Breast clinic referral for lump

Hi, I found a lump a week ago, went to drs last Monday & got a breast clinic appointment on Thursday 11th. A 2 week wait sounded quick at the time but I'm finding not in reality! I'm struggling with the wait & everything advises to keep distracted which is pretty difficult being in lockdown from Covid with nothing really to do! Has anyone else felt the same while waiting being in an emotional rollercoaster? I'm okay one day then absolutely freaking out the next. Also nervous that I've got to go alone due to Covid & will be receiving results alone with strangers. I'm feeling an immense pressure to be positive & I want to be but am not feeling it. I'm disappointed in myself not being as strong about this as I thought I would be. 

Parents Reply Children

  • Hi Scorpio, Kimg, Fngloon and Maggiemac,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you've all joined. Waiting to be seen is always a scary time. It is an emotional rollercoaster when our minds tend to play all sorts of tricks on us by going into overdrive. Let me assure you that this is perfectly normal, as are the copious tears. 

    The majority of people referred to the breast clinic do not have breast cancer - only 1 person in every 8 referred will get a cancer diagnosis. There are also a number of different types of breast cancer and some are more aggressive than others. Believe it or not, irrespective of the outcomes, you will feel better once you know what you are dealing with. Treatments have made great strides in recent years and even if unfortunate enough to get that diagnosis that we all dread, just remember that many are now living with breast cancer, rather than dying with it. 

    It sounds as if some of you are already being kept busy with caring responsibilities. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and was concerned for my family when first diagnosed. Since then, I have seen my children finish school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and have families of their own. I still lead a busy and fulfilled life. 

    Attending the clinic alone is a bit daunting, but the staff in these clinics are very sympathetic and understanding. You are unlikely to get a diagnosis until your second appointment and, many clinics will allow you to bring someone with you when you get your results.

    You are all doing the right thing in keeping busy to help pass the time. Also, whatever you do, try to keep away from the internet until you have a definite diagnosis, as this will only scare you further. Just remember that it isn't cancer until you're told that it's cancer. It is difficult trying to keep your predicaments to yourselves until you know more. Most people do this and don't tell family and friends until they know for sure.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thanks jolamine for the reply at this time of the morning as you can see I can,t sleep thinking about the appointment it's the not knowing

  • Hi Maggiemac,

    You are so right. Fear of the unknown is a big factor and there are so many unknowns at this stage that we all get into a state.  Fortunately, you don't hae much longer to wait for your appointment and, then hopefully your sleep patterns will return to normal..

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

  • Thanks kimg appointments at 9.20 am, for me it's the not knowing I let you know how I get on

  • Aaah bless you, thank you -it's so good we're not alone & have each other on here - thinking of you for tomorrow, hope it goes as well as it can , sending lots of hugs xxxx

  • Thank you for your kind words xx

  • Agree the not knowing is the worst , let us know how you get on, I will too xxxxx 

  •  

    Hi Maggiemac,

    I shall be thinking of you at 9.20am and hope that all goes well with your appointment.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • [@Jolamine]‍, [@Scorpio4]‍, [@kimg]‍ not long home got good news the dent in my breast is nothing to worry about they done a mammogram and ultrasound and alls clear they said it's just natural changes in the breast , the Joy's off getting older, good luck for tomorrow girls let me know how yours get on