Waiting

Gentle hugs to you.  You should receive your hospital referral appointment in a few days (they are very quick to issue them to keep to the NHS Gold Standard).  Once you go to the appointment the doctor will discuss your systems and examine you.  They will then send you for mammograms followed by ultrasound if issues are found in the mammograms.  In the ultrasounds they also take biopsies to send away.  You see your doctor / specialist again just to talk about what was seen.

If issues are sern and biopsies are taken you will be given another appointment to discuss biopsies results and your treatment plan

It is best to try to not overthink because until you have had scans, biopsies (if necessary) and your specialist has the results you don't know what you are dealing with or any treatment you need.

Just explain to your daughter that mummy isn't very well so needs to rest a bit until she sees a doctor and gets treatment.  No need to go into detail yet.

Maybe phone Macmillan Helpline and speak to their nurses in the meantime to talk about how you feel and what is happening plus of course how to support you and your lovely daughter.

Once you have had your hospital appointment you will have a few answers.

Yes it is worrying and scary but you are strong and you can face and deal with anything which comes along and throws you curveball.  

Gentle hugs to you again - think positive - You've got this!!!

Thank you Rusty.

I was just really emotional and in shock, my doctor just told me they were concerned and I had a few breast cancer symptoms and needed futher investigating and take paracetamol for pain and wait on letter. I was in there for about 15minute and then rushed out with no explanation on next steps, what the ultrasound appointment eould entail, no help with how to deal with fatigue and not sleeping and no information on how to deal in meantime while waiting. 

My husbands uncle passed away with cancer in 2024 and his gran died of it a few decades ago so he was panicking and I had no information really to pass on to help cope and just felt really overwhelmed, trying to deal with my emotions and shock and support my family too. 

Your facts about what to exsoect and next stages have flrealky helped calm a little anxiety and gave back a little control over situation as feels like I have a logical plan to help rather than no information and left in limbo so thank you so much. 

I've found the waiting torturous, so I fully understand the emotions you describe.  

I got a phone call, rather than a letter, to book me in for the ultrasound and they took a couple of core biopsy samples at the same time. I think that appointment was about ten days after my referral.  

Then there was more waiting for the results. 

Another similar length of time. 

It's impossible not to ruminate/worry, so please try to be gentle with yourself about that. Your brain is just trying to prepare yourself for every possible eventuality. I only told a couple of people at this stage, but I had to discuss it with someone.

I didn't tell my children until after the formal diagnosis.  (Because I didn't want them to stress about simple  possibilities.)

Whatever the outcome, you won't be alone. 

There is lots of support available if you can continue to reach out. x 

The waiting is difficult and I appreciate it's hard not to overthink things. Hopefully you will get your appointment soon. I was told on the day of mammogram it's definitely cancer. Was a huge shock coming to terms now. They took biopsies and it took a couple of weeks to get the results.  I know it's hard in the days leading to your appointment. Sending big hugs and hoping for a positive outcome & if not that you will find the strength to get through this difficult time with love & support of those you love. I am due my surgery on Wednesday, then the journey of chemotherapy & radiotherapy.  Talk to your breast care nurse, they can offer reassuring advice. You've got this.

Hello

How are you, today.

I hope you are managing to stay strong. Positivity is so important but it is difficult, isnt it.

Don't over think things. Just try to take one day at a time. It is a frightening time, for us with the waiting around.

I first found a lump, on 31st October and it it was confirmed as cancer after the doctor arranged an appointment, for a mammogram etc.

Honestly, I am the world's very worst, at being nervous, when at hospital, or even the doctors surgery. My blood pressure shoots up so high, they take it twice.

If I can do this, then you can, too.

You may be worrying needlessly.

The hospitals have it all in hand and you will be looked after, well.

I have found such empathy, from all the staff and that helps so much, when you feel vulnerable and on your own.

I completed my radiotherapy, yesterday, and even that was ok.

Just wait to hear from the hospital and your doctor. Follow any instructions given as they are so important and you will be ok.

I am thinking of you as remember how worried and scared, I was, but I had such great support, from family and friends, and staff at the hospital.

Sending hugs and good vibes to you.