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Don't know where to turn - breast lump referral

Oddsockmum
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Hi everyone,

I don't know where to start to be honest but I'm going out of my mind and really trying not to.

I found a lump in my right breast on the inner side inbetween the breast bone and nipple about 8 weeks ago now. I read up and decided to go through my cycle as I know some lumps can disappear. This hasn't and I'm fairly sure it's grown too.

It took me two weeks to get a gp appointment which was middle of last week and I've had a call today to say my breast screening appointment will be next Tuesday. I'm considering going private but can't really afford too, it's just that the worry is getting the better of me. 

I wouldn't feel so concerned but I've not really felt well for a few months in myself. I've had ongoing problems with my chest and a persistent pain in my right shoulder when I breathe in which is now in my breast too. I've had a chest x-rayast last week so atleast that's done but i am really struggling with the wait. I'm sure I'm not the only one though.

I hadn't told anyone about the lump either until the day I saw the gp when I thought I should tell my husband. We've also told his mum too. 

Have/did you all tell family and friends when you were just waiting and it could still be nothing?

I'm toying between telling people and not telling anyone. It's a total head messer isn't it x

No idea whether I'm posting this in the right place sorry. 

  • Offline

    Hi There

    Trust me the waiting is the worst.  I'm fine as long as I have something to focus on.  I had a biopsy on 13th August and was told I'd get the results 5 - 6 weeks later.  By the time we got the result on 19th Setpember, we'd almost forgotten about it as most people get a diagnosis within a couple of weeks so had convinced ourselves all was okay and just carrying on as normal. 

    So we got a diagnosis of breast cancer on 19th Sept and it was then we told our Daughter, Son and my parents.  The reason for not telling them before was that we didn't want them to be worrying about something when there may not be anything to worry about.  To us it seemed best to keep it to ourselves and just carry on with life which is exactly what we did and now I'm really glad as otherwise that would have been another 6 weeks of stress they would have had.

    Lumpectomy and lymph node removal on 1st October, then 30th October results day of operation success.  Unfortunately cancer had spread and I needed a mastectomy which they had pencilled in for 1st November but due to complications could't be done then.  I was given a further date of 20th November but that was cancelled due to ongoing complications.  Whilst I had dates to focus on I was fine but now I'm in limbo waiting for my blood situation to be sorted so that they can give me another date (hopefully not far away now)........  I've remained upbeat and positive throughout as I'm a true believe in PMA but the waiting is draining to say the least.

    Good luck to all who are waiting for appointment dates (I hope they are not long coming through) and to those waiting for tests, I hope the results come back positive for you!!

    Best wishes

    Rosie 

  • Offline in reply to Oddsockmum

    Hi

    Unfortunately my friends have moved away.  I'll find someone to go with I'm sure. Are you taking anyone?

    X

  • Offline in reply to Rosie80

    Hi

     

    I'm sorry it's not good news. How come the results were so long? On my letter it says 2 weeks for the results if they have to do biopsies. 

    Take care

    X

  • Offline in reply to Vixy

    Hi Vixy

    Here it is 30+ days for biopsy results and 30 days for results from an operation.  I think as long as you set your mind for the end date and then just carry on as best you can, it makes it better.  It's not an easy ride at all no matter what stage you are at from the moment you feel a lump but the medical support system is truly amazing.

    Wishing you luck

    Rosie

  • Offline in reply to Oddsockmum

    Hi 

    Where abouts in the country are you? If you don't mind me asking. X

  • Offline in reply to Vixy

    [@Vixy]‍ I'm sure they will be lovely at the clinic anyway, I know having some support would be nice though. My husband is coming with me, although I was set in going on my own to begin with x

  • Offline in reply to Rosie80

    I'm so sorry to see you're left in limbo, it's never a nice place to be.

    I think your reasons for not telling people to before you had a diagnosis makes alot of sense. I've been going between telling family so they're prepared incase but then not telling them because I don't want to worry anyone but after reading your reply I think that's best for us too. 

    Are you due to gave chemo too? I hope you have an op date soon x

     

  • Offline in reply to Oddsockmum

    Hi Oddsockmum (a great username, love it!)

    I'm doing okay, as you say, limbo is never a nice place to be but the medical services are trying to do all they can to get me sorted and hopefully it won't be long.  It's totally unrelated and only came about from complications that arose after my operation.  It's been a long road so far and since my initial operation on 1st October I've had three more operations due to heamotomas and infection resulting in my wound being cleaned and dressed every day since 5th October, it's been a long 6 1/2 weeks and all I would like now is a day when I can get up in the morning and stay home all day without having to get to our hospital or health centre.  That said, the treatment and compassion has been out of this world so I cannot complain.

     

    I've asked my children since if they thought we were right to not tell them until diagnosis and they said yes it was.  Although it was a shock I was able to answer all their questions and tell them what the next stage was whereas if I'd have said I've found a lump and I've got to have a biopsy, they would have been worried without knowing more information and I wouldn't have had the information for them either.  This way was definitely best, for our family.  I hope this helps you further.  

     

    The doctor said until they get the results from pathology of my next operation they cannot confirm the remaining stages of my treatment although as it was in my lymph nodes, radiotherapy is pretty much guaranteed.

     

    Any questions ask away, I'll help wherever I can although as new to this it will only be from my own personal experience.

     

    Rosie x

  • Offline in reply to Vixy

    I don't mind at all, I'm in Worcestershire. I didn't realise you'd asked before sorry I'm just catching up xx

  • Offline in reply to Rosie80

    Thanks, odd socks keep me busy and I'm never in a matching pair so it works :D

    It sounds like you've had such a tough time, I hope things start getting better soon for you and that you have a plan in place. 

    That makes alot of sense from your children and I am going to do the same and wait. I have been thinking to and imagine I would want a bit of time to digest (if I need to) it and preparing for telling them. Would you mind me asking how old your children are? 

    Thank you so much for offering to help, it's a very confusing time isn't it and this is just while I'm waiting that I feel like that. I need to call for x-ray results today, I called yesterday but they weren't back. 

    Hope you're ok xx

     

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