Had my surgery (unilateral mastectomy with SLNB & tissue expander) in October & was told I would have my results appointment 3-4 weeks later. 4 weeks later I was told there was a delay & would be another couple of weeks which should have been this week. Still no contact from the hospital so called yesterday & I was told that the results still aren’t back & they’ve no idea when they will be.
I was diagnosed with extensive high grade, multifocal DCIS & had some nipple inversion when I raised my arm. I was told I had all the high risk predictors for hidden invasive cancer hence the mastectomy & SLNB. So obviously I’m anxious about the results & just want to know if the surgery was curative or if I’m going to need further treatment. The wait is absolutely killing me, I’ve handled it all pretty well so far but I feel like I’m starting to fall to bits. I’ve had palpitations, sleepless nights & I can’t focus on anything.
I think what’s making it worse is if those results aren’t back next week, there won’t be enough time to have them discussed at MDT & an appointment made for me this side of Christmas. And our results clinics are on Thursdays so that’s the following 2 weeks gone as Christmas Day & New Year’s Day are on Thursdays. So it’s very possible it will go into January. The thought of being in this horrible limbo of not knowing until the new year is unbearable
It sounds like you’re going through a really worrying and hard time, and I’m so sorry to hear your diagnosis.
Waiting for results or treatments plans is extremely different. And I’m sure it feels even worse over the festive period with as you say, with closures and annual leave, and the fact that everyone else seems to be celebrating.
Please know that we’re here for you. It might be helpful for you to reach out to our nurses - you can talk through your worries with them, and ask them any questions you have. You can reach them, for free, on 0808 800 6000.
Our typical opening hours are:
Monday to Friday — 9am to 4pm
Saturday — 9am to 1pm
They will also be open over the festive break if you need them:
22 to 23 December - open usual hours
24 December (Christmas Eve) - open until 1pm
25 to 28 December (Christmas and Boxing Day) - closed
29 to 30 December - open usual hours
31 December (New Year’s Eve) - open until 1pm
1 to 4 January (New Year’s Day) - closed
5 January - open usual hours
You can call them as many times, and speak to them for as long as you need. The forum will also be here for you, any time, night and day.
Thank you so much for your reply, it’s good to know there’s someone to talk to.
My pathology report is now back but I’m waiting for them to discuss at MDT & arrange an appointment, and just really hope that’s before Christmas so it doesn’t drag on until next year x
x