Follow-up: sorry I didn't check back sooner, I am a mess and not thinking straight at the moment. My appoinment is in 4 days, I will come back and let you know how it goes.

Thank you for all your replies, D x

Hi Lewisablue,

Are you aware that you will probably not get a diagnosis on your first visit? I know that I was very disappointed not to, but this is normal. On your first visit you will usually get a mammogram and/or ultrasound and a biopsy. The result of these tests usually take 1-2 weeks to come back and it is usually only then that you will find out what's what.

I'm glad to hear that your GP has prescribed something to calm you down for your appointment and, that your daughter is going with you.

I am going away on holiday tomorrow for 14 days and may not have internet access, so I just want to say that I am thinking of you and hope that all goes well.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Fingers crossed for good results. I shall check up on them as soon as I return home.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you x My appointment didn't go well I have a preliminary diagnosis of breast cancer and just waiting for the biopsy results in a couple of days! My daughter was a great support on the day and now I have to see what the treatment options are going to be. I feel a little lost and frightened about what is ahead! xx

Hi Jolamine,

The consultant said he is almost certain it is breast cancer but can't say 100% till the biopsy results come in. I trust that he wouldn't have said that if he didn't have a good idea that it was. So back in a couple of days for the biopsy results. I am frightened of what is ahead and although have family feeling a little lost and alone (I don't have a hubby/partner) so a lot of time on my own. My anxiety generally has been okay, just leaving the house for me is extermly stressful and knowing that the treatment will mean many hospital appointments is terrifying.

Well lets see what this Thursday brings - fingers crossed D xx

Hi, I don't know if I already replied to you, new to this forum and of course very stressed at the moment. The sppointment didn't go well with a preliminary cancer diagnosis with biopsy results to follow. The clinic its self and the staff were fantastic so reasssuring and caring.

Trying to keep occupied but not easy when your mind just drifts back to thw cancer all the time. Reading  book on anxiety which is helping.

Will let you know the biopsy results, thanks for your reply, D xx

Hi there , I'm so sorry to hear this, it must be such a difficult time for you and your family. Although I didn't end up with a cancer diagnosis and can't know exactly how you are feeling, I do struggle with the anxiety brought on by the whole experience still, and I know exactly what you mean when you say it's hard to focus on other things. I found that I had to actively plan things to keep myself busy and my mind occupied, but I know this can be difficult when you don't necessarily feel like talking to lots of people when you have this dark cloud hanging over you that they can't see. 

   I'll be keeping everything crossed for you that you get at least some positive news on Thursday, and I hope you're coping with the waiting in the meantime. Hopefully once you find out more you will feel more in control and less anxious. 

   Best wishes, S x 

Hi Lewisablue,

 I am sorry to hear that your consultant expects that you do have breast cancer, even though he cannot be sure until you get your biopsy results. My surgeon told me that he was pretty sure that I had cancer at my first appointment, then I had to wait a week for my biopsy results.

I know just how terrifying it is to wait for your results. I have had 2.bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years and have had 3 biopsies for possible melanomas in the past year. Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier the.more you go through it.

If it is of any consolation to you, it does get easier to cope once you know exactly what.you are dealing with and start any treatment if necessary. 

I can understand your loneliness when you don't have a partner to talk all this through with, but anyone will do. Do you have children, work colleagues or other family members who you can get support from? Many of us find that so called 'friends' before cancer can often disappear. I personally have had great support from totally unexpected quarters and have found out who my true friends are now.

Rest assured that it is not at all unusual to find that your emotions are all over the place at present. It is not at all unusual to feel anger, disbelief, denial, fear,, insomnia, lack of appetite and to find yourself worrying about family and crying copiously. These are just a few of the feelings we can have. There are a host of others, too many to mention here, but they will eventually subside.

A cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a difficult journey,  but there are many people on this site who are triumphing over this disease. I can undrstand that you are not looking forard to the many hospital appointments that this entails, but if you think of it as a treatment which will overcome cancer it will be worth it in the long run.

A positive approach will help you move forward and  breast cancer is one of the cancers with better outcomes. You will find that your care team will be fully supportive and helpful.

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you on Thursday. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you, hopefully tomorrow will not be as stressful, fingers crossed. D xx

Hi Jolamine,

Feeling the nerves quite a bit today, waiting for tomorrows appointment! My daughter and son in law will be with me tomorrow. With suffering from anxiety and social phobias I don't really have many people in my life (my parents and siblings have all passed away, although I am only 53 I feel like an orphan!) so I do spend a lot of time on my own, which I am okay with most of the time. When I can concentrate I make jewellery but not feeling it at the moment, too  distracted to be creative. I am doing crosswords, scrabble online etc... and reading a book on Anxiety by John Crawford which is really good and proving very helpful.Also listening to relaxing nature soundscape music.

Thank you for taking the time to help me, much appreciated and I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Diane xx