Hello, I have an appointment at the breast clinic this Thursday after being referred by GP.
I’d like to know a bit more about what to expect - I know what tests will be done but is it the kind of thing where I’ll see the screen as they’re doing it, or will they show images of the scans later?
Also I need to go alone. I read from others experiences there could be a nurse with me throughout, is that common or is it more likely I’ll be sitting in a waiting area by myself and being called in for tests with different professionals?
I never saw the scans live, but I did see the mammogram images so they could show me where the areas for concern were located.
You should have a nurse with you for the appointment, but will you be driving? If you can get someone to drive you I’d recommend it, just because you might not feel like driving home.
At our breast unit you sit in one main waiting space, but go through to the back of the building with a nurse and then you see different people in there depending on what it is they plan to look at. Take a good book or puzzles to do to keep your mind busy.
The nurses are absolutely lovely and one of their main roles is to make sure you’re comfortable and feel supported. They are really good at what they do.
Hope it all goes well for you. We’re here if you need us. xxx
i was thinking of walking there to try and destress beforehand, then get the train back. I could get a lift back but my son would need to be there and I think I’ll need a bit of space before seeing him.
Walking and train are fine. Driving might be a bit less wise just because you may be feeling a bit wobbly from stress and stuff. Walking is the best thing you can do for destressing. xxx
I have been a few times to the various Breast clinic including the triple assessment you are having.
The clinical team on all these occassions have been lovely and friendly and really respectful.
It is best to take a book and a drink as you will be waiting a couple of hours probably. You get called to have a test and then back to sitting and waiting until the next test if needed. You wont necessarily have all the tests only if they need further information on what they are seeing on the scans
You are in the waiting room with other patients but if there is a need for extra privacy they give it to you .
You dont typically ( from my experience) see the scans but the radiologist who does the ultrasound -if you need one will very likely explain and show you the screen if you ask. I didnt see the screen during my ultrasound but straight away the radiologist who did my scan commented to me about what she was seeing on the screen. I had to have a biopsy and she explained the reason why to me. I never asked questions as I was nervous but she would have answered them if I had asked.
They usually say there and then if they think something is worrying or not and they can usually tell as they are experienced and highly trained , but nothing can be totally sure either way until it is biopsied.
Often times it is a benign condition such as a cyst which can be drained there and then at the clinic so the team are looking at all sorts of conditions that affect the breast not just looking for signs of potential cancer as most of the time at the triple assessment the conditions are benign and they can reassure you at the time of the scan.
The biopsy if needed is done with local anaesetic which stings slightly at the beginning ( a bit like at the dentist) but then they wait so the area is numb. It literally only takes minutes as they use the ultrasound to guide the needle to the area of concern and you may have a slight pop sound as they take the sample.
A very nice nurse will chat to you so you dont really notice and then put a gauze on you . you may have a marker put in at the same time so future mamogramms show that an area has been previously biopsied.
If you take someone with you they can wait with you prior to the tests but each test is done without your companion with you.
Afterwards the nurse will explain to you in a private room ( also with your companion if you wish) the tests you have had done and what happens next.
So if you have had a biopsy when to expect your results or what your benign condition is to make sure you understand everything. And you usually get relevant leaflets to you also. So you do have a nurse with you but different ones but they will know exactly what you have had done and why
I went on my own because I didn’t want someone chattering on when I was trying to think about what was being said throughout the tests. It’s a very personal choice. I had the second mammogram (called back from a routine mammo), ultrasound and biopsy and was told there and then that it was a small cancer but the biopsy would say what type. I had a meeting with the breast cancer nurse beforehand and afterwards but I cannot remember a single thing that was said (it was almost four years ago) I just remember that she was lovely, professional and patient. Good luck, many come back benign.
Hello. Mammogram is boob yoga,deep breathes, When I went they had nurses in room. When I had scan I couldnt see. Biopsy all I could see was the intrustments. Do not be afraid to ask to look. This is your body. Write down questions when yoh have meetings so yoh dont forget. The consultants totally understand what you are going through. Big hugs xxx
Sorry to hear you have been referred but many people do not have cancer. Going alone I would take a note book with any questions you have and be able to make notes of anything said to you. Then if you want to refresh what was said later you can. It can all go by in a blur.
From my experience, there will be a nurse with you in the clinic rooms with the breast surgeon or radiologist but you are probably alone in the waiting room. The nurses will more than likely be in with another patient. @lori2 has given a very detailed message about what to expect. I would take a book or something to keep yourself occupied, possibly headphones to block out others chat. Some people can be happy to chat about their experience but others may not be so comfortable. Listening to music or podcast can keep you busy without interacting.
A triple assessment is likely to last about two hours, so be prepared for waiting between seeing different clinical staff. Some tests such as biopsy, if needed, can take a few weeks to get the results.
I asked to see my mammogram as I went after finding a lump in my breast. During the ultrasound, the radiographer was busy looking and chatted about what they could see but I wasn’t able to see due to the screen position. I had a MRI and didn’t get shown the scans. When I was told I had cancer at a follow up appointment I wasn’t shown the scans but was told what they had found. I’m sure if you ask you can see them if you want.
I recently went back to the clinic as I found a small lump near my collarbone but it turned out to be fibrous tissue from radiotherapy.
I hope it all goes well and there is nothing to worry about.
Thank you all so much! The waiting is so hard and I’m feeling pretty awful, hopefully caused by the stress. I’m glad to have your advice to be fully prepared about the appointment itself.
