist. 

I wish you the best of luck, and please feel free to message me any time you like, to talk or to share your worries. 

Lots of love and light, 

Alex xxx

Thank you ladies for your support. I will try and phone the GP and or hospital again today.

Its so hard trying not to worry when it’s pretty much on mind constantly. I haven’t  really told anyone, just my husband and a couple of ladies at work. I can’t really say much at work as I work in a school and there’s nearly always kids around. My mums elderly and a worrier so I think she would make me worry even more (if that’s possible).

The lump feels massive (at least walnut sized if not bigger) which makes me worry more and the GP said he thought it had been there a while which can’t be good either! Then I wonder why I didn’t find it sooner. I think my minds playing tricks on me too. I keep thinking it’s grown loads since finding it. When I was driving the other day I thought it had grown so much it was getting in the way of my arm. (But in reality I’m rather well endowed and it’s proabably always been like that) also since finding the lump, my breast, armpit and arm have been aching and painful.  

I’m sure how I’m feeling is normal but it’s so hard carrying on as normal when it feels like nothing can ever be normal again.

Sorry to hear your going through this too. I hope you get seen soon. The wait is horrendous! I’ll keep my finger crossed for you too x