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Routine 1 year breast screening coming up, and worried I may have found another cyst. I hate this fear and anxiety I feel every year.

Bear3
Offline

Hello I've just had a letter for my routine breast screening appointment in 5 weeks time.  I do check my breasts because of my family history.  I had a health scare last year and was told I had multiple breast cysts and they drained the lump I was concerned about at the time.  Last night i thought right side felt more lumpy and panicked.  I think its possible cyst I'm so scared now to go back to the gp.  Surely breast cancer can't grow within a year? I had a dignostic mammogram and ultrasound of both breasts last year.  I hate this fear I feel every year.  I'm seeing the gp this morning and I'm certain I get reffered again to the breast clinic.  This happens every time because of my family history but it causes me so much anxiety  Any advice or guidance or even kind words would be much appreciated. Many thanks 

  • Hello Bear3 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your family history and I can only imagine how anxious it must make you feel.

    I know it is horrible being checked regularly at the breast clinic but at least you come away knowing that breast doctors have thoroughly checked your breasts and hopefully they will have again ruled out cancer.

    I would also discuss how anxious this is making you feel with your doctor.

    I am not sure whether some massage or reflexology or even some one to one counselling could help. It is learning how to cope with this hanging over you which I can understand must be very hard.

    You are very welcome to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses.

    The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Hello Catherine I had my routine breast screening appointment last monday 15 September its been a week and I've not heard anything.  Is it standard 2 week wait even if results are normal? would you been seen within a week of screening if something sinister has been found.  I'm struggling again waiting for the post. Would my GP get the result perhaps quicker than me? sorry just anxious 

  • in reply to Bear3

    Hi there again

    I appreciate this is an anxious time but please try and not over think this. Keep yourself busy as best you can to get through this time.

    Unfortunately you can't read too much in how long it is taking to get your results so sit tight as patiently as you can.

    I hope you hear something soon and that it'll be good news.

    Take care

    Naomi

  • Online

    Hi Bear,

    This is an anxious time for all of us. I am glad to see that you have already been referred to the breast clinic. It is impossible to conjecture what results will be by the time it takes for them to return. After they come back, your consultant will discuss the findings with his/her Multidisciplinary team (MDT) at one of their regular meetings and you don't get the results until this meeting has taken place. This can usually take from 1-3 weeks. 

    You have done the right thing by getting it investigated. I had a lumpectomy 16 years ago. Six months after this, I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells in my other breast and almost a year after surgery, I was diagnosed with a new cancer in the original breast. I then had a double mastectomy and am still leading a busy and fulfilling life. I sincerely hope that this turns out to be another cyst and that you don't have much longer to wait for your results. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you. 

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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