Hi all. I’m new here. Very apprehensive and just looking for some advise please 
I am 38 (f) and I found a lump. GP classed as 12mm hard and craggy but mobile. I have been referred to breast clinic and have my appointment on Thursday afternoon. I am very anxious but trying not to stress too much. However my question is, would it be advisable to have someone come to the appointment with me? What does the appointment usually consist of?
My husband is very supportive and remaining positive BUT his dad has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and he hasn’t been given long. Understandably hubby is not in a great place right now so I’m trying not to talk about my worries too much to protect him. I just don’t think bringing him with me would be a good idea.
It’s hopefully nothing bad but I need to stop over thinking it but it’s hard as I can’t express how I’m feeling at the moment.
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Hi, I’m sorry you’ve found yourself here. I would definitely recommend taking someone with you to the appointment. A friend came with me and it was a huge comfort and welcome distraction to have someone to talk to during the journey and while waiting to be called in. I ended up having a biopsy so was also glad I’d asked her to drive us.
Here’s what happened at my appointment, which I believe is pretty standard:
I saw a consultant who explained what would happen and examined my breasts.
Then I had a mammogram.
Then I had an ultrasound scan. The radiographer decided to do a biopsy of the lump. They give you local anaesthetic so it doesn’t hurt.
Then back to the consultant who explained they’d contact me about the biopsy results within 2 weeks.
Everyone at the breast clinic was extremely nice, kind, caring. I was in and out of the various scans etc very quickly with just a few minutes wait in between.
Waiting for a referral and then waiting for results is extremely hard and worrying. It sounds like you’re putting on a brave face around your husband which is completely understandable in the circumstances, however I really encourage you to talk to a friend if you can. Don’t underestimate the impact on your mental health of the uncertainty of waiting. Talking to someone really does help.
I wish you the very best of luck. Happy to chat further if that helps. I was only diagnosed a week ago so I’m still very new to all this too xx
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@shell86 I am so sorry you have found yourself here but you are in absolutely the right place for a listening ear and advice.
As @beachfox has said I would make sure to take someone with you. My husband came with me but as long as it’s someone. The one stop clinic was the same for me, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy and then to wait for the results. What I will say is I was told at the appointment that mine was almost certainly cancer and the wait was really about confirmation.
Please hold in your mind that many lumps and bumps turn out to be benign but always get them checked as the earlier anything is found the better. It is such a worrying time and at the appointment you will need a hand to hold and someone to listen as there is a lot said and it can be hard to focus when you are worried.
Try not to worry in the meantime (easier said than done) and if (and I hope it isn’t) it does turn out to be breast cancer, the treatment options are so positive now.
Good luck with it all and we are here if you have any questions or just need a listening ear xx
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I’m sorry you’ve found yourself in this place of waiting for your appointment. I found the waiting really hard. My one stop clinic experience was the same - mammogram, ultrasound and then biopsy. A good friend came with me and I was really grateful, not just to have company and support while you’re there but also afterwards when I found myself saying ‘Did they really say that?’ And just having someone you can talk to about it afterwards is a real help. Hope your appointment comes quickly.
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Thank you all for your messages of support. I really appreciate it. I’m one of those people that need to know what I’m in for so that I can prepare myself.
I’ve been doom scrolling like mad - I’m sure that most people do. I just like to be informed. I’ve had a good chat with my husband this morning about what the appointment will likely consist of and he is adamant that he is going to come with me! I feel very relieved now. Fingers crossed for a good outcome x
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For me the breast clinic took about 2-3 hours, the long bit was waiting to be called for the biopsy. Other people couldn’t go in during the mammogram and biopsy mammogram. I took a friend who drove, and helped calm me as I was jittery plus she remembered the initial size they said in mm, when I panicked and thought they said cms.
Good luck, all the staff are lovely and calm. Remember many things are benign but so important to have it checked.
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Hi, I’m also waiting for an appointment at the breast clinic too. My original appointment fell slightly out of the 2 weeks wait, but I’ve managed to get a cancellation for next Monday so I’ve saved myself two days of worrying.
I hope everything goes well for you, and time passes quickly- although I’m sure you’re feeling that time is going by so slowly.
Hey everyone, I just thought I would update you all following my appointment today!
First sit down and physical exam by Dr, said more than likely a cyst but will send you for US. Went to US, radiographer says no, not a cyst. Going to send you for a mammogram which I thought was unusually due to being under 40. Anyway…had mammogram - ouch that is painful! Then back for another US where they did a core biopsy and inserted the titanium chip. I asked if he thought it was suspicious, he said don’t worry, it’s Dr will explain it all. Everyone was being lovely, almost over the top lovely if that’s makes sense so I started to have that little seed of doubt come through. Went for a 2nd mammogram then back for final appointment with GP.
I could tell the second I walked in the room that I was about to be given some bad news. The Dr said it’s a tumour, need to wait for biopsy results. So I said, give it me straight, are we talking cancer - he said that most likely yes. Hasn’t spread to lymph nodes they don’t think and looks like we’ve caught it early.
So now the long 2-4 week wait for results !
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@shell86 Thanks for the update and so sorry that it appears bad news. Waiting for the biopsy results to come through is one of the hardest times. Try to arrange to do some nice things to keep your mind occupied. Try not to Google, if you want to look for some information stay on trusted sites like BCN, MacMillan, Cancer Research or listen to Dr Liz O’Riordan ( breast surgeon who has been diagnosed with BC) on YouTube or Instagram. She has written some great books aswell.
BCN have some resources that you may find helpful below
- Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
- Ask Our Nurses: You can message our nurses here on the forum, or confidentially. Whatever you prefer.
- Someone Like Me: Will match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen. Call on 0800 138 6551 or contact our email volunteers
- Younger Women Together: For people 45 and under. You can choose the support that suits you: online, one day or 2 day residential events. [Find an event.](We're here for you | Breast Cancer Now?
Before you see them again, there will be a multi disciplinary team review your biopsy results, consisting of at least breast surgeon, oncologist, radiographer and breast nurse. They will look at the results and decide what treatment is best for you should you need it.
Take care. We will be there for you if the results are not good.
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