Lump doesn’t show up on imaging

A year ago I had a mammogram and ultrasound for a lump in my right breast found by my NP during an exam. The imaging found nothing, as in they did not see anything that would be causing the lump. I was questioned multiple times about who discovered the lump, and I got the feeling that if it had been me who found it they would’ve told me I was mistaken about what I felt. They ended up saying it had probably been a cyst that burst between the time my NP found it and the imaging appointment. I could still feel the lump at and after the imaging appointment so I know that wasn’t the case but they were being so relaxed about the whole thing that I got the impression this was nothing.

When I got the written report it said specifically that the imaging being clear did NOT necessarily mean there was no issue and that lumps should not be disregarded because of a clear imaging report. That made me feel very uncertain, but no one gave me any guidance as to what I should be doing. In their defense, I didn’t follow up and say ‘hey the lump is still there; what now?’ But in my defense, I have a ton of unresolved health issues I’m dealing with and everyone being disinterested at the appointment made me feel like I would be ridiculous to push this. So I put it at the bottom of my list and moved on to other things.

This next bit is what really gets me. I got an email recently from the breast imaging center stating it had been almost a year since my mammogram and that I should’ve followed up with someone (???). It went on to suggest I make an appointment with my provider so they could order another mammogram. I specifically remember at my appointment they said there was no need to deviate from the recommendation of starting regular mammograms at 40 (I’m 36). So what the heck?? I mean, I’m glad they want me to come in because the lump is still there, and though it doesn’t feel any bigger to me I’m pretty sure a second one is there now. But this attitude of me needing to get it checked out feels like a 180 from the energy they were putting out last year.

Anyway, I’m wondering if anyone has had experience with mammogram and ultrasound showing nothing when there was something? Does anyone know what I should be looking for them to do next if the imaging comes back clear again? My appointment with my doctor is on the 29th. I’m not sure how long I’ll have to wait for the mammogram appointment after that but last year I was able to get in the next day so hopefully I won’t have to wait too long.