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

Dear Jolamine,

Thank you so much for your speedy reply and information which is reply helpful.

Have you heard of the connection between using Estradiol and cysts ?

I feel like I want to discontinue using the gel -no one told that was a side effect of the gel 

I asked the gp if I should stop using the hrt and she said to wait until I’ve seen the breast team.

i was quite surprised when she said for me to be fast tracked me the breast clinic but  am very happy to be.

I couldn’t feel the cysts in my breast but when the GP felt, it was quite painful as she pressed and then she said that’s where they were where I felt the discomfort-is that common for it to be painful?

Daisy 

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