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I am terrified!

lewisiablue
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I found a large lump im my left breast on Saturday, saw my GP on Monday and now have to wait till the 5th September for my appointment at the breast clinic, and I am terrrifed. I already suffer with depression panic attacks and social phobias which mean just going to the clinic will be hell for me. In my head I am convinced it is breast cancer and I am not coping well at all. I just can't seem to function, not eating properly as I feel sick all the time. My heart is racing and so is my mind! How do people cope with the wait? How do people carry on with their life? I just want to feel some kind of normal, in control, not in a state on panic all the time.

Any advice? D

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    Hi D I'm surprised some lady's haven't answered you yet there's [@Chris S]‍, [@Sandra123]‍ [@Jolamine]‍ ‍ and others hope fully they'll pop over soon, best wishes.... Billy 

  • Offline in reply to Billygoat

    I am male and had a lump in my chest which caused fear but it was just fatty tissue, my wife's lump produced the same result.

     

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    Hi, Lewisablue,

    Thanks to Billy for highlighting your post, as I hadn't seen it yet. Welcome to the forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that you have had to join. Waiting for your breast clinic appointment and then for the results of any tests you have, is always a worrying time. This is a time when our emotions are all over the place and we all seem to think that the worst is going to be the outcome.

    Fortunately, this is not usually the case. Only 1 person in every 8 referred to the clinics will have cancer. Others find simpler solutions for our lumps. The best thing that you can do is to keep yourself busy to try and make the time pass more quickly. Do you have family or friends who you can talk to openly? It can be a great help to have someone who you can bare your sole to. The biggest problem at present is that there are so many unknowns and, your mind tends to wander down all roads.

    If it is of any consolation, things will get easier to cope with once you know exactly what you are dealing with. If you think about things logically, there really is no need to worry until you know that you really do have something to worry about.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years and 3 suspect melanomas, so I am quite used to waiting for results. Sadly, it hasn't got any easier, the more tests I've had. Try to stay away from Dr Google, as this will only scare you further.

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

    Here's hoping for good news!

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to boydy

     

    Hi Boydy,

    I am so sorry to hear that you and your wife both had to go through the agonising wait for results, but, I'm so relieved to hear that both were clear.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi Lewisisablue,

    Sorry u r feeling the way u do. 

    Read any post on here and u will see the waiting is the worst. We get through it because... well we have to.

    Jolamine is soo right in what she is saying about things that help. Her advice is spot on.

    You could of course also go and have a chat with your GP who may be able to help you with other coping strategies. 

    It may not feel it now but the appointment will quickly come around. Deep breaths till then lass. Whatever happens you can do this x

     

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    Hi, I'm so sorry you're going through such a bad time. I have just been through the exact same, found a rather large lump and after a couple of worrying GP appointments and a visit to the breast clinic on Tuesday I eventually had a good outcome- whatever my outcome had been however, the clinic visit was much much less stressful than I expected, the doctors and nurses were all excellent and made me feel very at ease at all times. It helped having someone with me, perhaps you can take someone along? I took a close friend that I usually have a laugh with, and it really helped me to deal with waiting for the various stages of the appointment. 

       I know it's horrendous waiting for the clinic appointment, but as [@Jolamine]‍ said, keeping yourself busy until then will really help, I basically planned something to do every day in the run up! Sending best wishes your way to give you the strength to cope with this- I know it's so awful and isolating. xx 

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    Hello

    I found a lump on the 31st July. Doc reffered me for a mammogram and ultrasound. The 2 week wait was sheer hell. I didn't eat, work. My appointment at the clinic was 2 weeks later n no lie I couldn't get out of the car to go on. My husband had to more a less carry me in. 

     

    I am beyond thankful that I got the all clear on both but yes the wait is terrible hun. I too suffer with anxiety panic disorder so if you need to chat privately or anything I can do please feel free to message me. 

    Hugs 

     

  • Offline in reply to Sandra123

    Thank you, I decided to pay privately for councilling, which is helping with coping statagies and just having someone to talk to, D x

  • Offline in reply to Terrifiedmich78

    Thank you and glad you got the all clear! 4 days till my appointment now and just so scared, not just of the results but going to the hospital itself! my daughter is going with me and the doctor has given me some medication to help calm me. I can't eat, my stomach is just in knots all the time, having palpitations too!

    Will let you know how it goes, fingers crossed xx

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