It has been almost 3 weeks since my mammogram so I called the consultant’s office today to see if my test results were back yet. His secretary initially said if I hadn’t had a letter then they weren’t back yet. She then took my name etc and presumably looked on some kind of system anyway. Next thing I know she is telling me that she will be emailing the consultant and ask him to call me.
Now, on the one hand I know this is probably because the secretary is not allowed to give the details of the results over the phone to me. However, the irrational, scared stupid side of my head is telling me that it is probably bad news. I know I should wait calmly but I am now very anxious. It has been such a long wait anyway.
I called the office at 11am. I just hope he calls by the end of the day.
Hang on in there lovie. I would be the same as you worrying like hell. But you are right the sec would not be able to tell you anything. Most people have an appointment for results in person - are you a long way from the hospital - ring the helpline while you ar waiting - I know you are frightened to use the phone in case your Con calls but tr to stay calm - do you have someone with you? Love and big hugs Lyn x
Hi Lyn
Thanks for your words of support. They mean a lot.
Unfortunately I am on my own. Altho about to collect the kids from school. I told my husband the situation but I don’t want him to come home unless he has to.
I don’t live very far from the hospital. I thought I would have an appointment to discuss the results too. However, we have gone through BUPA for this so not sure if that affects the usual protocol or not. The Consultant works for both BUPA and NHS.
I am trying to keep it together as I don’t want my boys to see me upset. They don’t know anything about it - they are still very young and I told my hubby that I won’t even tell them if I did get a diagnosis. I just want to protect them.
Lyn, when you say call the helpline - are you talking about the helpline here?
well, I just got the call. It seems I have to have further tests. I will be having an ultrasound next week.
I am now really scared as his initial diagnosis was fibroadenoma and that the mammogram was a precaution and to reassure me. He had said that I would receive the results in a letter as he was sure all would be well.
Apparently the radiologist has recommended further examination. And now the consultant is saying he will see me in clinic to discuss the findings.
I am so p’d off with all this waiting around. I feel like my life is on hold - as much as I am trying to just get on with things. It makes me want to scream.
3 weks to wait for results on Bupa seems strange and then to have to call too. You should still have a Breast Care Nurse on the BUPA system were you introduced to one when you saw your consultant?
I had my test on a wed and had results by the fri so don’t let them drag things out with you.
No, I wasn’t introduced to a Breast Care nurse, which I did think strange as everything I had read suggested that would be the case. I do feel incredibly frustrated with this system though. I was told the results should have been back within 10 days but it could be up to a 3 week wait. I called today because it is just over 2 weeks and whilst I was trying to hold on to the “no news is good news” mentality, I couldn’t bare to wait any longer.
I am definitely not happy with the length of time this is taking. Thing is, I hate to complain and make a fuss. I feel as though them taking their time is an indication that perhaps I am making a fuss over nothing. Aaaarrrggghhh!!! I think I will call again in the morning and make my feelings known. I feel so stressed and this can’t be good for me - no matter what is going on in my breast.
This is not helpful at all - we all have to wait for results but if you had gone to your GP with a lump??? you would have mammo and scan and aspiration/biopsy if needed etc on same day (within 2 weeks) and then wait for results. I waited 2 days but can be up to 2 weeks.
I presume you are well under 50 and your BUPA consultant should know mammos are not always easy to read on younger breasts and have done the scan sooner. This is not good enough - I am glad you are getting back on to them in the morning, tell them your fears and the stress it has put you under. Good luck tomorrow x
Katy - Maybe they don’t introduce you to a breast care nurse until you have a diagnosis. Up till then you are just a patient having a mammogram, assuming it was a routine one. My Mum was with BUPA and she did have a BCN once diagnosed. At the time, I thought it was because she was a private patient, but now I realise they all do it.
If they are not sure about something, they like to do further tests but that does not necessarily mean it will be bc. It is difficult to tell everything from a mammogram and if there is the slightest doubt, they investigate further, which is good. I had a lump diagnosed as bc last month, but after an MRI scan, they thought another shadow could be a further lump. Got my results yesterday, and it isn’t. Try and keep up the optimism until proved otherwise - hard to do, I know.