Aniexty of waiting /slowness of results

Ask our Nurses your questions Questions about primary breast cancer
#1

Hi there,

Recently diagnosed at 38 years old , and the main thing that is causing me stress is the waiting game. I feel like it’s a very slow process, my discharge notes said I should have a follow up appointment within 2 weeks, but it’s actually 3 weeks. I was constantly waiting for a call from the hospital and nothing, I wish they wrote 3 weeks on my notes.

Also I have been told I have triple negative, and not told I need chemo yet, I’m hoping they may tell me tomorrow at my next appointment so it gives me chance to get my head around it. I’m hoping what I’m feeling is normal and I’m not going insane. 

One last thing, an itchy back with a weird red patch same spot had for 6 months and never though to get checked as its not bad enough, now I’ve convinced myself it’s the cancer and it spread, any ideas how I know if that’s normal? Thanks 

#2

I think what you’re feeling is completely normal. In the early days of my journey I found the waiting very difficult, I just wanted to get on with being treated. Time has helped, as I move through each stage I’ve got used to always waiting, waiting for results, waiting for operations, waiting for more results, it’s never ending. 

If you’re worried about something, however silly you think it might sound, I strongly recommend mentioning it at your next appointment. 

#3

Hi Batman84  

Thanks for posting. 

Having a recent diagnosis of breast cancer can feel overwhelming. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and many people find the wait for results stressful, as @CarrieDec Says these feelings are completely normal. You may find our booklet about how to cope after a diagnosis helpful. 

You mention that you have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and are waiting to hear whether you will require chemotherapy. You might find our recent facebook live session on triple negative breast cancer helpful. It may be helpful to take someone with you to your appointment tomorrow and you may wish to write down your questions and make a note of any information you might want to remember later.  

As the red, itchy patch of skin you describe is something which is worrying you, you could discuss this at your next appointment with your treatment team.  

We have a number of services and support designed specifically for younger women.             

We are currently running the Younger Women Together support events online. These events have been created to provide support for women under 45 with primary breast cancer.  

You can register for these events online.  

The Younger Breast Cancer Network (YBCN) is a private Facebook group run by young women for young women (under 45) who’ve had breast cancer. To join, go to Facebook and search ‘Younger Breast Cancer Network’ and send them a private message. 

If you would like to talk with another young woman diagnosed with breast cancer who understands, you can use our Someone Like Me service.  

Sometimes we find we can help people more by talking things over. Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001). 

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Best wishes 

Julie   

Breast Care Nurse   

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#4