Hi Daisy,

I wish that I could give you some reassurance, but it is really impossible to say what is going on, until you are examined at the breast clinic and have some tests carried out. Only 20% of people, who attend the breast clinic get a cancer diagnosis. The other 80% have benign cysts, fibroadenoma, etc. The three most common tests are mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. It normally takes 1-2 weeks for the results of these procedures to become available. The first 2 tests will show up any lumps or lesions in your breast and the biopsy will determine whether or not there is any cancer present. Let's hope that your GP is correct and you only have cysts. They sometimes leave the cysts alone and only aspirate if they are very large, or causing problems. I have had a few breast aspirations and they were all very straight forward.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Daisy,

 Your body will no longer produce Oestrogen, since you had your hysterectomy, so you will have been given Estradiol to make up for this. It has an important role as it helps to regulate a number of body processes - such as the symptoms of menopause, reproductive health, temperature control and prevents the bones from thinning (Osteoporosis). I am not a doctor, but I understand that some cancers feed on Oestrogen which is what Estradiol is. There are different types of HRT but, after a hysterectomy, it is usually solely Oestrogen based too. These treatments are still prescribed, because doctors claim that the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.

As far as I am aware, Vaginal Oestrogen does not increase the risk of breast cancer, blood clots or other conditions, whereas HRT can slightly increase the risk, but there is little or no risk with Oestrogen only based HRT, given post-hysterectomy. I suspect that the clinic will stop your HRT, as soon as they see you, but this will probably depend upon how you are coping at present - I expect that, at 64, you are past the age for the menopause by now, so may not need it any more.

Don't worry about being fast tracked to the breast clinic. Most doctors do this, if they find anything that they want to have investigated. As you've discovered, this is a worrying time and it's a case of the less time you have to wait, the better it is. You should get an appointment through within 2 weeks from the date of referral.

Please stay away from consulting "Dr Google" until you know what you are dealing with. Much of what is on there is out of date, poorly researched and aimed at the most spectacular cases. Until you've had the tests that I mentioned, there is no way to know what your problem is, so there is no point in scaring yourself. Besides doing this will serve no useful purpose and won't give you any answers.

I hope that you get your appointment through soon.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Daisy,

I am glad to hear that the Estradiol gel has helped with the hot flushes. If you still have contact with the hospital, you could phone your nurse to ask for advice. A fast track appointment is usually given within 2 weeks from the date of referral. This extra time on the gel, shouldn't make any difference to you, so you are probably as well to wait, until you've seen the consultant, before changing anything.

It is reassuring that your lumps feel mobile, as it is the fixed lumps that are usually more sinister. Most breast cancer are painless - it may be your treatment that is causing the pain. Here's hoping that this is so.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry you are worried about some breast symptoms and I can appreciate waiting to be seen at the breast clinic can be very stressful.

An urgent referral doesn't always mean a cancer diagnosis. In fact, the majority of people who are referred urgently do not have cancer. It just means that the doctors wants to be thorough and not delay anything if further tests are needed.

At the breast clinic it is likely that they will take a full history and do a physical examination. You will have a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound scan. Depending on the results, they will tell you if you need to have a biopsy. If you do, it can take a couple of weeks to get the results.

The charity Breast Cancer Now has information on what to expect when you’ve been referred to the breast clinic.

I know it's easier said than done but try and take it one step at a time until you know more. Some people find talking it through with family and friends and keeping busy can sometimes help. Also try and focus on what you can control right now by eating a good diet, getting enough rest, and doing some gentle activities that you enjoy.

I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene