Lump in breast, scared

Hi, sorry to hear about your situation. I don’t know what the wait times are like for Beaumont but I know all the breast care services are amazing and they will move as quickly as is needed for your situation. I completely understand your worry and how anxious the waiting is, it might help to tell a few people friends, family and/or at work, who can help keep you distracted. Even if it is breast cancer there are so many options and treatments available, so try not to think the worst. Be kind to yourself. Sending you a big hug. x

Hi Carrie, I was also referred to Beaumont. Their breast care clinic is super. After my GP appointment, I think I heard back in about 10 days and had an appointment within two weeks. The staff are really lovely, the place is very quiet and calm and very conducive to reducing your stress - although that is a lot easier said than done! The clinic is usually on a Tuesday - at least I seem to always have been there on Tuesdays - but I think I saw that there's another one on the odd Thursday? What seems to happen at the first appointment is that a doctor will ask about how you found the lump and other history and examine you. You might then have a mammogram and maybe an ultrasound and a biopsy as well. You're there for a good couple of hours but everyone is having the same range of tests so the chat is constant and I found that helped distract me. Remember, a huge percentage of lumps are benign - I'm sure the actual figure is quoted somewhere on these pages but I think it's up at 90% so you are probably absolutely fine. And if you do need some form of treatment , do you know what, you'll deal with that too. As someone else posted, there are so many options and treatments these days. I know how anxious this waiting is and I tried hiding my fear too but if you have a supportive husband, as I do too, tell him how you're feeling. I have no doubt that he is as anxious as you are and talking about exactly what you are afraid of, does help. I hope that you have already been given an appointment date at this stage and I wish you nothing but the best. Joy x