My name is Marie, I am 40 and a married mother of two.
Six weeks ago I noticed a swelling around the nipple area. At the time I put it down to a time of the month thing and pushed it from my mind. It didn’t go away and I’m now certain the nipple is pointing out differently, the area around the nipple is very lumpy. Last week I went to see my GP who has referred me using the fast track systmem to our local breast clinic. I have the appointment through on Friday 11th. I have been told I will see a consultant, have a mammogram, a scan and will get the results on the day.
I keep telling myself I will be OK but to say the worry is affecting me is an understatement, since closely examining my breasts I have also discovered a small lump. I have a great and supportive family but I find I keep telling them all I am OK to try and stop their worrying.
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, you’ve come to the right place for some good support as the users of this site have a wealth of knowledge and experience between them.
While you are waiting for replies I have put for you below the link to BCC’s publication ‘Referral to a BC clinic’ which you may like to read before your hospital appointment. If you need to talk to someone in confidence then please do use the helpline here, the staff are here to support you. Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open M-F 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
I’m glad you found this site. I just wanted to say good luck for Friday, and I’m really pleased that the clinic you’re going to does everything and you get the results on the same day. Unfortunately, some places make you wait a lot longer for results.
Hopefully, they won’t find anything nasty, but please rest assured that if there is anything there, the treatments nowadays are amazing. Try not to focus on the negative side of things - I know that’s easy to say!!
I was diagnosed with BC six months ago, had a small op to remove the tumour and had four weeks of radiotherapy, but didn’t have to have chemotherapy. Many of my friends on here have had it and all say that it is ‘doable’. I am now back at work and enjoying being mummy to my one year old boy.
Is your husband going with you on Friday? It’s always better to have company because there was be a lot of waiting around between the different parts of the day. Please do come back on and let us know how you get on. Will be thinking of you. Any questions, please just ask - there are so many lovely ladies on here always ready to help. And remember, keep smiling - you have a lovely family to help you through this.
Shenagh put it very well and had very good advice.
People on here will tell you the waiting is the hardest thing. I know you will find that hard to believe but it really is true. Whatever the outcome, the worry is much less once you know what you’re dealing with. I’ll remind you that over 90% of referrals turn out not to be cancer (but I know that won’t stop you from worrying).
It is good that you are being seen so quickly. Lots of ladies are fobbed off and it only prolongs the worry. Do take someone with you. As Shenagh says there is a lot of hanging about on the day. It helps to have a distraction.
Hi Marie, Not a lot I can add as Shenagh and Jan have said it all beautifully. Just want to say that we will all be thinking about you, right through to Friday, and will be waiting here to see how you got on. I am going for CT Scan results on Friday too so know what it is like hanging about and waiting for the day to come. Sending you hugs all the way from Scotland to where-ever you are. Love Val
Thank you all for the support. I know I have to remain positive, but I’m scared to be too positive in case I get a real shock on Friday.
My husband will be coming with me on the day.
We are travelling down to Liverpool to the Linda McCartney Center. When I spoke to people at the breast assessment clinic they did inform me I will have all the tests and get the results on the same day…is this unusual?? I really don’t think I could wait for results
Well after all the waiting today has arrived. Yesterday was not a good day I try and think with a positive mind then I always get back to the what if??
I have had an upset stomach all morning and I am dreading this afternoon. Please say a prayer for me.
Thinking of you this afternoon. I hope you go home tonight with a smile of relief but if not you will know what you are dealing with and we will be here for you with as much support that you want.