Oh yes, my mind has gone to all sorts of places. It feels like the world is moving around me and carrying on and I’m in this static bubble waiting to see what is going on!  Is the likelihood of it being cancer increased with a lump being present in both my armpit and breast on the same side? I know you can’t say for sure but I feel it’s too coincidental to be on the same side. I’m 35 but have been in medically induced menopause for 5 years and hrt for most of that (in different forms). 

Hello and thanks for your further post 

Symptoms can have a number of different causes and I'm afraid that until you are assessed and get your results no one is going to be able to tell you anymore for now. 

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 want 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 at your appointment 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.

Kind regards,

Celene