First time poster, but I have read so many chats & found comfort and reassurance that the worry and panic I’m feeling is something I’m not alone in!
I’m 30 years old, and like many others found a lump, it’s in my lower quadrant and quite large. No pain, although I’ve had random shooting pains in that breast for some time. My entire breast has changed in appearance, very swollen and noticeably larger than my other. I’ve also noticed my nipple seems unable to go firm on that breast only! And the lump is not moveable, I can feel/see it but edges can’t be felt.
Doctor was very kind, my sister was diagnosed at 33 with breast cancer and passed earlier this year, and has referred me on the 2WW.
Appt is Wednesday & I know biopsy is really the only way to know, but my goodness I’m so worried.
I’ve a supportive partner but grew up in foster care so very limited support to share my worries with, his dad is currently going through pancreatic cancer so this year has been extremely tough on him, and I have 2 young children.
Not sure why I’m posting, other than a hope it may ease how I’m feeling slightly, or that someone else may have had same symptoms and it be benign. I know everyone’s symptoms and journey is different, but this waiting is really eating away
Many will say on here, that the waiting and the unknown is the most worrying and stressful time. People who have not been in this position can only guess how hard it is, and you have the added worry for members of your family and the sad loss of your sister.
You’ve made the first step forward and that is to see your GP. Whether it’s cancer or not, you need to know. I can’t speak for others but I got quite emotional when I arrived at the clinic. I had arrived worried and then noticing others who were upset just made it so much worse and very real. I tried to keep telling myself, this is the place I need to be and get a grip. Far easier to say, than do.
The only words of comfort I can offer, is that most people find their medical teams wonderful, and whatever the outcome there is an abundance of support available. Treatments are good and improving all the time, and although sadly they were not able to help your sister, it doesn’t mean you are destined to follow the same path.
I’m going for my first annual mammogram on Wednesday, and will be thinking of you when I’m in that waiting room, watching all those around me going through the same “process”
First time poster here also. I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister and to hear that your partners Father is currently undergoing treatment for Pancreatic cancer.
I’m further along the journey than you, and just had surgery (a few hours ago) currently wide awake on the ward. As many others on this forum will advise, the period you are in now is the worst part of the journey. I too had noticed changes and was referred on the 2 week pathway. What helped me was to stay busy, with work/family etc. I concluded , worrying won’t change the outcome so tried hard to stay busy. Easier said than done though, I appreciate. Also, do not Google, stick to forums such as this.
Every single member of medical staff I’ve encountered has treated me with kindness, compassion and empathy. I’m sure it will be the same for you. Thankfully, I had all appointments on the same morning on that first appointment. I maintained the keep busy strategy whilst waiting for my results. I did have a wobble the night before as to be expected. Feel the emotions & let the tears flow. It’s such a rollercoaster, one minute you’re fine and the next you can be upset. This is normal. Once I had a date for surgery (this is my experience, not suggesting that you need surgery), I felt in a much stronger mindset as there was a plan and the path to healing was In motion.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, and hope you are feeling ok after surgery. I can’t tell you how supportive it is to hear from others who know the gut churning feeling, and hope it’s ok to say I really admire your strength and bravery!
Thank you for your kind words, I’m finding it really difficult to not associate what I’m going through with my sisters horrendous journey, and it’s nice to hear I’m not alone in being fine one minute and really not the next!
Wishing you all the best in your journey, and thank you for taking the time to reply when your going through so much yourself X
Hi and welcome. You’re definitely in one of the worst stages right now, waiting and wondering, so I’m sending huge hugs and empathy and I’m sure others are too.
Take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time, try to keep busy, do small nice things you enjoy, talk to a trusted friend or relative when you need to. Above all, be kind to yourself – waiting for diagnosis can be hugely stressful and it’s completely normal for your feelings to be all over the place.
It’s hard but you will get through this waiting period, and then you’ll know what’s next (and as others have said, the certainty of knowing, even if it’s bad news, is typically less stressful than the uncertainty of not knowing).
Hi @sammy09 - The waiting is the most horrendous part of all this … not knowing … chewing your nails down to the quick and lying awake at night staring at the ceiling (I certainly did all this )
Hoping your appointment brought good news but if it wasn’t the news you wanted to hear . We are here for you x Arty1
Hi. I’m also quit new to this page I’ve only posted once I tend to read more of the comments them post but you reminded me of myself. I have been diagnosed grade 3 Idc mine was also in the lower quadrant of right breast. I’ve had surgery done I had lumpectomy and removal of some lymph nodes. My results are now back from them and I’ve got to see the consultant on the 21st of this month to get the results. I know I’ve definitely got to have radiotherapy and hormone blockers but I will be finding out staging and if chemo is required in the treatment plan aswell when I see the consultant. Though out all of this I’m now at the my most anxious point I’m absolutely petrified finding out staging my lump on removal was between 2-3cm. On ultrasound my lymph nodes were clear but that’s not to say no cells have escaped in there So will wait to see the results next week. But like yourself I’ve gone into panic mode and paranoia has set in each pain I get some where else I’m thinking oh god has it spread I have to stop myself over thinking it. But the paranoia I find is a very easy thing to from my experience but every one has there only mechanisms
To deal with things I also have a fantastic support next work at home from partner and children. I truly hope and pray you have good results but if you don’t we are all here for you. Let us know how your results go. Thinking of you take care
You’re not alone Sammy xx It’s a tough one to go through - esp given the loss of your sister . It’s hard to talk to people who want and can empathise, but so good to have a ‘community’ (without wanting to sound corny), that ‘gets it’. I had a diagnosis this time last year. Had an op and radio and now on preventative treatment. All I can say is - we’re stronger than we think we are and day by day, one foot in front of the other, moment by moment - you’ll get through this xx I also use the word ‘wobble - not sure if you remember the toys called ‘Weebles’? But the jingle was ‘Weebles wobble but they dont fall down’ - and you won’t. Sending you a world of support and understanding-anyone who’s ‘on here’ has or is going through their own "travel’ and thankfully ‘we’ve got each others back’ xxx
Hi Sammy, I hope you’re feeling OK. Just please know you’re not alone… 30yr old, 3yr old, 10 weeks pregnant, raised in the social system so limited support and also awaiting results… You are not alone
Hiya sammy, I’m
Much the same just starting the tests etc via GP, my fathers just been diagnosed with terminal bowl cancer and all friends and family live in England whilst I’m in wales, it’s hard isn’t it. I hope you are doing as ok as you can be first steps for us both let’s keep everything crossed for a positive outcome x
X
Arty1