Yes hopefully will be good news thanks for replying all the best x

Hi Em, Jessmarie, ShaunaRiot, Kate & JulieJ,

I am replying to you all together as you all seem to be having similar problems and to be at a similar stage. It is terrifying when you are referred to the breast clinic and, our minds tend to make matters worse, as they race ahead of us and, come up with all sorts of worst case scenarios. This is especially true if any of you are consulting ‘Dr Google’. If you are, I would advise you to stop immediately. You will only manage to scare yourself even more if you continue to do this. Much of his information is inaccurate, poorly researched and out of date.

It sounds as if you have all been fortunate enough to have been referred to the breast clinic. I know that the connotations of this are scary, but this is more to rule out anything untoward, than to diagnose you with cancer. Only 1 person in every 8 referred are diagnosed with cancer. With this statistic and, the fact that you are all young, the odds are on your sides.

Most people who are referred to the breast clinic are seen within 2 weeks. It can be longer where a GP doesn’t rate the referral as urgent. At present, waiting times for cancer appointments, scans and some treatments are all up in the air and, seem to be affected by where you live. When you attend the clinic you will talk to your consultant about your symptoms, get a physical examination of your breasts, have an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. You will probably not get the results of your biopsy for 1-2 weeks after this. It is always a good idea to take someone with you to your appointments if you can, especially when you are attending for test results. This can be difficult with the pandemic at present, but most clinics are still allowing you to bring one person with you.

Some consultants are giving patients the results by phone, but most still prefer to give them face-to-face. By the time you get your results, your consultant will have discussed your case at his/her MDT(Multidisciplinary team) meeting and, if you have tested positive, will have a treatment plan drawn up for you.

There is nothing to worry about until your results are due. The staff at the clinics are all very pleasant and understanding. I do hope that none of you have too long to wait and that you all get on well.

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

Just to try and put your minds to rest a little, I have had 2 bouts of cancer in the past 11 years. I had a lumpectomy the first time and had a double mastectomy for the second bout. My Mum had died of secondary breast cancer 10 years before I was diagnosed and, I was convinced that my days were numbered too. I’m pleased to say that I have since had 10 fulfilling years and, am still here to tell the tale. I’m not saying that it was all a breeze. There were some dark days, but I have found that having a positive attitude has been a great help in moving forward and, I hope that all of you can too.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you for commenting and explaining. 

I have days were im fine but then I have days where I'm absolutely terrified and cannot stop thinking about it and cannot sleep. 

I'm not worried about going there im more worried about the results, sometimes I feel physically sick thinking about it 

I got a text this morning saying my referral has been sent and they will be in contact with me for an appointment. 

Just don't know what to do 

Em x

Hi em

im the same as you. I just got call to be seen today. There going to do an assessment on me and maybe a biopsy if needed. There was a cancellation at the clinic. I'm terrified I'm hoping it will go okay. I hope you get you appointment soon  

x

s

Hi S,

Good luck sweetie let me know how you get on!

Em x 

Hi Em,

We all find that our emotions change at the drop of a hat. It is usually worse for us all at night when our minds go into overdive. Sadly, none of this helps us in the slightest.

I am glad to hear that you have now been sent an appointment and, hope that it comes up soon.  It is not at all unusual to worry about the results - that wait is one of the most worrying time of the cancer journey.

Try not to look too far ahead. Instead of looking at the bigger picture and scaring yourself rigid, try to tae things day by day, or even hour by hour if need be. Whatever, the outcome, I'm sure that you will feel much better once you get your diagnosis and have a way forward. It becomes easier to cope once you dispose of all the unknowns.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi ShaunaRiot,

Wow! That must have been a surprise. I hope that all went well for you today. Were you given a date to get your results?

I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found. Please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello Jolamine, the specialist said it was just some excess fatty tissue he double checked and went for an ultrasound and biopsy and nothing showed on the screen they took three biopsies but said there was nothing there for concern. The results should be available in a week. The consultant has booked me in for a three month check up. I'm so glad I begged to go private otherwise I would of been waiting weeks.  

hi!

I hope you're okay. 

I know how you feel. Please feel free to message me anytime as I know how you're feeling x

I think ite the unknown too x