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Hi Referelhelp welcome to the forum. As far as I am aware there is a 2 week standard from referral to start of treatment be that biopsies, extra mammograms etc so I suggest that you keep calling and ask them about this standard that they are all supposed to be meeting.

I know that up and down the country there are delays, but that doesn't make it right nor acceptable,  so please do keep on at them to get you seen. 

You should have received a letter for your appointment by now. Your appointment should be within 2 weeks after your GP referral. Perhaps it would be a good idea to speak with your GP and make sure they've done their job properly. On a couple of occasions my GP hasn't done their job properly and they had to request a new referral. Try not to worry too much about the whole thing, but do speak with your GP. It might be a benign lump, but even if it is the worst case scenario, cancer does not spread over a couple of weeks, it takes months, sometimes even longer. Don't be shy and ask your GP to check if the referral was made and processed. The best of luck with your appointment!

Lana xx

Hi Referralhelp,

I had a lumpectomy four months ago and lymph nodes removed, I  finished my radiotherapy a few weeks ago and have recently been told I am clear. What I can tell you, is that I waited four weeks for my initial appointment and three and a half weeks to get the results. This is not unusual and I understand about your aunts, but it doesn’t mean that it will happen to you, so please don’t stress out unnecessarily, it will just mess with your head.

If it is the worse case scenario, have your cry, or a scream, kick the furniture, whatever you want, then it is important you take a bit of time to let it register and sink in. The strides made in modern cancer medicine these days is amazing and they can do so much for you. However, there is so much you can do for yourself too.

You have made the first big step by finding the Macmillan site, also do visit your nearest Macmillan centre, a list is on here, or ring them on 0808 808 0000, they are superbly helpful and give you lots of great info, do walks, talks, help with benefits, bills, open 10-4 Mon-Fri for coffee and chat and lots more. Please also get a good support structure in place, family, friends, good work colleagues, I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep yourself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. You may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever you do, do not visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information, your head will spin and it will stress you out, listen to your medical team and you get great support on.

I know it’s hard sometimes, but try and keep as positive as you possibly can, have positive people around you and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to yourself - I promise you, you will get through this. You are never alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

Keeping fingers and everything crossed for you.

Take care, big hugs and remember, we are all in this together.xxx