Hi Minnie,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms. It sounds as if you are doing the right thing to get your symptoms investigated. You are right to stay away from google just now, as this will only scare you further and, serve no useful purpose.

It is a pity that your parents are so involved with your Gran, but you can always find out about family history at a later stage if you need to. Only 1 person out of every 8 who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis, as not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts or fibroadenoma and, some people just have naturally lumpy breasts.

Try to keep yourself preoccupied with some .pastime or other whilst you are waiting. This helps the waiting time to pass a little quicker and, remind yourself that 'it isn't cancer until you're told that it is.'

It is always a good idea to write down all of your symptoms with timelines before your appointment, along with any questions you may have. This is helpful for your consultant and ensures that you don't forget to ask any important questions.

Even if you do get a cancer diagnosis, this is one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and, still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

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

Fingers crossed for a good result!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for responding, struggled to sleep again last night. But i can only take it day by day I guess. 
 

it's just scary, I've had stage 4 pre cancerous in my cervix twice before and lots of cysts and I am awaiting a hysterectomy, part of Brain tells me if I've used my luck!  Then the part of my brain says it will be ok and there's no point worrying yet. 
 

HI Minnie,

Unfortunately struggling to sleep is a 'normal' part of this process. We find that we need to take things a day at a time or even an hour at a time if necessary. I am sorry to hear of your previous cancer experience and hope that you get your hysterectomy soon.

Try to remain positive 'it's not cancer until you're told that it is.' - cats have 9 lives, so why shouldn't you?

You are going through a lot already, so I hope that you get your clinic appointment through quickly and that it is nothing untoward. 

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine, I've done some family history gathering through my uncle who I'm really close to.  My great aunt had breast cancer which metastasised and she passed away at 53. 
My uncle died at 63 with lung cancer and my grandad had prostrate cancer all in maternal side. 
 

I have my appointment for breast clinic next Tuesday, which I know is not a long wait at all. 
I'm trying to stay focused on other things but finding it so hard! Today I just wanted to hibernate! I dragged myself to work though! 
 

im just so tired 
 

Hi Minnie,

You may find it useful to look at the Breast Cancer Now site and looking at "Breast Cancer Family History Risk Assessment."  They have some useful information on family history and the likelihood of inheriting it from close family members. I am not a doctor, but I understand that prostate cancer and lung cancer won't increase your chances of inheriting the breast cancer gene. 

It is not easy to stay focused at this time but do your best. I am glad to hear that you now have your appointment and that it's not too far away.

I sincerely hope that all turns out well for you on the day.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine that's really helpful and very much appreciated. I'd read somewhere else that prostate cancer increased risk and that set me off in a fit of panic. 
im trying to stay calm and focused. 
 

like you say Tues is only a week, hopefully it won't drag too far and will all be ok 

Hi Minnie,

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

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you on Tuesday!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you, I spoke to my mum last night and got the full family history. Not sure it made me feel better but at least I have it. it actually terrified me if truth be told.

mum said her maternal aunt had dble mastectomy at 43 and died at 53, her other aunt had uterine and ovarian tumour leafing to hysterectomy. My grandma had no malignant tumours but lots of cysts and fibroids and endorse and hysterectomy, mum was same and hysterectomy at 29. I'm due a hysterectomy for some later this year currently on list and like I said before pre cancerous cells at stage 3 twice.

two maternal uncles died in their late 50's/early 60's lung and bowel all metastasised and granddad prostrate 

then in paternal found out grandma and great grandma both cancer one breast and one breast and uterine. Grandad also NHL ( we don't see this side though)

so now I'm bricking it. Family is rife! 
 

I keep telling myself that mum said she had a lump and it was ok, so chances are it will be fine!!! Im young as of it'll just be fat!! 
 

then we were supposed to be booking a weekend away for our anniversary snd hubby now won't book til ive been as here us worried we will have to cancel! 
 
like you say the chances are so low!!!! Fingers & toes crossed!!! 
 

minnie xx

Hi Minnie,

I am glad to hear that you've managed to have a word with your mum. and got the full family history. As far as I know,it is only the close relatives who had breast cancer that can pass breast cancer down the line (ie directly from your mum or grandma).

Here's hoping that you'll get away for your anniversary after you get the all clear. You'll probably enjoy your break better then, rather than having this hanging over your head.

I've got everything crossed for you!

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine. Genuinely terrified about tomorrow and trying to stay as calm as I can, I know it's likely to be ok.