Hi all, I found a lump, I’m 26, went to the doctors who has referred me to the breast clinc at hospital. I’m terrified out my mind, can’t sleep, can’t eat, feel like I’m going crazy. I lost my mum to breast cancer when I was 16. I’ve missed 3 hospital appointments as I’m so scared and I have to go through it all alone. I’m so frightened 
Dear Clare
I am sorry to read that you are having such a difficult time, if you feel able to call our helpliners they can offer you some support to help you through this. Please do call on 0808 800 6000, the line is open 9-5 Mon-Fri and 9-2 Sat.
Take care
Lucy
Dear Claire,
I am so sorry you find yourself here. It must be very hard and I understand what you are going through. Have you a friend who would come with you to the hospital appointment? You don’t say when it is butif you are still having trouble sleeping etc your GP can prescribe something short term to help you over the next few days.
Do ring the helpline. The people are wonderful at the other end and really good listeners.
Sending you a big hug.
Love Sue
I haven’t got anyone to go with me at all, I’m suppose to be going tomorrow but I’m terrified and it’s a long journey 2 buses there 2 buses back. Just feel so scared and alone right now. I did phone the hospital the receptionist was very rude then my phone credit ran out.
Hi Claire
Of course you’re terrified, the news of cancer is terrible and more so because of your mum, but you haven’t been given that news.
The fact that you’ve been to the docs is a good, positive step and you should be proud of yourself for acting on something, but please don’t miss the hospital appointments.
Please try to pluck up the courage and face whatever it is upfront. It’s not always bad news but until you know this you will be thinking the worst.
Best of Luck
Clare, ask yourself: if the lump isn’t cancer, don’t you want to know that so you can get on with your life? And if it is, don’t you want to get treatment as soon as possible so you have a chance to beat it and then go on with your life?
Your fears are normal and you don’t have to be ashamed of them, but until you get to the clinic and have the tests you can’t get rid of them. Honestly, even bad news is better than not knowing.
I’m really sorry you don’t have someone to go with you. When you get there, ask if they have a someone there you can talk to even before you get a diagnosis. Take advantage of the help line here.
And do tell us what part of the country you are in.
I’m very sorry you have to deal with all of this on your own. I hope the hospital will have good news for you. But you must keep that appointment!
Very best wishes,
Cheryl
I’m just terrified if it is something I KNOW i’m going to break down. I broke down in the doctors and used all her tissues! I always thought if it was something I wouldn’t want to know, which seems completely stupid now. I know I can’t keep putting it off but its so hard. I watched what my mum went through I was 9 when she was dx and then it came back and then came back again. I’m just not that strong I’m in sheffield. Thanks for listening to me.
Hi Clare. I’ve been diagnosed today. I’m 39.
I have to agree, the not knowing is the worst thing.
I visited the clinic last week for the first time, and today feel much better that I have done of late. Go for it love, we’ll be here when you get back x
There’s nothing wrong with breaking down, it’s normal.
I’m really sorry about your mum, it must have been harrowing and obviously has shaped your life. I have a 15yr and 6yr old who are watching me go thru’ it.
I’m just wondering how long ago it was and also what exactly the cancer was. There are many factors involved with this rotten disease and many ways that it can be tackled.
You will be amazed at your strength - if you need it, remember nothing has been confirmed yet. you have already shown strength by going to the docs, breaking down isn’t a sign of weakness.
As I don’t know you I’m taking a chance by saying this, but if my daughter was in the same position in a few years time i would be definitely telling her to go to the appointment!
My mum had breast cancer in her right breast, a lump under her arm she had a mastectomy and chemo. She was okay for 4 years and it came back in her breast she had to have radiotherapy was given the all clear. A few years later she developed a tumor on her airway that they tried to control with drugs which didn’t work as she had developed blood-clots all over her body. I’m terrified i’m going to go the same way. I do want to go to the appointment and get checked wish it could of been the nearest hospital and not the one the other side of town! as I don’t drive. The coming home from the hospital is terrifying me too I feel a wreck lately
Ok
I’m guessing that you don’t know which type of cancer it was, but in the time since your mum’s daignosis things have moved on.
I, for instance, am having chemo,then mastectomy then radiotherapy, then a pill for a few years. Having radiotherapy after chemo has shown to make a significant improvement in mopping everythin up and they didn’t always used to do this.
Being as she had a lump in her armpit it suggests the cancer had moved away from her breast by the time she was diagnosed, she may have been a bit late in getting it diagnosed and unfortunately it doesn’t sort itself out. I’m not for one minute suggesting she ignored it - mine turned up over night, only 2 weeks after i’d asked the doc to check it.
Have you got a mate that can meet you after the hosp? Is there a voluntary service in your area that will take you to there? You would probably have to pay a bit but it would save the hanging around.
i’m not surprised you feel a wreck - this isn’t exactly the place of choice!
Clare
Please be reassured from the messages you have recived here. All of us know how scared you are since we have been through the process.
I lost a cousin (I know not my mum) to this years ago but treatments have moved on.
Have you tried calling the hospital and ask to be put in touch with one of the Breast Cancer nurses, they can help & support you through this. The nurse I was put in touch with is great and has dealt with all my concerns.
There may also be a support group local to you, they can put you in touch with.
I know in my area (Oxford)if there are transport issues the hospitals are normally served by volunteer drivers who can help you get to your appointment & home again afterwards. Perhaps your GP could help you arrange this.
Do you have a friend or work colleague who could help on this, especially after your appointment which may show you don’t have BC, until you go you cannot move on and ease the scarey place you are in right now.
Lots of hugs
Lynne
Don’t be ashamed of crying. It’s much better to sob at the clinic and ask for help than pretend everything is ok. Lots of people cry at the breast clinics, and probably at other cancer clinics as well.
Treatment is much better, if you need it, and you have a much better chance of surviving than in the past.
Ask if you can at least have transportation home.
Hugs
Cheryl
Hi Clare. It is normal to feel as you do. In addition to the good advice from others, it might be an idea to ring MacMillan as they may be able to offer some support to you.
Big hugs to you.
Stella xx
I am going to the clinic for a biopsy too! am scared but thats nothing to be worried about! there would be something wrong if we werent ! I’ll be thinking of you and will check on here to see if your ok tomorrow! Laura
Just posting to say I’m thinking of you. did the whole ‘terrified witless’ thing a couple of weeks back. 9 out of 10 lumps are nothing worrying at all, but that doesn’t stop everyone’s brain from thinking the worst, especially if there’s been family with this. But, as others have said, treatment is so much better now than it was even a few years back.
Might be worth contacting the local cancer charity in your town or area and asking if they have anyone at all who could volunteer to go with you to appointments? Not sure if they do, but could be worth an ask?
Ann
Still stressing like crazy! LABRO i’ll be thinking about you hun, hope its nothing and you can get on with life stress free! I feel like I’m in limbo right now prodded and poked at myself untill I’m sore. Am I the only person thats poked at themselves from morning to night, googled everything under the sun?
Dear Clare
I have just joined this site recently as I have some symptoms too and await an appointment and I understand how worried you are. I cant tell you how much stronger I feel because of all the comments and support everyone has offered. Its made me realise just how many people are going through exactly the same thing and how we can fight it.
Be strong and please let us know how things go, we can support each other.
Dawn
xx
Hi Clare,
So sorry to read about how you are feeling. You MUST keep your appointment, please don’t ignore it. You will get support at the hospital no matter what diagnosis you get. Don’t be afraid to confide in someone (friend, relative, neighbour or workmate)and I’m sure you will get lots of offers of support.
Good luck tomorrow. Let us know how you get on - please go.
Pauline
You’re not the only one who poked and prodded until bruised.
And what the others said. Make sure you get to your appointment, it’s very important.