Waiting for breastcheck - how to not worry?

Mam of 4

All clear , thats great!! Got mammogram done, someone had a look at it, said no new lumps or new cysts, what cysts I do have can stay there for the time being, won't aspirate them at the minute.

Best of luck to everyone still waiting, positive thoughts !

Wizard01

Hi everyone

Just wanted to ask, had my ultrasound and biopsy done in the middle of December, they said they would have results in 10 days and would contact me but have heard nothing since.

I know with Christmas and everything in the middle of it they might be delayed but waiting for the phone call is even worse

I know i'm probably worrying over nothing but just want to know.

Any advice much appreciated.

Susie564

Wizard01 wrote: »

Hi everyone

Just wanted to ask, had my ultrasound and biopsy done in the middle of December, they said they would have results in 10 days and would contact me but have heard nothing since.

I know with Christmas and everything in the middle of it they might be delayed but waiting for the phone call is even worse

I know i'm probably worrying over nothing but just want to know.

Any advice much appreciated.

Hi,

I would call the breast care nurse at the clinic and explain your waiting on the results, and ask them to check up on them. You're well over your 10 days now and they will understand that you would be anxious to hear. I'm pretty sure I had to call to get my results too. Waiting on the results is really awful - Everytime the phone rang those two weeks I would jump out of my skin! Best of luck - hopefully it will be good news :-)

Rocking_roxy

Hi guys.

I found a lump and went to my doc. He has refered me for the triple assesment in st James. He has said that it is highly unlikely to be cancer so just sent me to be sure. Because of this I am classed under the routine referal which your ment to be seen in 12 weeks. I got my appointment letter today. My appointment is in may. 18 weeks from now. 18!!! and 22 weeks from my first appointment. I am very pissed off at this and can't believe i have to wait so long. I know he said it is very unlikey but hey, there is still a small chance. And if I do they wont exactly be catching it early.

Has anyone else had to wait this long? Is there anything i can do? I can't afford to go private

Oleta

Roxy, find out the fax number of the hospital department. Mention your anxiety at such a long wait & <modsnip> this should result in an earlier appointment.

Oleta, do not encourage posters to make false medical claims please.

Oleta

It was more of an exaggeration that could potentially save a life.
However, if this advice has broken Boards rules I apologise.

toothie

Hi everyone,
I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm 29 and I found a lump in late November. I went to my GP within a few days. She could also feel the lump and referred me to the nearest Breast Clinic because of this and some other little symptoms. I waited 12 weeks for the initial appointment. That came and went about 4 weeks ago. The consultant couldn't feel anything wrong but decided to send me for an ultrasound just as a precaution, thinking it might have been a cyst. It was such a relief leaving the clinic that day, as my mind had been put at rest. Then, I had the ultrasound on Wednesday and it showed a lump. They couldn't tell me what it was, but they did a core needle biopsy there and then. I think I was in shock at the time and didn't ask more questions. Since then, I'm a mess, so worried and go between being upset and feeling a little calmer. I told one friend about it, but she dismissed it, saying it would probably be nothing. I haven't told anyone else and I don't feel that I can. I just don't know how I'm going to manage to wait for the results. I was told it could be at least two weeks. The staff at the hospital were so lovely, but I don't know where to turn to now. Can anyone who has been in this awful situation offer any advise please?
Thank you.

Pretzill

toothie wrote: »

Hi everyone,
I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm 29 and I found a lump in late November. I went to my GP within a few days. She could also feel the lump and referred me to the nearest Breast Clinic because of this and some other little symptoms. I waited 12 weeks for the initial appointment. That came and went about 4 weeks ago. The consultant couldn't feel anything wrong but decided to send me for an ultrasound just as a precaution, thinking it might have been a cyst. It was such a relief leaving the clinic that day, as my mind had been put at rest. Then, I had the ultrasound on Wednesday and it showed a lump. They couldn't tell me what it was, but they did a core needle biopsy there and then. I think I was in shock at the time and did't ask more questions. Since then, I'm a mess, so worried and go between being upset and feeling a little calmer. I told one friend about it, but she dismissed it, saying it would probably be nothing. I haven't told anyone else and I don't feel that I can. I just don't know how I'm going to manage to wait for the results. I was told it could be at least two weeks. The staff at the hospital were so lovely, but I don't know where to turn to now. Can anyone who has been in this awful situation offer any advise please?
Thank you.

Hopefully everything will be all clear but I can sympathise and understand the waiting process - although I have commented on here before about breast check and waiting unrelated I had to wait for results on a lung biopsy in the past and it was like time stood still - all I can say is try not to dwell on the what if's - treat yourself - pamper and be pampered and just try to do the normal, everyday things. Again hopefully the results will be good. And do talk to your GP further if the worry becomes too much.

toothie

Thank you Pretzill, it's a relief to even talk about it here. It is exactly like time is standing still. I hope all is well with you now.
Thanks again.

Oleta

Hi Toothie, PM me for my experience & advice re Core Needle Biopsy. Don't think Board rules allow to post this publicly.

toothie

Sorry, I didn't realise it was against the rules.

Oleta

I think it's just medical advice rather than experience that's barred but I'm not totally sure so didn't want to risk posting here as I'm already green!

Susie564

toothie wrote: »

Hi everyone,
I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm 29 and I found a lump in late November. I went to my GP within a few days. She could also feel the lump and referred me to the nearest Breast Clinic because of this and some other little symptoms. I waited 12 weeks for the initial appointment. That came and went about 4 weeks ago. The consultant couldn't feel anything wrong but decided to send me for an ultrasound just as a precaution, thinking it might have been a cyst. It was such a relief leaving the clinic that day, as my mind had been put at rest. Then, I had the ultrasound on Wednesday and it showed a lump. They couldn't tell me what it was, but they did a core needle biopsy there and then. I think I was in shock at the time and didn't ask more questions. Since then, I'm a mess, so worried and go between being upset and feeling a little calmer. I told one friend about it, but she dismissed it, saying it would probably be nothing. I haven't told anyone else and I don't feel that I can. I just don't know how I'm going to manage to wait for the results. I was told it could be at least two weeks. The staff at the hospital were so lovely, but I don't know where to turn to now. Can anyone who has been in this awful situation offer any advise please?
Thank you.

Hi Toothie,

I didn't have a biopsy but waiting on the appointments/scan results was awful so I can sympathise there. I was a nervous wreck! All you can do is try not to think about it as much as possible I guess. Best of luck with your results....hopefully you will get the all-clear :-)

ellieh1

I went to the doctor two weeks ago with tummy problems and walked out with a referral to the breast clinic. I didn't feel a lump before but my GP did on the day. My grand aunt, mom and first cousin have all had breasts removed due to cancer. I am going in for my appointment on Thursday, nerves are in tatters!!

toothie

Thanks everyone. I had an unexpected phonecall from the hospital this evening. Of course, I assumed the worst, but they were just calling to say that the results had come back as benign, and most likely it was a ruptured cyst. I'm so relieved, but now I'm so full of questions! Thank you to everyone who answered.

Ellieh1, hope everything goes well for you on Thursday. The worry is horrible.

Mam of 4

toothie wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I had an unexpected phonecall from the hospital this evening. Of course, I assumed the worst, but they were just calling to say that the results had come back as benign, and most likely it was a ruptured cyst. I'm so relieved, but now I'm so full of questions! Thank you to everyone who answered.

Ellieh1, hope everything goes well for you on Thursday. The worry is horrible.

Great news toothie , have had a few ruptured/collapsed cysts also


Ellieh1,

best of luck tomorrow, bring someone with you for support and company really. The nurses and consultant will try as best to put you at ease I'm sure, always found them to be chatty and helpful tbh.

Only my two cents worth, but best of luck.will be thinking of you.

ellieh1

I am so relieved to say that all went well on Thursday. I have to go back again in six weeks for a second check but looks like I have extra glandular tissue on one side but its nothing to worry about The nurses and specialist and radiographers were all amazing and having my partner with me was also a great help, thanks for the advice and good luck messages!!

easy1

Hi,I'm in the same situation as other lady's there...Gp find lump in my breast and referred me at 18.December as urgent case to James breast clinic public ,unfortunately because of Christmas time,I didn't heard anything from them......I had other health issue and I went to James hospital today,but in same time I was so worried I went to their breast clinic,which was closed and will re open only in next Monday!!!!!!After one more week!!!!
I started panicking ,but lady in main reception told me not to worry......but how to keep calm in this situation?

How long normally peoples wait for their urgent appointments?

Sorry for sad post,but I'm feeling hopeless....

Katgurl

easy1 wrote: »

Hi,I'm in the same situation as other lady's there...Gp find lump in my breast and referred me at 18.December as urgent case to James breast clinic public ,unfortunately because of Christmas time,I didn't heard anything from them......I had other health issue and I went to James hospital today,but in same time I was so worried I went to their breast clinic,which was closed and will re open only in next Monday!!!!!!After one more week!!!!
I started panicking ,but lady in main reception told me not to worry......but how to keep calm in this situation?

How long normally peoples wait for their urgent appointments?

Sorry for sad post,but I'm feeling hopeless....

Oh I'm so sorry and I understand how distraught you must be.

I haven't been in your exact situation but I did get cancer earlier this year. It was misdiagnosed until I had surgery to have my (assumed benign) tumour removed. Only then did I have to wait for lab results, check had it spread, wait to discuss treatment options.

I had never really understood the term overwhelmed before. It was terrifying. The only way I could stop the panic was to remind myself of the following; there was a much bigger chance of things working out well than not and that nothing I could do now would change what was going to happen so to just breathe deeply and try to steady my mind when the panic took over.

People suggested I try not to think about it but I knew that was pointless so instead I busied myself researching diet, lifestyle changes etc - anything that could be within my control.

I don't know if this helps or not. I just wanted you to know I empathise with the scariness of it.

By the way, I had a very good outcome - nothing had spread and I needed no more treament or surgery. Fingers crossed for you too. X

fayco

Hi, I am glad I found this thread as I feel some people could help put me at ease. I am 25 and on Tuesday just gone my GP referred me as urgent to the mater breast clinic after examining a lump on my breast. I have told no one as I was in a bad car crash last year and already have worried my friends and family enough!!!

I was wondering how long it takes for the appointment to arrive, and when it does, does it give you much notice (I'm worried about booking off work!)

Also do the appointments take long? Will I spend all day up there?

I was worried about this, but I was starting to go insane, get no sleep, not eat. So I have decided to convince myself nothing is wrong!!

Hope you all get good news ladies, thank you

easy1

Hi,I'm still waiting for mu URGENT appointment.I was referred at 18.December and my appointment will be at 29.January.

I even never received any letter from James Breast Clinic,just one day I had enough and rang to clinic myself.

I was told,when for women's younger than 35 years of age,waiting time for appointment is 6 weeks!!!!

After all this ,my Gp gave me antidepressants.....I'm just cant handle all this any more.If knew all this before ,I would have gone as Private patient.

I hope you will get your appointment soon as possible.

miamee

fayco wrote: »

Hi, I am glad I found this thread as I feel some people could help put me at ease. I am 25 and on Tuesday just gone my GP referred me as urgent to the mater breast clinic after examining a lump on my breast. I have told no one as I was in a bad car crash last year and already have worried my friends and family enough!!!

I was wondering how long it takes for the appointment to arrive, and when it does, does it give you much notice (I'm worried about booking off work!)

Also do the appointments take long? Will I spend all day up there?

I was worried about this, but I was starting to go insane, get no sleep, not eat. So I have decided to convince myself nothing is wrong!!

Hope you all get good news ladies, thank you

I know when my GP referred me she told me if I did not hear from the hospital within a week, to let her know. I had to do this initially and once she called them to chase it up I got the appointment letter in the post shortly afterwards. Initial GP visit to first appointment was about 4 weeks I think but the GP did not deem me urgent so your situation may be different. Best of luck, I hope it all turns out clear for you.

easy1 wrote: »

Hi,I'm still waiting for mu URGENT appointment.I was referred at 18.December and my appointment will be at 29.January.

I even never received any letter from James Breast Clinic,just one day I had enough and rang to clinic myself.

I was told,when for women's younger than 35 years of age,waiting time for appointment is 6 weeks!!!!

After all this ,my Gp gave me antidepressants.....I'm just cant handle all this any more.If knew all this before ,I would have gone as Private patient.

I hope you will get your appointment soon as possible.

Best of luck, I hope it will all go well for you. The staff in the breast clinic in James' were very nice and reassuring when I was there.

Lisha

Well here I am waiting for a breast check appointment. I know 9/10 lumps are harmless but it's still a gut wrenching shock to find a lump.

About a week ago I spotted an area of puckered skin. I know this is a sign to be wary of but I shoved the knowledge to the back of my mind. Then I noticed the puckering was less so I poked around a bit and sure enough I found a lump.

I went to gp yesterday and she has referred me to the breast clinic in cork. The wait is normally about 2weeks so here's to a fast 2weeks.

fayco

It is a shock I agree, hopefully all will go well for you

I still not have received any word, so I rang the clinic and they said that they had no referral letter for me even though when I rang my go they confirmed that they sent referral 3 weeks ago, so I'm stuck in limbo now and I don't really know what is going on!!

Has anyone had this happen to them? If so, any advice on what to do?

Lisha

Oh that's very annoying fayco, a really shiiity add to your wait. Surely gp will resend letter and they will prioritise you.

I can't believe that happened to you

Mam of 4

fayco wrote: »

It is a shock I agree, hopefully all will go well for you

I still not have received any word, so I rang the clinic and they said that they had no referral letter for me even though when I rang my go they confirmed that they sent referral 3 weeks ago, so I'm stuck in limbo now and I don't really know what is going on!!

Has anyone had this happen to them? If so, any advice on what to do?

To be honest , I would go to GP and explain why you rang and what they said, and Gp would probably ring to see what's happening and to speed it up.

Happened to me before , waiting to get the ultra-sound done , was months waiting, Gp rang and St. James rang next day with appointment. Apparently my phone number was written incorrectly and they'd been trying to get in touch with me and obviously couldn't

Try not worry too much, easier said than done I know

easy1

username123 wrote: »

Had some lumpiness last year, GP said best to go into James to have it checked.

Got sent an appointment time of 10am. Off I went and arrived at 9.20am. It was July and 21 degrees outside, the waiting room had radiators on and had dozens of women waiting in it. Hoping that an early arrival would facilitate an early departure I queued up, registered, and began my wait. I had a nasty cold at the time so I felt rubbish and was fairly sneezy and sniffly.

Anyway, no one told me where I was in the queue but I noticed that women who had come in after me were being called. It was horribly hot and uncomfortable and there were far too many people waiting in the room for the amount of chairs. There was a sign on the wall saying that all patients must be registered by 2pm or they would not be seen.

I was trying to be patient but after 3 hours I went and asked what was going on. I was assured that I would be seen soon. Another 40 minutes went. I simply felt too unwell to stay so I went to tell them that I couldnt stay any longer. At this point the nurse told me I was second last on the list because it was prioritised according to severity of problem and mine wasnt severe.

So it didnt matter that I had a 10am appointment that I had arrived 40 minutes early for, I was just bumped to the bottom and left there for the next 4 hours with no idea of where I was on the list, no food, unwell, probably infecting the whole room.

When I said I had to leave the nurse assured me I would be next. I was called next. The breast consultant was pretty cold and I assumed I was marked as trouble for making a fuss. Anyway she examined me, said there was nothing wrong and that because all patients got a free mammogram as part of the appointment I was to phone the number on the card she gave me and make another appointment to have it done. Then she shrugged and said "but you dont need it".

So I left and never made that appointment. All I can say is that I was worried beforehand but the breast consultant did put my mind at ease but that the experience of James hospital was horrendous. I was over 4 hours and actually weak and dizzy by the time I left from the lack of food and the heat.

So I went for my appointment today.Arrived 30 minutes earlier,got my ticket and then waited to be called.
Lady took my appointment letter and waiting began.

I was called after one hour and half by consultant.

Same story there.....he examined me 2 minutes, said there was nothing wrong and I have a dense breasts(I'm 31 years old)

Then I was given leaflet and advised to take primrose oil.

Of course I'm happy with good news,but if honest I was hoping to get proper examination(mammogram or ultrasound) to be on the safe side.....

LegacyUser

i was sent to triple assessment clinic in nov 14 as i queried a lump with my gp. she said it was nothing to worry about at worst fibroidadunoma (spelt wrong ). i had a two week wait. a nervous wreck....even though gp tried to reassure me. had exam then mammogram and ultrasound all clear..thankfully!! i came home so relieved. i. cried the minute i was waiting for mammo till ultrasound was done. i'd say they never saw the likes of this emotional state either way i worried twice as bad as i know this lumpy area is there forever which when you read the earlier caught the better the outcome. so naturally i think im a goner!! My sister came for support as my husband was working. so next thing 2nd week in january i recieve my appoint for 2nd feb for follow up appoint. and different doc that day and exams me again as he did everyone id say... he feels lumpy area and says was this area done with ultrasound and i say yes as i think the radiographer that day ( with a inconsolable patient on her table) . he then says to nurse can we have ultrasound done again on this particular area of breast today...she says no. as the consultant radiologist is out of country. now i have to wait up to 3 weeks again. and believe im a nervous wreck all over again...until its done i cant relax. its so hard to go through this anxiety :-( .

Lisha

Lisha wrote: »

Well here I am waiting for a breast check appointment. I know 9/10 lumps are harmless but it's still a gut wrenching shock to find a lump.

About a week ago I spotted an area of puckered skin. I know this is a sign to be wary of but I shoved the knowledge to the back of my mind. Then I noticed the puckering was less so I poked around a bit and sure enough I found a lump.

I went to gp yesterday and she has referred me to the breast clinic in cork. The wait is normally about 2weeks so here's to a fast 2weeks.

Well my breast check appointment was today and thankfully it looks like all is ok.
All I can say is that the service and staff in cuh were excellent in every way.
Am waiting for official paperwork to be sent to gp next week but from what they said today all is ok.

Best of luck to everyone else.
I know the hse can be wrong on so many levels but I can only praise my experience with them today .

karen89

Hi Ladies, well I have 2 lumps, one small pea sized and 1 much bigger, both in right breast, saw the gp last Thursday and was told 6 weeks at least for apt in breast clinic, so i decided to pull out the credit card and have apt on Thursday for mammogram and possibly ultrasound at 11.30 and consultant at 3.40, so only have a couple of days to wait, but I am very nervous!