How long from first tests to start of treatment

Hi, I too found a lump accidentall when I turned over in bed, went to GP, who referred me on the 2 week wait which actually took nearly 6 weeks to be initially seen. Anyone will tell you the waiting is the worst part of it all x

Hi 

I had a similar start to my cancer journey back in 2019 ( before COVID times- see details in profile), I went to the dr, took about a month to get to the breast clinic, had a multitude of tests the same day (luckily for me) which was mid July and started first treatment (chemo) end August so 6 weeks from seeing GP in terms of getting results does sound lengthy, I got mine (all be it not officially) the same day as the tests in the breast clinic and then maybe ‘formal’ results a week after, once the MDT (the professional team meeting you refer to) meeting had been had.

I suspect that, as it is everywhere, things are taking longer than they used to ref COVID but I would certainly be tenacious and chase people at every step if you don’t think things are moving quick enough, its easy in some hospitals to fall between the cracks.

Good luck

Sam

Thank you.  I supposed we just have to take it as it comes.

Thank you.  I've no doubt what the outcome is going to be on results day from my discussion with them.  I've also received a copy of the letter sent by the breast surgeon to my GP so that was informative in terms of their assessment on the day. 

Hi , I found mine by  accident too.Back in September, doctor's thought swollen lymph node, took antibiotics, 3 weeks later referred to breast clinic, which took a month due to covid for my first appointment.

First appointment ultrasound & biopsy.

Week later results,- pre cancer.

Another biopsy and mamagram- cancer -,dcis.10 mm lump.

But mammogram wasn't helpfull as I'm 36 and have dense breasts.

Week /2 weeks later Breast MRI, lymp node & fluid biopsy.

Results clear , except the lump.

Jan 12 had 2/3 lymp remove, lump & extra tissue ,Now waiting for results.

Mine took 5 months all together, if you include , waiting time for Breast clinic.

I've found my letters to the GP interesting reading too 

26 Oct - Lump found by hubby & Dr appt same day

18 Nov - Clinic for mammogram & ultrasound

22 Nov - back for 4 biopsies (3 in breast & 1 in lymph node)

8 Dec - consultant appt - told it was cancer

22 Dec - MRI to check if lumps connected

5 Jan - consultant appt - lumps & tissue cover 10cm area. Need Mastectomy

6 Jan - consent appt - get fake boob

13 Jan - Mastectomy left breast & axillary clearance

2 Feb - next appt at which point I'll be rid what stage the cancer is and what the next plan of action is. If more than 4 lymph nodes affected then I'll have a CT scan

All in all just under 3 months from finding lump to initial surgery. 

We're taking a very pragmatic approach to this and dealing with each bit as it happens. 

I think the delay between appts is sometimes due to MDT meetings etc. 

Xx

Thank you.  I hope your results are okay.

From the letter to the GP I've managed to figure out that they have classed it as malignant and it's 43mm x 38mm.   I hope your 2nd Feb appointment goes okay.  I keep finding myself regretting not paying for private health insurance though I'm not sure how much quicker that would be as many private providers don't have CT and MRI scanners, anyway.

Lump found on 7th June 21

Breast clinic 16th June - told it was 99% sure cancer

Confirmed cancer 30th June 

August 2nd lumpectomy 

October 1st - chemo begins 

I have 3 weeks of chemo left then radiotherapy begins in March 

Pretty good times I feel 

Thank you.  These replies are really helpful.  Gives me some perspective.