Referred for Mammogram - Terrified

[ElementalFuture]

No questions, just after some support as nobody in real life I can talk to at the moment.

I am 48 and been on HRT for about 2 years. It’s been great as eliminated/greatly reduced peri symptoms. Periods have been sporadic with a few months between.

last November I switched from taking progesterone daily (also on estrogen patch) to taking double dose for days 1-14 of the month and then nothing until the first of the next month. The intention being that if I was going to have a period (or break through bleed) that would at least control when rather than it happening randomly.

i did not have a ‘proper’ period until this past April. In the weeks building up to it my boobs Swelled up - I felt like I was pregnant/breast feeding. And they ached. Taking off my bra was quite painful. I also noticed that when I took my bra off there was clear (like water) discharge from one breast. I assumed that it was hormone related as it coincided with the Achy, swollen breasts. Period came and went and my boobs slowly deflated (although not completely) but the discharge from the one continued. I made an appointment with my gynaecologist to discuss.

this week during a poking/prodding session I noticed blood mixed with the water. Straight to GP who did an exam and referred for an ultrasound with “I’m not too worried but let’s get it checked”. earliest ultrasound appointment was July 24. All booked and I settled in for the wait. Physical exam was not concerning.

gyno appointment was booked for Friday and GP suggested I keep the appointment so I went. His reaction was very different. He flipped at the wait and sent me to book at a location further away. Mammogram, ultrasound and prolactin blood test. Boobs are still a bit swollen and achy. Equally so.

Blood test was done yesterday and the results are with range. Mammogram booked for tomorrow. Ultrasound booked for the 21st.

im not in the UK hence the slightly different booking process. I’m freaking out though. Absolutely terrified.

Hello OP. I don't have much advice I'm afraid but wanted to let you know that you're not alone, I've been for a couple of mammograms in the past due to lumps. I was scared beforehand too, that's only natural but I found the staff to be absolutely lovely and kind and it was over very quickly. My lumps were a result of hormonal changes I was told. Please try not to worry although it's easier said than done. Let me know how you get on!

Try to be positive that your most recent guy has ordered more tests (to rule stuff out)
I have had breast cancer and appreciate entirely how you are feeling as the waiting is actually more horrendous than the treatment at times... But, you don't have a diagnosis yet (so try not to worry until you know what you are dealing with) easily said I realise. If it helps, when I was diagnosed, I just had swollen node in my armpit and a breast lump, nothing else. No pain etc..hope that helps x

Thank you! I'm holding onto 'rule things out'.

The clinic was able to reschedule the ultrasound for Monday morning and all results should be with the doc by the end of day Monday (tomorrow).

There was definitely something on the ultrasound today. 'Terrified' doesn't quite touch the sides.

Results on Thursday.

Did the radiographer make any comment about what they saw?

I was told, but I know not everyone is.

Just to add, pain isn't a symptom of breast cancer, I had no symptoms at all.

My cyst showed up on an ultrasound... Doesn't have to be a concern. Why do you have to wait till Thursday? Did they do further tests from the ultrasound?

I have bloody discharge and clear discharge.

My 'evidence'... she took a load of photos of the same area from several different angles, called the radiographer to make sure he had all the images he needed to match up with the mammogram and I caught her drawing in red on a boob diagram on the screen when I popped my head in to ask where to leave the gown. She tried to cover the screen.
Her whole demeanour also changed.

I've never known anxiety like this. I can't eat or sleep. I'm so lucky that I have amazing work colleagues who are just letting me basically keep myself busy in the office even though Im not achieving anything

@DinkyDaisy ... here the results are reviewed and then sent to the referring doctor. You need to get them from the doctor.

My experience in the UK and recent. Felt lump. Gp referred me to NHS Breast Clinic and on their 2 week path way. Seen about 10 days later. The waiting is the worst. Then all done in a morning. Mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration of cyst they found to confirm was a cyst. I was very relieved.
It sounds like your process more longwinded. I hope things speed up Thursday and you are reassured.
I do know how stressful this is. Xx

Just read your message before one to me. The whole process you are going through is of course going to make you fearful. Be very kind to yourself. Treat yourself like you are fragile. Drinking chocolate if you can't eat. Soothing food. Chunk your time if not working (my wait was in a holiday). You won't stop thinking about it but can help time go quicker. Read a rubbish but involving book. Take care. Xx

Glad to hear you have good colleagues... It helps.

I was lucky I think. I went to my GP last Tuesday when I first saw blood. He did an exam and declared himself "not too worried" but referred me for an ultrasound through the standard route (you call and book yourself). The earliest appointment I could get was July 24.

Luckily I actually already had and kept a gyno appointment on Friday ... I was able to get a mammogram on Sunday and then ultrasound today thanks to him.

I'm in Canada. The healthcare can be a bit hit and miss (especially after being bled dry by conservative governments determination to bring in a private system but that's a whole other thread). Although to be fair so my experience up to now (lived here 10 years) has been very positive.

PS. Thank you for this small distraction

Hope you are okay Elemental 💐

So, there was a collection of cysts and lesions and whatnot going on. All appear to be benign although I do need to get a biopsy of one area to be sure. And a mammogram again in 6 months providing the biopsy is clear.

Nearly there@ElementalFuture . Take this as very good news and doctors just covering all bases to be able to absolutely reassure you.
Try and relax a bit now...

When my cyst diagnosed I asked if I should stop hrt. I was told fine to continue. I am still taking it.
Your regime changed recently though. Are they reviewing if the change of regime best for you?

That's a great point re: HRT @DinkyDaisy. I'm going to book an appointment post biopsy to discuss. Thank you!