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Original poster

Tender lump in breast

28 replies

DinkyDaisy · 28/03/2023 18:50

Hello, I'm on Femoston 1/10 and been happy on it. I tend to get tender breasts not on hrt and my right tends to be be more cyclical lumpy generally.
I read an article about mammograms and decided to prod about and found obvious lump near nipple. In first week of oestrogen and bleed started on oestrogen not end of oestrogen plus progesterone. I don't check my breasts regularly and this could be normal. I am up to date on mammograms (2021). However, stressed now. Have a smear test next week and also said would like to discuss breast health and hrt. I apparently have dense breasts (mammogram information).
I am just worried. I know pain and tenderness not a bad sign. I am hoping all may calm down by appointment but will still bring it up.
I have felt happy on Femoston but may suggest looking to transdermal if safer for breasts. In mid 50s.
Any reassurance welcome!

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JinglingSpringbells · 28/03/2023 19:15

If you think you have found a lump, try to get an appt with your GP as soon as possible, regardless of the smear appt.

It is possible to find lumps that are nothing to worry about (and the advice is not to prod, but to examine yourself using the flat of your hand and all your fingertips together - not just one finger prodding.)

BUT you do need someone to examine you and possibly refer you for an expert assessment.

There is no difference in risk with any kind of estrogen - patch, tablet and gels are all the same with breasts. There is a lower risk with the type of progestin in Femoston, but maybe you can see a dr this week?

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 28/03/2023 19:23

I have the smear test on Monday. I work in a school so off then. I am hoping will go down by then.
However, maybe need to make an extra appointment. Just so difficult with my hours making an appointment.
Monday not far away which is good.
Thank you.

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 30/03/2023 06:11

Whole breast less tender today and lump perhaps smaller. However on my radar now so will get checked on Monday by nurse and take further if need be. Am keeping diary notes on lump.
Mammogram due 2024 but am going to ask about ultrasound. If can't get on NHS may explore privately. Costly but peace of mind needed.

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JinglingSpringbells · 30/03/2023 06:59

@DinkyDaisy If it's a nurse doing your smear, you really need an appt with a Dr. A nurse is not the right person to make this decision or examine you.

You are likely to be referred to an NHS breast clinic, within 2 weeks, and they do all the tests on the day- mammogram, ultrasound and anything else if needed.

An ultrasound on its own is not the starting point as it doesn't show enough. It's used to look more closely at anything the mammo finds.

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 04/04/2023 14:47

Saw nurse yesterday and doctor today.. Just now.
She agrees a small lump but does need checking. She said low threshold for referral and to try not to worry. I am worrying though. She says needs checking at breast clinic as they can offer ultrasound, etc. Should be seen within 2 weeks apparently...
Trying not to cry.

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WhereAreWeNow · 04/04/2023 17:45

Try not to worry @DinkyDaisy . You're doing the right thing checking it out but chances are it will be a cyst. I've also got dense breasts with a tendency for cysts and a lot of cyclical tenderness. I've been referred I think 4 or 5 times over the years.
When my HRT has been off kilter (I tried estrogel and it was disastrous for me) my breasts have become very sore and lumpy very quickly. When my HRT is right (currently Mirena + patches) breasts are fine and seem less prone to lumps than they were pre-HRT. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 04/04/2023 17:56

Thank you @WhereAreWeNow .
I am on hrt and my breasts feel tender. Hope a cyst. Feels quite firm but not that near surface. Small breasts so can feel all lumps and bumps. This one distinct. Had a cry and think was hyperactive mess with doctor. Got given appointment for week after next but then another came through for next week. Will ring clinic tomorrow to try and confirm next week one. (At moment listed for both of them).

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 04/04/2023 20:21

Not sure how I am going to cope til appointment. Off work as work in school. Need to hold it together.
Got to try and keep busy. Lots I can do if can shake myself from disabling worry. Google can be reassuring or scary and veering towards scary at the moment. Waiting is awful and I am a shocking worrier at the best of times.

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WhereAreWeNow · 04/04/2023 20:36

Good idea to keep busy @DinkyDaisy . Try to stay off Google. Try writing your worries down and talking about it with someone IRL.
I honestly think it is very likely to be nothing.

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 04/04/2023 20:41

Thank you...
Got to keep it together for teenagers as well. Had glass of wine that probably shouldn't have... Stable doors spring to mind...
There is an awful corner in the kitchen might declutter a bit tomorrow. Plenty of those in the house!

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JinglingSpringbells · 05/04/2023 08:21

Thinking of you and hope all is okay.

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 08:42

My appointment mid next week now.
I just need to get on with things I guess. Switch my head off...
The problem is don't seem to have an off switch there!
Going to try and occupy myself...

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 17:04

I really must try not to Google.
I had a mammogram about 19 months ago and thought it being ok then a good sign. Don't google!
Started hrt since the mammogram. Wonder if linked to lump and general breast tenderness. we will just have to see I guess. Not been told to stop taking it yet but will if have to and will have to find something else to keep me sane.
The waiting is awful... and filling in gaps in knowledge in unhelpful ways...

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 06/04/2023 09:19

My DH thought would be really helpful to wonder aloud to me whether my Breast Clinic appointment will be cancelled due to junior doctor strikes.
Something else to worry about.

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 12/04/2023 13:22

Just been to the Breast clinic. It was a cyst. They drew fluid from it to double check after ultrasound. Thick fluid but definitely a cyst. Very relieved.
Asked about my hrt and told didn't need to stop. Might make me more prone to cysts so something to think about all the same.

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JinglingSpringbells · 12/04/2023 20:43

DinkyDaisy · 12/04/2023 13:22

Just been to the Breast clinic. It was a cyst. They drew fluid from it to double check after ultrasound. Thick fluid but definitely a cyst. Very relieved.
Asked about my hrt and told didn't need to stop. Might make me more prone to cysts so something to think about all the same.

Pleased you are okay- was thinking of you :)

WhereAreWeNow · 13/04/2023 06:12

Good news @DinkyDaisy . You must be feeling relieved.
I have been prone to breast cysts since I was about 30 but it's actually been better since I've been on HRT (apart from the month when I tried gel and everything went haywire).
The main thing is to remain vigilant. I think there's a risk of complacency once you've been through the cyst scare a few times - it's tempting to just assume any new lump is a cyst. It's important to still get it checked out even if you think it's just a cyst.

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 13/04/2023 06:48

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells and@WhereAreWeNow .
I felt around this morning and still little lump in cyst area that feels tender. Bruise where needle went in nearby. Nurse did say to feel for new normal but do I need to report small lump in exact place of cyst the next day after aspirated?

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 13/04/2023 08:20

Actually think I'm just sore, tender and also bruised but will keep an eye. Had local anesthetic and fna guided by ultrasound. Given definite diagnosis of a cyst. Didn't ask how big but looked like reasonable size black hole on the scan. When asked what would happen to fluid doctor said would go in the bin. Guess need to keep eye and work out what my new normal is. Have phone number to Breast Clinic as well.

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Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 13/04/2023 09:11

Apologies for going on! I rang the Clinic and got a callback. Irritating echo of my own voice my end. Didn't help communication. However, nurse said no red flags their end and to just keep an eye on on area and not check breast more than once a month (a challenge at the moment!). Said could have bit of fluid where cyst was, or bruising inside but not a red flag. Discussed my 'new normal' and said could call any time if further worries about area or signs of infection, etc.
Hopefully with no echo if call again. So disconcerting!

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Stephy1984 · 14/09/2023 15:45

Hi all I’m really really struggling I’ve found a small hard like the top of a ball point pen lump in my right breast just above my nipple I have a gp appointment in an hours time I’m so scared I’m 40 and thinking the worst anyone gone through this I’m expecting the worst outcome

667TheNeighbourOfTheBeast · 14/09/2023 15:54

Hi @Stephy1984 the chances of it being cancer are very low aged 40. So many hormonal changes could be going on at this age as peri menopause can start up to ten years before. Also could be cyst as @DinkyDaisy had. Good luck try not to worry if you get a referral to breast clinic this is just standard procedure now for any breast lump.
@DinkyDaisy glad to hear you’re ok. Such a worry but hopefully you can relax now.

Stephy1984 · 14/09/2023 19:35

Thank you I’m sorry I was meant to post this on my thread I have no idea what I am doing as I’ve just joined glad you got good news @DinkyDaisy xx

Octopus45 · 14/09/2023 21:05

Hi @Stephy1984 how did your GP appointment go? I've had exactly the same thing, had a GP appointment tonight and have been referred to the breast clinic. Lump is in the same place as yours and quite hard, hoping that the appointment comes through soon. I'm a bit older than you, 48 and have been on HRT for just over two years. The GP told me to stop taking it for now at the end of the pack I'm on. @DinkyDaisy so glad that you had good news.

Original poster
DinkyDaisy · 14/09/2023 21:09

Thanks all. My lump issue was Easter but feel for all of you going through this worry.
I was not told to stop hrt....@Octopus45

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