Hi Jen,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. Some people say that distraction helps - keeping yourself busy to help take your mind off things. This can include work, other tasks around the house, or simply doing things you enjoy. Take things a day at a time and hopefully you'll get the results soon and have the answers you need.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Jen, I'm not sure there is a way to forget for a week, but just for a short while I find watching a good, absorbing film helps for an hour or so. Also doing my hobbies helps to take my mind off it for a while, especially if I working something out, like a crochet/ knittting pattern or making a card. Just try to focus on your normal daily routine. I know it's hard. I'm in my third week of waiting for a two week referral.
Our minds always seem to take us to the worst case scenarios if we don't do something to prevent it :happy: Hope that helps.

Thanks Jen, hope yours are too. I'm still waiting for my first clinic appointments which is about 4 weeks now. I know it's because of the pandemic so can't be helped. 

My results are meant to come in about a weeks time. Do you think you have cancer?

I'm not sure what I think just now. I found a strange red mark, like an insect bite on my breast and the practitioner I saw found a lump behind it. He referred me for suspected breast cancer so I am aware it could be that but I'm being cautiously optimistic. I have had two other referrals in the past, one for throat cancer and one for stomach cancer, both of which were false alarms. I'm just hoping this isn't third time un lucky

Yeah, I hope it's something that's not that bad. I have all the signs of AML and my doctor got a bit worried but I'm just hoping for the best 

Excuse my ignorance but I don't know what AML is. I hope your tests come back clear . I think probably the waiting is the worst thing because you naturally think of the worst case scenario, and it's hard to get your mind off it, especially in the early hours.

I wasn't at all worried about my last 2 referrals because I somehow knew it wasn't cancer. This time I'm not so sure although my gut feeling is that it isn't. I just want to get the appointment out of the way whatever the outcome. The only thing that scares me is the thought of chemo or an operation. I couldn't cope with either of those. 

Try not to worry too much if you can. 

Yeah, I've been following your advice and it's working. I don't think your ignorant but to be honest I didn't know what AML was at first. AML is acute myeloid leukaemia.

I'm sorry to hear that Jen and I really hope your tests prove clear. 

I'm glad I have been able to help in some small way. I have found it helpful to write my feelings down here, and also I have told my husband, son and close friends. I don't know why that helps but it does. I suppose it's a bit like a release valve. 

Do try to take care of yourself,