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Original poster

How do I stay sane whilst waiting for breast clinic appointment?

58 replies

MrsKilminster · 17/03/2017 13:49

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 :(

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsKilminster · 18/03/2017 10:26

Leslie that is so kind. That someone who actually is living with cancer
can take the time to offer support.

Was feeling calm(ish) last night but it's all come back again. I think the brown patch might be a bruise but I don't remember an injury and read somewhere that a bruise on the breast can be a sinister sign. OMG, how much I hate Dr Google! Hope everyone else is hanging in there (unlike me).

OP posts:
WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 18/03/2017 10:31

Step away from Google!

I don't have breast cancer so I'm not sure about bruises etc. but there may be someone on the thread who has had similar so do pop over if you think it will help :)

I know it's really grim waiting for answers, but Google really cannot tell you what it is (yet - I'm sure it's only a matter of time before a Google Doctor Robot can be summoned to perform medical tests!).

Can you distract yourself today? Do something nice, or absorb yourself in a task that requires some concentration :)

Original poster
MrsKilminster · 18/03/2017 10:57

Oh I'm glad you don't Leslie! I'm going to my mum's which will most definitely be a distraction!

OP posts:
snowdrop12345 · 18/03/2017 12:41

I'm waiting for my appointment too. It's horrible. I've lost 3 pounds so far and not sleeping properly. I have a painful lump that my GP has told me is a cyst, but I can't still thinking it's something worse. I also have a pain going down the arm on the same side :(

MajorClanger123 · 18/03/2017 13:43

I had pain down my arm snowdrop, whilst waiting for my appt. It originated from my shoulder blade (on the same side as lumpy / painful boob) and went all the way down my arm and made my fingers tingle some days. Obvs I self diagnosed something crazy Blush, and yet once I'd been seen at clinic it all totally disappeared that very evening. It was most definitely stress related xx

hennipenni · 18/03/2017 16:17

I've lost nearly a stone since Christmas when my daughter was taken ill, still losing weight but it has slowed down, not sleeping well and generally feel rubbish. Trying to carry on as normal as possible.
I've kept away from google for my lump.

SirVixofVixHall · 18/03/2017 17:59

Breast cancer is very rarely painful.

snowdrop12345 · 18/03/2017 19:53

Dr Google is dangerous but addictive. I'm trying my best to stop stop stop. I do have some health anxiety which isn't helping...

Strange about your arm majorclanger, mine sounds exactly the same. I had a cystoscopy last year and got all sorts of symptoms when I was told I had to have it and they all disappeared after it!

228agreenend · 18/03/2017 19:58

Everyone who gets referred to the breast clinic gets referred within two weeks, so that's perfectly normal whether the doctor suspects it's benign or cancerous.

My advice for you during the waiting period is too keep busy to keep your mind of it.

Also, having found a lump on my breast which turned out to be cancer, treatment on the NHS is wonderful, and most breast cancers are curable (80%+?).

I know it's not an easy time and sending hugs over to you.

Someone22 · 18/03/2017 20:02

I think the internet can actually help you seek help when necessary. I'm guilty of using Dr Google but he sent me to the doctors PDQ. I'm having a suspicious looking mole removed on Monday and then have a four week wait for the results. I'd never have gone to the GP if I hadn't consulted Dr Google.

WafflingVersatile · 19/03/2017 10:59

How is everyone doing this morning? Saw my dd in a beautiful dress and had an internal wobble. Also due on my period day of breast clinic. I hope this doesn't affect the exam.

Original poster
MrsKilminster · 19/03/2017 11:51

Morning WV, if your period's started just let them know. They'll know how this affects things and it happens all the time. How old is dd? Try not to think of the what ifs, think about what IS. I had a busy day yesterday and although I don't have plans today am not allowing myself to ruminate. I have a small garden that needs a tidy up after winter and have just taken the dog for a long walk and my anxiety levels are at a manageable level. Hope you had a good day x

OP posts:
hennipenni · 19/03/2017 12:30

Afternoon, hope everyone is bearing up? We've just been out for walk with the dog (who got attacked by another off lead dog- owner just walked off!- I was too busy making sure my dog was ok to run after him to give him a mouthful). Took DD3with us, she managed to walk for about 15mins before she needed her wheelchair which is good progress. My DD2 who is at uni rang this morning to let us know she's coming home for a few days which I'm looking forwards too, letting DD3 rest for a little while then we're making chocolate brownies for DD2!

MOIST · 19/03/2017 15:11

Afternoon fellow worriers and waiters. Henni - sounds like a good walk (apart from the dog).
I'm tired. I'm not sleeping well.

Original poster
MrsKilminster · 19/03/2017 16:39

It's times like this I really wish I was a dog....with no concept of the future or concerns about anything other than the here and now. Sorry about your dog Henni, some dog owners are clueless aren't they? Am not looking forward to bedtime Moist, find it hard to escape my thoughts then. But the waiting and worrying will be over soon.

OP posts:
snowdrop12345 · 19/03/2017 17:25

3 sleeps to go... It's PMT week for me this week - the "cyst" is hurting more than ever and the other side is joining in with it. I'm not quite as stressed today but I don't think it will be a good week for a mammogram. I haven't been on Google and I think it's helping a bit.

kayleighb21 · 20/03/2017 10:41

I'm waiting for a breast clinic appointment too a week on Tuesday. I think I'm having an ultrasound? I've had a poking/digging in sensation in my left breast for about a year, it went away for most of my pregnancy then since I had my little boy in January it has come back with avengance. I wouldn't say it's painful but it's tender, no one seems to be able to feel an actual lump but to me it feels like there is something sticking in or out of the side of my boob all the time especially when I lay on it. I'm so scared and stupid OH put the C word on with Sheridan smith last night I was practically shaking cos I'm 28 too I felt like it was some kind of sign. I'm so scared I feel like I can't look after my little boy properly cos I'm just worrying all the time.

MrsPeelyWaly · 20/03/2017 17:17

Kayleigh just in to wish you well and to say Im sure you're still doing a great job of looking after your wee boy. xx

Crumbs1 · 20/03/2017 17:26

How do you cope? Use google to provide accurate information that shows most referrals to breast clinics are benign (about 95%). Many of those 5% are elderly, post menopausal women, when incidence increases significantly.
Understand most breast cancers (for those 5%) are curable - not just remission but full cure. Many early breast cancers just require fairly minor surgery and you get to keep your breast.
Mainly understand that you are stronger than you think and regardless of diagnosis , people get through it and come out the other side.

WafflingVersatile · 20/03/2017 17:53

Crumbs that was a lovely post. Thank you. Work is keeping me occupied thank goodness. I hope we're all ok. Kayleigh, yes you may get an ultrasound. I went through this 4 years ago and I also had a biopsy then a small operation. I have no idea what'll happen this time. The relief will be finally knowing more, that's for sure.

Crumbs1 · 20/03/2017 18:17

I turned up, had a needle biopsy by surgeon which showed it wasn't a liquid filled cyst. I already knew what it was though, so was prepared and had that discussion with surgeon who gave me 'educated guess'. Then a mammogram and then core biopsy under local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance. I went back later for first indication of results of biopsy but since I was kept until last I just had what I already knew confirmed.
Younger women may just have ultrasound and that may be enough to see cause. Older women may just have mammograms- entirely dependent on density of breast tissue.
Core biopsy left me bruised and with a pressure dressing in place but isn't unduly painful because of local anaesthetic. Certainly nothing Paracetamol can't deal with.
Periods are irrelevant to tests but may make breast feel slightly different on manual examination.
Wear separates with a quick on/off top.
Take something to do whilst waiting as there is an amount of sitting around.

MOIST · 20/03/2017 20:14

Thanks crumbs. That is helpful.

snowdrop12345 · 22/03/2017 14:30

I just wanted to report back on my appointment. The Dr told me I've got 'lumpy areas' due to hormonal changes. There is nothing suspicious in there. I've got to go back for a scan to check for cysts, he thinks there could be a lot of small ones. He described the area as feeling like cobblestones.

He recommended ibuprofen gel, non-wired bras and evening primrose/starflower oil.

I feel for anyone still waiting. I was a complete state this morning, I'd convinced myself it was cancer, but of course most of the time it's not.

I'm now off to find something to help with my health anxiety / cancer phobia...

MOIST · 22/03/2017 14:42

That's fab news snowdrop. Large Gin for you tonight.

WafflingVersatile · 22/03/2017 15:05

Hi,

The consultant felt both breasts and tried to extract some nipple discharge but couldn't. He sent me to ultrasound and he couldn't find any abnormality either. I then went back to the consultant who said there is nothing to see so they can't operate or do anything else (suppose it's like finding a needle in a haystack). I said what about an mri or galactogram and he said no to both. He's not discharging me however and I've booked another appointment in 6 months at the breast clinic again for follow up. However he said if I have bleeding in the meantime to bring the appointment forward (i haven't had any for the last couple of weeks). I questioned whether it was so small that he wouldn't see it on the ultrasound and he said we'll have to just watch it. I think I'm just going to park this and see what happens in the next 6 months. I can't let it rule my life. Good luck to all. Glad you came back good snowdrop.