Hi,

I am new to the forum and have an appointment at the breast clinic next week.  I have been having breast pain (both sides but worse on right side and extending into underarm area) for some time but since I'm 47 I put it down to hormones and perimenopause.  However, a month or so ago I noticed a change in my right breast at my nipple - it is quite retracted but no discharge of any kind -  so after several sleepless nights I called the gp.  She had me go in next day..
She did an exam and said that she found nothing of concern but that since I have large breasts they are kind of fibrous.  There were no obvious hard lumps in either breast nor in underarm area, but she said since I'm 47 and have noticed a change she would refer me to the clinic.  I asked her about going private and she advised against it as said this clinic is an excellent centre, well-funded and with short waiting times.  
I got my letter on Tuesday and have appointment next Tuesday - i am relieved that the appointment has come through but am worried that I have been given a 2WW appointment (isn't this just for suspected cancer cases?). 

I am totally panicking and scared... scared of the appointment and of what comes after.  I have 2 children (12 and 14) and I am currently trying to keep it from them until I have an answer (as they have already been through a lot of stress and anxiety with school and Covid and this would add even more to it).  My husband is overseas and we haven't seen him in 5 months (thanks Covid) so am currently going through this with support of my mum (who tells me not to be stupid when i cry!!) and I have told close friends, simply because I need people to understand why I am not my usual self.

My husband is expecting us to join him overseas but right now travel is the absolute last thing on my mind especially as, what if I am diagnosed and need treatment? I'd much rather be here where I have a good support network than be where my husband is which means a 1hr15 min flight to get to a centre of a similar level as the one where I have been referred.
I know that stastically the majority of women referred to clinic do not have cancer - but statistics are little comfort to me (have been on the wrong side of stats before).
I know I'm not the only one in this situation, and am not the only one who is worried or scared - worried about a diagnosis and scared of what comes next.  I asked Dr Google and he really wasn't very nice!
I'd also really appreciate any words of wisdom on how to manage this with my children - how much do they need to know? Are there any places they can turn to should I be diagnosed? I'm really scared and worried for them, for myself and for our futures.

K