Hi @foxgem
First of all, welcome to the club that none of us ever wanted to join. I completely understand what you’re feeling — the anxiety can be overwhelming. I’ve been on that merry-go-round for decades, and I know just how awful it can be.
Waiting for results, appointments, and treatment plans is honestly the hardest part. You’ve done incredibly well to get yourself this far — your determination to get answers about that lump shows real strength. That same determination will carry you through the challenges ahead.
There are so many wonderful people on this forum, and the advice you’ve already received will make a real difference. I’d also recommend getting a notebook and pen to jot down appointment details and key information — it’s amazing how easily things can slip your mind in the moment. Alternatively, you can record conversations on your phone (just make sure to ask permission first).
Do you have any hobbies you can immerse yourself in? I taught myself to crochet and spent a year making a blanket — it really helped me focus my mind. You mentioned walking, which is brilliant for clearing your head. Even though it’s colder now, the autumn colours are beautiful. I’ve been using a bird app that identifies and plays bird calls — it always makes me laugh when they “talk back”!
I remember someone suggesting you ask your breast nurse for a referral to a counsellor, and I want to echo that advice. I joined the Moving Forward forum and met people who became friends. My nurse also referred me to a counsellor, and those sessions were so valuable — I could talk openly about everything, learn coping strategies, and just let it all out. It was truly cathartic.
Please feel free to message me privately if you’d like. It can feel incredibly lonely at times, especially at 3 a.m. when your thoughts start to spiral.
Wishing you all the very best — and please do stay in touch.
Love Lynn x
Thank you so much for this reply and for the helpful advice I really do appreciate that. This forum seems filled with the most wonderful people. Today is a better day. I’m in fight finding mode
I tried my luck and called the breast clinic early to find out if they had some more info for me. They said my cancer is HER2 negative. I’m not sure if there’s more info I need or not at the moment about the cancer?
It’s strange. I want all the information and at the same time new information is so worrying.
They don’t know my treatment plan yet because of a second suspicious patch they found on the MRI. I think depending on those biopsy results it will mean either lumpectomy or mastectomy. Then chemo, possibly radiotherapy. I assume I’ll also have some kind of hormone treatment?
I’m glad I have more information but my brain is now busy not knowing what to do with it!!!
Sending you all positive healing thoughts
Hey, I am exactly the same, health anxiety diagnosed in may with BC at 39, 2 younger children.
The hardest part I found was being drip fed with results, scans etc.
I had my lump removed, 9 radio sessions & now started taking tamoxifen 2 weeks ago.
Your not alone, but you will be able to do this take one step at a time x
So sorry to hear you were in the same boat as me especially with health anxiety. It is reassuring knowing we arent alone though.
The waiting is excruciating. I know it is for everyone but with anxiety everything is amplified! A few days ago I started getting pains in my lower tummy, straight away my brain thinks I’ve got something awful elsewhere. My rational normal person brain forgot that it was just period cramps!
I have my anxiety to thank for finding this and for making me go back to the clinic even after being told its nothing so I do appreciate my anxiety I just wish I had full access to the volume of it
Well done on getting through your main treatment already. Keep me posted about the tamoxifen. I’m 100% avoiding google for those details
That’s really positive to hear good for you! Here’s hoping things continue as they are for you. I don’t know exactly what medication my mum was on after her treatment but she always said the symptoms were a small price to pay to remain cancer free. She was very determined to do whatever it took. I will try to be the same. I am still very frightened but I can feel my strength growing a little each day.
Thank you for sharing your experience with me
