Phone call so quick after GP appointment

Hi Dorris75, so sorry you find yourself here.  It just knocks you for six doesn't it, you read a meaning into everything, every letter, phone call, it's all so anxiety provoking.  Hang in there.  Congratulate yourself on doing the right thing and getting it looked at.  You don't know anything definite yet.  It may be nothing like it sounds you've had before, but if it is something, you're now in the system and the care and treatment is really good.  Re going to the appointment by yourself, I did that and they did a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy right there at the appointment.  The radiographer told me it was cancer (I did ask) before she had done the biopsy, even though I had to wait another two weeks for the official histology results to come through, so I knew on the day.  Do think how you'll feel if it's bad news and you're there yourself.  Any questions ask away.  In the meantime, try and distract yourself, not easy I know.  Let us know how you get on, sending massive hugs xx

Hi Dorris75,

I had a lumpectomy some months ago and lymph nodes removed, I  finished my radiotherapy a few weeks ago and am now taking one day at a time. I know yours seems slightly different than mine, but don’t automatically think the worse. You’re going to see someone soon and that is great, hopefully everything will be fine. However, if it is the worse case scenario, then I can only give you the following advice.

It is a shock when you are told and 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 ask your breast cancer nurse as many questions as you want also, you get great support on here.

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 and big hugs.xxx

Hi Doris 75

So sorry to hear this but it’s good that you are being seen so quickly as it gives you less time to worry.

i went on my own to the breast clinic appointment as didn’t think it would be anything to worry about the dr there thought that it was just friction on my bra but did the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy’s then another mammogram and by this time I knew that something wasn’t right..  Going back in to see the Dr I was told that the results from the histology would take two weeks and to bring someone with me she then asked if I wanted to know, I said yes but then had quite a long drive home on my own.

Having someone with you is a comfort if it’s bad news plus they are another set of ears to take in what’s being said but also - and I truly hope its someone to celebrate with when they give you good news.

Take care and good luck for Monday 

Hi there, sorry to hear you're going though this, the not knowing is the worst.   When I had my first appointment I happily trotted off on my own not really thinking about it.  I had an examination, mammogram and biopsy at the “one stop shop” clinic and I so regretted not having my husband there to drive me home.  We're all different of course, but I wanted to share my experience.  Best wishes 

Hi Dorris75

So sorry to hear this but it is good that it is being dealt with promptly, the waiting is the worst part of this journey.

I would say always take someone with you, I went for my appointment on my own thinking it was nothing like I'd had previously, they did a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy there and then and the consultant told me straight away it was "looking suspiciously like cancer", they started talking about looking after me and sorting out treatment plans, I really wish I'd had someone with me.

Everyone's experience is different, but rest assured you will be looked after well whatever the outcome and if you need to ask any questions at all, there are a lot of like minded people on here to help you. Look after yourself and please let us know how you get on xx

Sorry you are in this situation. Whilst you do need to return for biopsy results, my experience is that they told me they were very sure it was cancer on the day. This was in Jan 22 when there were significant visitor restrictions in place, so I was on my own. I am quite self contained and that worked well for me, but it’s worth thinking through whether you would rather have someone with you. Even if only to drive you home.

I agree with all the other comments, plus if they biopsy you, you may feel uncomfortable. I had no choice but to go on my own as we were still in covid measures but it would’ve been lovely to have someone with me, just to remember the detail. I was told on the day they were sure it was IDC but not which type until the biopsy was back. All the best of luck x

I had my initial results whilst still in the room in which I had the biopsy. The follow up with the consultant was very soon afterwards 

I’d always recommend taking someone with you, if only because the amount of info you’re likely to be given can be overwhelming and easy to fother, given you’re likely to be in shock. 

Good luck

Thank you everyone for your advice. My husband suggested maybe our neighbour could come with me, it had crossed my mind, she doesn’t know any of my family or friends, therefore detached from it all, she is a lovely lady and can be a pair of ears and someone to drive. She has agreed to come which has taken some pressure off. If I’m still there when my husband has finished work mid afternoon, he’ll take over. I’m still really nervous and this week has dragged so badly. Anyway nearly there, it’s helped being part of this forum, I don’t feel alone. Will try and update as soon as possible with any news.

Great idea, she sounds like the perfect person. Good luck x