Hi there
I went to my GP last week after finding a lump in my breast. She was able to locate it straight away and has referred me to the breast clinic. She didn’t really say much apart from the fact that I should hear in about two weeks and would probably have an ultrasound and a biopsy. I just got the letter through today and it says 2WW suspected breast cancer. It’s pretty stark and scary to see it like that in black and white. I was feeling pretty calm and rational about it all until now. Since getting the letter I’m finding it hard to stop shaking and I can’t think properly. I’m just posting here because I don’t really know what else to do at the moment.
Best wishes to you all
Liz
Hi Liz
First of all, I’m sad you too find yourself in this situation but you’ve found the right place for support.
I’ve never quite fathomed out why there’s such terror attached to ‘cancer’ compared to other potentially fatal illnesses, of which there are many. Part of it is the public perception, part of it’s history - the once horrendous treatments, people with bald heads, people dying, In the past. BUT times have changed. The recovery rate for breast cancer is way higher than it was, the understanding about the different types and different treatments has progressed in leaps and bounds, things are different.
The language of breast cancer is horrible. It’s blunt, it takes none of our feelings into account and it’s a bit scary. On the other hand, it gets the job done as quickly as possible.
If it helps, the majority of suspicious breast lumps turn out to be benign. However, as your letter specifies, you have to be investigated in terms of breast cancer and seeing it in writing is awful. I would offer two pieces of advice - don’t assume the worst until it’s actually confirmed. As I said, most breast lumps turn out to be benign. My second suggestion is to steer clear of Google, or Dr Google as it’s known here. Google is often outdated, may not be relevant to your specific case and the information that IS accurate and current may well be above our pay grade. A major part of the cancer experience is emotional (as you have discovered today) and Google takes none of that into consideration. If you have questions in the next few weeks, ring the nurses here (they are wonderful - understanding and knowledgeable) and ask in the forums (though sometimes replies are slow coming). There are hundreds of us who have been through it all and are still here to tell the tale. So, regardless of those terrifying public images, everything is manageable.
I wish you all the best with your tests - which may be uncomfortable but not painful - and hope you get a good outcome. Meantime, take good care of your emotions - meditation, mindfulness, running, whatever you like to do. I zoned out to YouTube relaxation videos and still do!
Take care, Jan x
Hi Liz
I’m so sorry you are going through this at the moment. I am too. I phoned my doctor 3 weeks ago and due to Covid they didn’t see me but referred me straight to the breast clinic on the 2ww referral system. Something my doctor said to me, which yours obviously didn’t, is that all referrals to the breast clinic are through the 2ww system and not to be alarmed when the letter comes through. I was prepared for this so it wasn’t a shock to see the words ‘suspected breast cancer’ written down.
I have been to my appointment at the breast clinic, had an examination, ultrasound, and biopsy and am currently waiting for the results. It’s been the worst, emotionally exhausting, 3 weeks of my life. I just want to let you know my experience so far so you know you’re not alone. I wish you all the best x