Been called back in after a mammogram

[nutellabella]

I had a mammogram 2 weeks ago & have been asked to go back in as there is an "abnormality" I'm going tomorrow and am absolutely crapping myself!
Anybody got any reassuring similar experiences?

[sadie9]

Exact same happened to me, only it was just a week after the mammo I got the call back letter. Turned out a few people I know had had call backs after the routine mammograms. I went to a 'triple assessment clinic' and they were processing us in batches of about 5 at a time, and there were about 15 or more women waiting when I arrived and the same when I was leaving, so they haven't singled you out that much if that's any reassurance!
You most likely will have another mammogram (maybe just on one side), maybe a physical exam, an ultrasound or a combination of those. If there is a cyst or something they may take a sample to check it. You should get the results the same day. Mine was identified as 'overlapping tissue' so I just had the mammogram on one side and then the ultrasound and was allowed go home after that, I didn't get the physical exam (maybe because it wasn't a lump nor had a lump been reported).
The staff are all very nice and reassuring and they know everyone is terrified! Fingers crossed it all goes fine for you.

[sadie9]

Forgot to say, I took a couple of paracetamol about an hour beforehand as I find the mammograms uncomfortable and the one at the clinic was absolutely fine, whereas the first one had been quite uncomfortable.

[nutellabella]

Thank you for the reply, I have a terrible family history so am trying desperately to get some prospective. Your experience has helped thank you x

[Spam88]

Most people who are called back turn out to have nothing untoward going on so do try not to worry :)

[nutellabella]

I think it's the way that they phrase the letter "an abnormality" implies something untoward I think & I know that this isn't always the case!

[Motheroffourdragons]

Was this a routine screening?
I was called back after one, and after a week's abject panic, discovered after a subsequent mammogram and an ultrasound, my lumps were cysts.
I think there are many reasons why people are called back and in most cases there's no need to worry.

It doesn't help, I know, the worry is horrible. Good luck x

[nutellabella]

Yes it's routine, I have them annually due to crap family history.
Thank you for your good wishes I just want it over with now!

[Motheroffourdragons]

Oh I understand....be prepared though, it can take some time, depending on what they see on the mammogram and whether you need further tests. My cysts were just left, not aspirated or anything, so we were there about 2 hours in total for a mammogram plus an ultrasound plus a chat from a doctor. The staff were absolutely lovely and reassuring all the way though.

[nutellabella]

Did you take anybody with you motheroffourdragons ?

[Motheroffourdragons]

My husband came with me, but he wasn't allowed into the room while I had another mammogram. He came with me for the results though. So sorry I didn't reply sooner. How did you get on ?

[nutellabella]

All was fine (so so relieved) the change they could see was a group of cysts but nothing sinister.
Feel like I'd put life on hold for a week can breath again now!
Thanks all xx

[NicknameUsed]

That's great. Glad to hear it was good news.

[ILoveAGoodBrusselSprout]

I was called back and was referred for a surgical biopsy. It wasn't pleasant but not terribly upsetting. I was completely numbed so no pain. In the end, all was well. It was so stressful but I'm glad they were careful enough to check.

Good luck

[Motheroffourdragons]

So pleased, nutellabella
It's a horrible but necessary process to go through. In my experience they remember that a previous mammogram showed cysts,so you shouldn't have to go through the same again for the same issue.