Cysts, family history and so tired...

Connect to people like me Family history, genes and cancer
1

Hello friends, 

Not really looking for advice here. Just a sigh 

I have been getting breast cysts since my 30s. It was happening every few years, but now I have hit 40, it’s every few months! I am lucky that each time it is treated seriously, as an ‘unknown lump’ and referred to the 2 week wait, and each time an ultrasound, usually mammogram and sometimes aspiration. Also very lucky that each time it is diagnosed as a cyst.

But it is all really stressful! Trying to get hold of GP, the stress of trying to get time off work (unpaid sick leave), the anxiety of waiting ( last time 2 week wait was not 2 weeks) mammograms painful due to costochronditis and also recently to add to it, family history screening shows am in the ‘high moderate’ category of cancer. Plus not sharing any of this with my Dad, as he lost his sister to cancer at a young age.

I know I am very lucky I don’t have cancer.It’s just I think it’s one of those things where on top of managing other things in life such as chronic pain, it’s driving me a little nuts!

Thanks XX :slightly_smiling_face:

2

I can imagine how stressful it is, time consuming and emotionally challenging - you are going through the ‘what if’ very very often indeed ! 

I have heard that Breast Cysts are most common in the 40 to 50 age range (perimenopause), and tend to diminish/disappear after menopause, when all the hormone changes that can trigger them resolve. Are you seeing a permament consultant, or does it tend to be a different person everytime you are referred ?