I noticed a red papule-type thing on one breast the other day that seemed to appear overnight. Off I went to consult Dr Google (big mistake!) and diagnosed myself with inflammatory breast cancer (the worst kind, dismal cure rate). Went to the GP yesterday who seemed a bit flummoxed and gave me some hydrocortisone cream to use for one week and made appointment to see me one week hence. Now I've noticed a brownish patch of skin on the same breast higher up, which may or not have been there for ages (can't be sure). Again I go onto Dr Google (despite banning myself) and worry myself sick it might be cancer. GP said she'd refer me for an urgent two week breast clinic appointment next week if my symptoms haven't cleared up. So I have to wait at least 3 weeks for this to be followed up (if it's necessary).
I suffer from really bad anxiety anyway and this has tipped me over the edge. I can't eat or sleep and don't know how I'll get through the next week. I'm thinking I may have some sort of health anxiety too, although I'm not imagining the things on my skin. Does anyone have any tips on how to get through the wait? I've already decided to write my will and am worried about who's going to take the dog out when I'm in hospital :(
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How do I stay sane whilst waiting for breast clinic appointment?
MrsKilminster · 17/03/2017 13:49
Honestly, no actual advice but I big hand hold.
I've just had my urgent breast appointment this morning and it was the absolute longest 2 week wait of my life.
Like you, I have horrendous anxiety and I got myself so worked up over it I've ended up covered in a rash head to toe (apparently it's scabies) and have lost the best part of a stone in weight.
Thankfully the consultant was amazing and was able to give me the all clear.
I know it's hard waiting and getting yourself more and more worked up but try and remember all of your anxiety coping strategies and we're all here if you need to get it out 
Ask your gp if you can have something to take short term to help with the anxiety. My gp gave me propranolol for my referral waiting period and it was a life saver.
But realistically, IBC is very rare and there are many things your skin blemish is far more likely to be. And I say that as someone who has diagnosed myself with it several times 
I went to breast clinic the day before valentines this year - it was a rough 2 weeks so I know how you're feeling. I lost weight, barely spoke to my family, had written my will and every time I drove past the crematorium I imagined my family all standing there saying goodbye to me . Totally out of control worry!
I did tell several friends and it helped actually - some had been through similar (that I hadn't realised) and others were going through other health scares so it was nice company and to be able to chat about our worry together.
I googled endlessly the first week, but managed to stop myself doing it the second week. The problem with google is, it will invariably take you to cancer forums and you'll associate yourself with all the symptoms discussed. It's funny how we take more notice of the cancer diagnosis outcomes rather than the positive outcomes in times like this 
.
Anyway, went to clinic and told nothing to worry about, but I'd read so much online that after a few days of feeling relieved, I decided I needed and second opinion (got a whole thread about it somewhere!) as i worried about misdiagnosis . In fact dubiouscredit has kindly been commenting on that thread too, which had calmed me down somewhat! I'm much calmer now but gosh, the worry.
Sorry, that doesn't help at all does it, but I do know how you're feeling and I strongly advise stepping away from dr google xx
Yes I lost half a stone waiting for my appointment. Put it all back on after though
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Please, please stop googling.
I was in this position at the end of the year. Had breast changes including pain and lumps and was petrified. I convinced myself I had IBC, thanks to the power of google. The breast clinic referral was quick (think guidelines are you should be seen within 14 days of referral ) and my GP made the appointment there and then.
Also remember that 80 % of women seen in the breast clinic will leave with a none cancerous diagnosis. 80% is a high figure and one to take comfort in. I also found yhe breast cancer care forums very helpful and knowledgeable especially as it contained many women who had breast cancer and gave so much time to talk to women who were facing diagnostic tests. Most said that treatment for IBC especially is improving all the time.
Good luck and hand holding for everyone waiting
I know some people want to avoid any mention of cancer, but anyone waiting for cancer tests or results is more than welcome on the cancer support thread. We have lots of people in a similar position and most of them are only with us for a short while before getting good news from the clinic :) we are a friendly bunch and we all understand the hideousness of waiting for results.
I really hope that this is irrelevant to all of you, but the waiting truly is the worst part. Even those of us who have had bad news have felt better once we had a definite answer and a plan for the next steps.
Wishing you all the best
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