Appointment next week

So, after seeing my GP this week I got a call back the next day offering me an appointment at my hospital less than a week after my visit to the GP.

Very impressed with this but I’m so very scared / nervous / anxious etc.

They said it’s a “one stop shop” so ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy (if needed) in one day. 

Are we generally allowed to take a support person with us? And are all results given by a face to face appointment or over the phone?

I honestly don’t think I’m going to get through the next few days. Im feeling sick to my stomach 

Hi MrsE12, I hope you’re ok!  I went to a 1-stop clinic yesterday and most people had someone accompanying them (just not for the actual ultrasounds etc.).  My hospital is in Wigan so it might be worth checking with your clinic what their rules are?

Just re the process, I saw a consultant initially who did an examination and then told me what his thoughts were; I then went for an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy and then back to see the consultant.  I’m going back for the biopsy results next week.

Just keep in mind that 1 in 10 referrals to the breast clinic are clear!!!

Hello, I totally understand your anxiety, the tests/waiting for results is scary and stressful beyond belief.

I would contact the hospital  to ask about taking a support person and how you’ll get the results.

You definitely need someone to be with you and to make sure you get home safely.  At a similar appointment many years ago I was given the results the same day and foolishly went on my own.

It was a long day so take food/drink and anything to destract you while you wait.

I’m stressing about an imminent CT scan/bloods, stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, so far in remission but waiting for the results is literally giving me nightmares.

If you’re struggling to cope maybe your gp could prescribe something,  low dose valium helps me.

Sending good luck and hugs, let me know how you get on…

Hi @MrsE12  I hope you are feeling ok today.  I know the waiting for these appointments is so hard.  I’m in Essex so don’t know if it differs from region to region, but I’ve been to the one stop clinc a couple of times, two years ago when I found a lump (which turned out to be a benign Fibroadenoma) and earlier this week after they found a cluster of microcalcifications after a routine mammogram a couple of weeks ago.  All the doctors, nurses and radiologists there were so kind, patient, reassuring informative and efficient.

With both my experiences I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies all on the same day.  A nurse held my hand and chatted to me the whole time to distract me when I was having the biopsies done.  They do give you a local anesthetic so so there’s little to no pain but it’s natural to be a bit nervous.  Both times all the tests were done within a couple of hours and everything was explained to me as they went along and I asked lots of questions which they were happy to answer.

I believe that if they don’t need to do a biopsy then they will give you your results the same day and either let you know if any monitoring or treatment is required or discharge you back to normal breast screening if all is ok.  If they do a biopsy you will have to wait for the results from pathology.  I have to wait till 17th April to get my results because of Easter being in between. I didn’t take anyone to the one-stop appointment but did get dropped off and picked up and took my husband with me to get the results, which I will do that again this time around.

It’s good that your appointment is so soon.  I know it’s easier said than done but try to distract yourself with other things, try to avoid Google and try not to worry, the vast majority of these things turn out not to be cancer.  Let us know how you get on. x