I’m new to this so apologies if you’ve already offered advice on this. I found a lump and visited my gp on Thursday and I have been referred to the breast clinic for a scan & tests. I’m waiting on an appointment coming through. I’m really worried about what it could be and finding it very difficult to talk about how I feel. I’m an only child and don’t want to tell my mum as I feel I’ll be worrying her over something I don’t even know what it is. Is there any advice on how to get through the next couple of weeks? Xxx
Hi Pollywolly01
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.
To help you along I have put for you below the link to one of BCC’s publications you might find helpful to read before your hospital appointment. Also, if you need a good listening ear, then our helpline staff are just a free phone call away 0808 800 6000, lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2.
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/worried-about-breast-cancer/referral-breast-clinic-bcc70
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi pollywolly
The waiting is the hardest part! You’ll probably get an appointment at the breast clinic within two weeks then, if the scan shows up anything and you have a biopsy done, you’ll have another week of waiting for the results.
I’m recently diagnosed and found the waiting really difficult…my head was everywhere. Once I knew it was cancer I actually felt calmer.
The advice I can give you is DO NOT Google…you’ll scare yourself silly. A lot of the information out there is inaccurate and misleading. Stick to this site which is excellent and also Macmillan and Cancer Research UK. Keep yourself busy and try not to dwell on it…most lumps are actually benign. If it does turn out to be cancer, then deal with that bridge when you come to it…and I know it’s not easy!!
I told my daughters (grown up) when I found the lump but I didn’t tell my Dad until I knew for sure…and it was harder telling him that it was my girls. After all, I’m still his “little girl” and I didn’t want him worrying about me at his age (he’s in his 80s)
Any time you feel the need to talk about how you’re feeling, whether you’re upset, angry, upbeat (and you’ll go through the full range), just log on here. We all understand.
((hugs))) Maggie xx
Hi Maggie thank you so much for your reply I really appreciate it. I’m so sorry to hear your diagnosis I hope you’re doing well. I’m sticking to this site I have found it very helpful. I’m keeping busy both at work and home and I find that useful just waiting for the appointment is trying my patience but I’m trying to keep positive.
Thank you so much for your kind words and hugs.
I wish you well and you’ll be in my thoughts xxx
Hi pollywolly
Since I posted I’ve had another appointment with my consultant and she said that the tumour is quite small (12mm), ER+ and she doesn’t think the lymph nodes are involved from the scan so quite good news.
I’m having my op next week, then it’s a two week wait for the results…so another few sleepless nights lol
Have you not had an appointment through yet? I was phoned with my appointment for the breast clinic the same day as I’d visited my GP.
xxx
Hi Maggie, I’m pleased your news is better than you thought I will think of you during this time. I got my appointment through and it’s Wednesday 10th july so only a few more days to go. I got my letter through on Wednesday and I had to tell my boss and organise time off. I was very nervous telling him because it made it more real, I always think if I don’t say anything it’s not true. Going to try and keep positive and focused over the weekend. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post it’s very kind of you. Please let me know how you get on with your operation I’ll be thinking of you.
Pollywolly01 xxx
Thank you pollywolly
It’s supposed to be nice weather over the weekend so make sure you do something nice to take your mind of the appointment.
The majority of people who are referred to the breast clinic have benign lumps/cysts so try not to worry too much.
Maggie xx
hi pollywolly the waiting is terrible try not to worry too much because as maggie says a lot of lumps are benign the waiting is horrible and very scary. just got my diagnosis and op booked for the 11th then results and treatment plan. we have to focus on the here and now not the what ifs we can have wobbly days had one myself yesterday! wishing you all the best with ur apt hope all goes well. Love from another Maggie xxxx
Thank you maggie 281, I’m getting nervous but I had a good weekend and spoke to my friends who were very supportive and it helped a lot. I’m very busy at work so it’ll keep me busy and out of trouble for a bit. I’ll be thinking of you on 11th I hope everything goes well I’m very overwhelmed with the support from you all I really appreciate all your kind words.
Take care xxx