How to stop myself going insane with worry??

Dimey

FBaby wrote: »

I was there exactly 2 months ago. I’d noticed something but wasn’t sure if it was a lump until about 3 weeks later, I clearly felt something whilst in bed. I woke my OH, hoping he would tell me he felt nothing, but he said there was definitely something there and to make an appointment with the GP first thing in the morning. I burst into tears fear over taking me.

My GP couldn’t fit me in, but as it is also a walking centre, I just showed up and was seen by my GP anyway. However, I do believe that this would be not be considered as a routine appointment and you would be expected to be given an appointment on the same day, especially if you are in pain. I was again hoping the GP would tell me it was nothing, but instead said I had to be referred under the 2 weeks wait (which you should be too, as any woman presenting with a breast lump) and would fax the letter immediately. I had a call from the hospital that afternoon offering me a date 2 weeks later. On one hand I was dreading all that wait, but on the other I saw it that I could pretend it wasn’t happening for a bit longer, however, I did say that if they had any cancellation, I would take any day and time. They called me back 1 hour later offering me an appointment 5 days later. On that day, I saw the consultant, who again didn’t say the words I was hoping for, but that I would need a mammogram immediately, and then they would perform an ultrasound and if the ultrasound showed something, would do a biopsy there and then. I had the mammogram and came back 6 days later for the ultrasound. My OH came with me and I can say that it was definitely the worse day of my life and the ultrasound although lasting only 10 minutes felt like hours. I burst into tears of relief when I was told then that it was a cyst and wouldn’t need a biopsy.

The reality is that bumps are very common, especially amongst women in their mid 30s-40s because of fluctuating hormones. Pain is commonly associated with cysts (although I myself didnt have any).

I had told only my OH as didn’t want to hear stories from friends and family and I found it easier to cope with and my OH was absolutely wonderful during all this time, however, I wish I did because when I told my friends afterwards, half of them told me that they too had had a lump and been referred for tests and all had come back fine.

I hope that you are treated promptly by the NHS so that you don’t to have to wait long to know where you stand.

What a useful post by FBaby.
You've now got a picture of the steps over the next few weeks.

FBaby

I kind of wish I had kept ignoring it..it was easier to pretend it wasn't there... Fbaby..so glad it was all ok for you...I could never manage a 2 week wait I don't think..but I'm kind of hoping the gp tells me it's nothing

Your GP, if professional won't be able to say this and not refer you. That would be against all the NHS guidelines. A lump HAS to be investigated, even if the chances of it being anything to worry about are under 10%. He will not be able to say with certainty what the lump is and that it is benign. All GPs should also know about the 2 weeks rule.

I so know what you mean about the wishing you had ignored it. It is a common response. I thought just the same when I was referred, but ignoring a lump is the WORSE thing one can do, the one thing that can be regretted with devastating results. I so wanted time to stop when I was waiting for the ultrasound, but of course, once it was over, I was able to breath again and move on with the knowledge that all was well. Remember that it is much more likely that you will be reassured at the end of the process than not.

Dunroamin

Troutwrestler wrote: »

Yeah I really hoped the could fit me in at the end of surgery or in between appts, but as the receptionist said, if everyone did that the doc would never go home.

Fingers crossed its nothing, but I have to,admit, past few weeks I haven't been feeling great, and now with the pain....if it isn't the worst thing I'm thinking it could be...I will be so happy

From what I know as someone who's had breast cancer, the fact that you're in pain is probably a good sign as most cancerous lumps aren't painful.

Good luck.

marisco_2

Troutwrestler wrote: »

Thanks, I made the appt yesterday and puff the dragon on reception told me that was soonest they could do. She really wasn't budging on that.

The dragon hasn't tried to be extra awkward by booking you an appointment on a bank holiday has she? My local surgery isn't open on Monday.

Tiddlywinks

marisco wrote: »

The dragon hasn't tried to be extra awkward by booking you an appointment on a bank holiday has she? My local surgery isn't open on Monday.

OP is in Scotland - they've already had their 'summer' bank holiday (back at beginning of August).

Dimey

Just to say, hope the GP went OK yesterday Troutwrestler.

moomoomama27

Try not to panic, I found a lump in my breast, so I know it's easier said than done and at the time my Mum was diagnosed herself with BC. I understand the sick feeling, the panic and the stress. Pop over here, http://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/ honestly join, post your worries and go back every day and ask as many questions as you can/want! I did, and without the support of these ladies I would not have got through the waiting. There is a forum specifically for people waiting for appointments/results.

They are usually very quick (within 2 weeks) for a referral, and you will get a scan or mammogram on the day depending on your age.

Remember 9/10 breast lumps are benign. Of the 5 of us sat waiting on the day of my appointment, we all came away with good news.

meritaten

You wont stop fingering it - you wont stop worrying - even tho everyone tells you it 'may be just a cyst' or 'nothing to worry about'.
just try not to obsess - easier said than done I know! until you know the truth you will imagine 'worst case scenarios'. but, this is normal hun. don't worry that you are worrying! of COURSE you are worried! but do try to take your mind off it and have some fun occasionally!