New to forum - waiting for clinic appt

Hi!,

Currently waiting for a breast comic appointment after finding a cheeky little lump in left breast last weekend. In 2014, I had a lump in almost the exact same location, after mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy it came back as a cyst (phew) which eventually disappeared on its own.

I’m super curious if theres a likelihood that it’s a re-occurence of the cyst or if that’s not something that happens often and it’s probably best to err on the side of something a little more concerning.  I was tempted to refer to Dr Google but thought it best to bodyswerve that rabbit hole and ask the lovely people on here.  I know the only surefire way I’m going to know is at the clinic but just trying to mentally prepare myself for all possibilities.

Have any of you had something similar happen?

Much love xx

Well, an A** and round of applause as a welcome to you, new member. Avoiding Dr Google is very difficult.

I can’t answer your question, obviously, but I can give you my own experience. My first issue in my 30s turned out to be a large fibroadenoma, harmless but best removed. My second experience was in my 40s when I had two large cysts. My GP was certain they were harmless cysts, didn’t refer me and they were gone in a few weeks. My third experience, I only spotted two tiny raised bumps on my areola but, as my mother had breast cancer twice (and lived to a healthy 89), I knew I’d better get them checked out, even though I had a clear mammogram earlier in the year. This time, my GP found a lump between my ribs and referred me. Even the breast consultant reassured me that I had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, he was very wrong.

Where am I heading? I’m not sure except to say that about 90% of referrals to breast clinics turn out to be benign lumps/cysts. The view I’ve adopted with cancer is that only a histology report and/or the right tests will confirm one way or another and there’s nothing I can do about it anyway so I put the possibility in a little box tucked in my brain. Occasionally there’s a trigger and a wave of horror will wash over me and then it’s back in the box. It’s the way I avoided constant adrenaline surges and panic attacks. I’m currently awaiting a new histology report but I’ll worry about it if I get the unwanted result. 

You sound like your feet are firmly on the ground and you’re questioning if you should worry. My opinion is no - what’s the point? You already are prepared for all possibilities. Stop poking and prodding and spend your time actively strengthening your emotional wellbeing in case you do need to be in a strong place when you have your appointment (which even in the pandemic should be within 2 weeks of the referral). Mindfulness, meditation, apps the NHS recommend like Calm and Headspace, walking, baking, whatever rocks your boat. I found some wonderful relaxation videos on YouTube.

Do let us know the outcome. A lot of newcomers are so relieved at a positive outcome, they forget to let us now and we do wonder. And if it is breast cancer, there are all sorts of types and diagnoses and treatment programmes and the success rate for treatment improves every year. We’ll be here to help you make sense of it all - but the odds are against that necessity, aren’t they!

All the best,

Jan xx

PS. Waiting is hellish - get looking for Progressive Hypnosis’s Manifest Healing on Youtube and zone out. 

Hi,

Ive suffered from cysts in my right breast which I call the pesky one, always the blooming right one. Im back at breast clinic in a couple of week because im still having tiny spots of blood coming from the pesky ones nipple. Ive also got a very small cyst…again in that one but they have left it so im wondering if that might have anything to do with it. Last had mammogram and ultrasound beginning of September but consultant wanted me to have a duct excision which I declined. Im interested to know if cysts can keep filling up and like you I keep off google and stick to these sites as you can scare yourself to death.

When is your appointment, I hope it all turns out well for you