2ww appointment

Hi, at my first appointment in February I met with the consultant  breast surgeon (and assigned breast care nurse) who examined me.

Then I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies taken.  Then back to see the consultant who gave her initial view that my lump was a 2cm breast cancer, but would confirm after the biopsy results were back. 

I didn't realise that biopsy's were to be done at that firat appointment, so just be prepared.   

Everything then just fell into place with weekly appointments for different results,  another procedure, surgery, further appointment and a 2nd surgery. Follow up appointment and then radiotherapy. 

The breast care nurse regularly rang to check in with me and see how i was doing, and i could ring her, or one of her colleagues anytime.

My experience in Cumbria has been very positive with nothing but kindness, efficiency i felt very confident and trusting of the team around me.

I hope all goes well for you x

I’ve done this recently. The Dr who cordinated the appointment gave my breast a very thorough physical exam and then sent me for a mammogram. That showed a lump as we knew it would and I was sent on to a guy who did an ultrasound and and a biopsy. Then back to the first Lady who made it clear things weren’t looking great and made another ‘within 2 weeks’ appt for the results. I got a low stage and high grade out of that and the op was booked for, yes, you’ve got it - 2 weeks. That’s where things went a bit pear shaped for me (quite literally) but in theory you might face radiotherapy, chaemo or another op for the underarm nodes, or some combination of those. You just have to accept not knowing. Take an emotional umbrella with you but don’t assume it will rain! Good luck! I involved my husband from the start even though he’s deaf.

Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it. I'm already quite anxious and the unknown makes that worse, so having a little idea about what happens at the appointment is really helpful. 

Good to hear you've felt well looked after. I hope all goes well for you too!! 

The biopsy's don't hurt, as you are numbed-but I found it best not to look at the screen lol.  You will get lots of bruising after them tho ( I had more bruising from those than my surgeries).

Thank you!!! The umbrella analogy is really comforting, strangely. I've asked him to come with me. I have a problem with leaning on people and not being independent. Something I should really work on, especially now. Felt another lump on my rib last night and I just really need to stop!! I really need to find a way of staying calm the next few weeks. I'm aware the chances are high that all is well, and I really hate to be putting my worries on people who are actually dealing with a diagnosis. 

I’ve done Mindful meditation in the past and have definitely called on it recently. On Googling I saw that Mind.org.uk and self.com both suggest short exercises you can try yourself. Both good in their different ways.

It's good to have someone with you, not just for support- as there is a lot of information to take in.

My partner came to everything, and it was useful that he could see how everything was progressing/healing etc-when sometimes I couldn't see. And he could ask questions which i hadn't thought of, or was too distracted to think of. 

We have all found great support and useful info on here that you don't always get at the hospital. Folks are happy to share their experiences to help and support others x