Nervous newbie

Hi guys, just had my breast lump checked by the GP and she has referred me to the breast clinic at the local hospital. She said I should be seen within 2 weeks. I am very nervous, I have endometriosis and adenomysosis so have been on combined HRT for over 2 years so I am worried that will increase my risk. I’m 37 and the lump is small but very hard just on the side of my left breast. Any tips for the waiting period? I find I keep prodding at it to see if it’s disappeared or changed at all (silly I know) but it’s just playing on my mind. Thank you for reading if you have x

7 Likes

It will pray on your mind, naturally. So the only advice I can give is don’t Google it and keep busy. Hopefully your appointment will be a one stop shop, so you will get some answers on the day. Take care.

4 Likes

Hello @bravemama

Welcome to the forums, I’m so sorry you find yourself here.

There is absolutely no denying the wait is horrible and whilst you have questions and no answers your brain runs off and tries to fill the void with every kind of thought.

Whatever you do, stay off Dr Google: the only answers relevant to you are the ones your health care professionals give you: they will have looked at you and your specific test results and be the ones with the answers specific to you. Having said that by all means explore the main BCN website as it does answer lots of questions about the tests the clinic will run, so if you are somebody who likes to know have a look at that.

In the meantime, please try not to worry: I know that sounds ridiculous but put simply worrying isn’t going to change anything, if (and I must stress IF) you are unlucky enough to receive a diagnosis you will be in good hands, if not you’ll berate yourself for the unnecessary worry.

Whilst time ticks by waiting for your appointment, be kind to yourself: do those things you just like do: be it the box set, exercise, baking, reading, gaming whatever it is that you just get lost in….

You might like to confide in a friend or family member, it really does help to articulate your fears and feelings.

Finally, please don’t worry that your HRT is somehow to blame: it gets lots of good press and lots of bad press, given your age you clearly have health concerns which it has been prescribed to help you with. I can guarantee for every lady diagnosed with breast cancer who took HRT you’ll find another who never took it.

Sending you lots of hugs and keeping everything crossed for you for your appointment.

Please feel free to post on the forum you will get lots of kind supportive replies

AM xxx

7 Likes

Thank you so much for the kind reply and it was full of good advice to keep myself busy in the main time. I really appreciate it

4 Likes

Thank you, you’re so right I’ve been googling far too much

2 Likes

Dear bravemama,

So sorry to read your post, I can’t add any more advice to you as you have had some excellent replies already but I would like to wish you. Lots of luck going forward. Fingers crossed for an excellent outcome.

We are all here for you keep posting any time and let us know how you’re getting on.

With the biggest hug, Tili :rainbow::pray::rainbow::pray:

4 Likes

Thank you so much for your kind reply x

2 Likes

@bravemama - this is the hardest part, the “what ifs” and the “what’s next”. As others have said don’t Google - I did and frightened the life out of myself, I was already planning my funeral. Big big mistake- compared to what I’d read my treatment wasn’t anything awful. I’m now three weeks past ringing the bell to acknowledge I’d beaten it, just six months from start to finish which was fully supported by an amazing team at the hospital. Five years of hormone therapy ahead. Please remember this could all turn out to be nothing but of course you are going to have some what I call hissy fits when you scream and cry thinking the worst, we’ve all had those and believe me when I throw one my husband wants to leave home. Everybody here will support you. It’s my support home. Let us know how you get on xx

5 Likes

Hi bravemama

It is the worst part you are going through now. Waiting and not feeling in control is the pits. But with every result, whatever those results may be, you will feel better simply by knowing. I found keeping a journal really helpful to acknowledge how I was feeling and then get those emotions out and onto paper so I could then go about my day. It’s tough, but you will get through this.

Good luck with everything. x

4 Likes

Welcome to the forum @bravemama

I hope you’re doing OK, the waiting period can be very challenging. As you can see from the replies here, the forum’s full of kind, supportive people and I hope you find the support you are looking for.

You may find this post written by our senior nurse clinical specialist about dealing with anxiety helpful: 10 ways to overcome anxiety: when worry gets out of control | Breast Cancer Now

Please know that our nurses are also here for you, here on the forum on the Ask our Nurses your questions or over the phone 0808 800 6000.

Sending our warmest,
Lucy

3 Likes

Thank you so much for your kind reply x

Thank you so much x

1 Like

Hi,

Just wanted to say as it might ease your worries:

In women over 50, only an extra 4/1000 would have breast cancer due to HRT (to put in percentages 0.4%!) - as per British Menopause Society. Additionally in women <50 it doesn’t tend to increase your risk as it’s only bringing your hormones to “what they should be” as opposed to giving you extra, if that makes sense!

:slight_smile:

1 Like

Thank you, aww that does make sense. I’m on HRT due to being in chemical menopause to help with symptoms of endometriosis/adenomyosis. I appreciate you sharing the information as I have been worried about increased risk x

1 Like

Hi :wave: i am sure most of us here on this forum have been where you are right now. It is frightening, it’s not knowing but once you do know it brings a sense of relief for a time. Just try to keep yourself busy. I found meditation helpful throughout my cancer journey. It’s easier said than done but if you can find something you enjoy to take your mind off it, hopefully that will help. Lots of prayers and hugs :people_hugging: coming your way.

2 Likes

Hi @bravemama,
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this horrible waiting period. I just wanted to add my support to the lovely responses you’ve already had. Please try to be kind to yourself and do what you need to do to distract yourself. Hope you get an appointment soon and please let us know how you get on x

2 Likes

I had mine removed in October and am still prodding! Hopefully you’ll be in before you know it.

I took HRT and sadly had to stop and that has affected me, but bottom line is , I’m alive and active and getting back to all my activities now so am thankful.
Im sure they will take all things into consideration and get you on the right pathway. Good luck x

2 Likes

Thank you, it’s been a week now and no appointment yet but gp said I will be seen with in 2 weeks. Trying to keep busy but I’m sure the lump has grown already. Hopefully here soon. Thank you again for your kind words x

1 Like

Thank you

Hi my name is Cathy
I’ve been going through a lot of tests these past few months from Dr appointments, biopsies, I had a lump in My left breast which my doctor said it was small , but he said it was very deep in my breast I didn’t find it they found it on a routine mammogram
So they did a few tests 3D Mammogram, then an ultrasound, then I was sent to a surgeon who scheduled a biopsy, which came back two weeks later inconclusive
The surgeon thought it was best to take the tumour out and when he went in to remove it he also took out 3 lymph nodes ,
I’m very nervous I haven’t gotten my results yet if it’s Cancer or not , I get my results on June 12th

3 Likes