Awaiting MRI test results

Dear AdKhad 

 Thank you for getting in touch with our Online Community, I’m Sue one of the information nurses on the Support Line. This sounds like such an emotionally difficult time for you, please don’t feel you should apologise, it’s good you have reached out for some support.

Even though we understand this is a worrying time for you, please be reassured you have done the right thing in going to see your GP again about your lump, as you previously did in the past. There can be lots of possible causes for lumps developing but we always recommend talking to your GP if you have any new symptoms, or concerns. They are best placed to medically assess and offer the right support and advice. Sometimes the GP will refer someone to the hospital for further tests, including scans, which is purely done to take a closer look to help with a diagnosis.

Generally speaking, scan results can take around 1 – 2 weeks but sometimes these can take a bit longer, you’ve done the right thing once again, in contacting your GP and speaking with the receptionist. Hopefully you will get your results back soon but if you don’t hear anything back within a few days, it’s ok to get back in touch with your GP again and we would encourage you to do this.

We appreciate waiting for scan or any test results can be a worrying time and to sometimes feel like you have no control over what is happening. There is no right or way to feel, whilst some people find it helpful to keep as busy as they can by doing things to help distract them, others struggle to concentrate or think of anything else during this time. It’s also very easy whilst waiting for test results to be tempted to read on-line about symptoms, we would always encourage someone to try to avoid doing this, as it can often make things feel worse. But sometimes trying other things may help, the NHS Every Mind Matters offers lots of useful advice and on-line apps, such as Headspace may be useful to try, even if you have never considered these or may not use them again.

Sometimes talking things through can also help, if you would like to do this, you’re more than welcome to speak to one of our nurses who will be more than happy to help, please find our number below.

 Best wishes

Sue

 Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/ LB/SMG