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Original poster

Breast clinic

18 replies

RosieBdy · 10/01/2018 20:04

I’ve been referred to the breast clinic and just wanted to know what people’s thoughts were on going alone/ having someone with you?
If you’ve been, did most people have someone else with them or was it a mix?
Can’t decide which would be best really... my DH could probably come with me if I wanted him too...
Thanks!

OP posts:
ObiJuanKenobi · 10/01/2018 20:10

I went the week following Christmas and I ended up there for 5 hours (a lot of waiting around).
I had an appointment with the consultant and then waited about an hour for an Ultrasound and then another hour for a needle biopsy and then another hour or so to see the consultant again.
Not everyone was there that long, but some longer.
I would say 90% of people there had someone with them, a friend or partner.
I'd also take a book or a magazine.

ObiJuanKenobi · 10/01/2018 20:10

Best of luck to you

FidgetMcGee · 10/01/2018 20:15

When I went there were a mix of people, some with partners/friends and some on their own. I took my DH with me as I had a 6wk DD who I was BFing and had been advised to feed as close to my scan as possible. It meant I could hand her over when I was called in. As it turned out, they wanted to biopsy me after my scan so I was glad DH was there as it was a bit of a shock and I was grateful for the support. Plus it was nice to have someone to sort out logistics of parking, etc when my mind was so busy. I hope you’re ok. X

SwimmingIsMyLife · 10/01/2018 20:15

Yes I’d say most of the women there had someone with them. I was only there about 90mins but didn’t need a biopsy so it was all much quicker.

If dh is able to go I’d say take him. 90% of referrals end up with a benign diagnosis but worrying if you’re in the other 10% can take it’s toll. Good luck Flowers

UrsulaPandress · 10/01/2018 20:17

I went alone as I can't be doing with 'caring' for others.

insancerre · 10/01/2018 20:23

I was there on Tuesday and most people had someone with them, mostly their partner
It is a lot of waiting around

Original poster
RosieBdy · 10/01/2018 20:29

Thank you all. I hope you’re all doing ok following your trips there...
DH has said he wants to come, but has left the decision to me. I think I will from what you’ve mainly said.
Such a great service that you can get an appointment on the day of seeing the doctor, for just a week later.
Thanks again.

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ObiJuanKenobi · 10/01/2018 20:37

I forgot to add that generally don't like anyone with me at medical appointments so DP didn't actually come into the consultant room or the scan room with me but it was nice to have him with me in the waiting room.

QuiteLikeable · 10/01/2018 20:53

Most women did have someone with them; husband, mum, friend.

We were there for about 3 hours. My friend did offer to come with me to save DH using his last day of annual leave, but tbh I couldn't imagine having to call him at work with bad news, so he came.

Good luck. Take something to read!

mintyneb · 10/01/2018 23:05

At my clinic you sit in the main waiting room until you see the consultant. Then if you need a mammogram or ultrasound you are asked to go to a separate waiting area which is for women only. Everyone Is sitting in hospital gowns waiting their turn and I've yet to see a partner allowed to wait there with them.

So just be prepared to not be able to sit together if oh hospital has a similar policy

dahliaaa · 10/01/2018 23:12

The one I've been to is the same as minty. You can wait with someone in the main waiting room but then you get called through to the scanning room and that's for the women waiting for mammograms / ultrasounds only. Partners / friends not allowed (there's not enough space apart from anything else.)
I've been with DH twice and on my own twice.

Original poster
RosieBdy · 11/01/2018 06:43

Thank you all. I feel more positive about it all this morning for some reason...
That’s great to know about the separate waiting areas - and makes sense really I guess.
I’ll definitely take a book and make sure DH does too then for when he’s waiting without me...
Roll on next week!

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mrsreynolds · 16/01/2018 10:12

I have an appt next Tuesday
I'm terrified
I went to Dr yesterday and letter came this morning
It says:
4a, 4b, 4c, 4d cancer suspected
😔😔
Were your referral letters like that?

dahliaaa · 16/01/2018 21:49

I'm sorry I can't remember what it has said on my forms but just bumping this so that hopefully someone else will see it who remembers

dahliaaa · 16/01/2018 21:53

Ps I've just done a google search for you and it looks like that is the description used by some health authorities to explain why the gp has referred you via the 2 week wait system.

For what it's worth the vast majority of women who are referred by the 2WW do not have cancer in the end.

I hope all goes well with your appointment.

Original poster
RosieBdy · 17/01/2018 05:59

mrsreynolds no my letter didn’t say that, just that I had an appointment with * after a referreral through 2ww...
As dahliaaa said, I think I read the statistic was something like 90% who are referred don’t end up with a cancer diagnoses. I know someone has to be in that 10% but I’m clinging to hope of the odds being in my favour at the moment...
I’ve been through utter panic, acceptance, dread and hope this week. Just so pleased that it’s so quick to see them.
Good luck to you for next Tuesday.

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cathcath2 · 19/01/2018 01:28

mrsreynolds that just means there is cause for concern - if there was no concern you wouldn't be referred! It means there is a chance it is cancer. but you knew that anyway.
3=probably benign
4= possbily cancerous
5=probably malignant
I think that's how it works (not medical but have been through this - mine came back negative)

Original poster
RosieBdy · 22/01/2018 10:49

mrsreynolds I just wanted to say that I’m thinking about you for tomorrow... I hope it’s good news for you. Flowers

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