Breast screen recall - anxiety

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Looking for advice or experience. I’m 52 and had my first routine breast screening 3 weeks ago. I hadn’t received results so called today. Turns out I’m being recalled as they have seen something that needs further investigation. I had a screen in March 2017 and it was clear. This was because of anxiety at the time around my lumpy boobs.
I’m worried as because of the Christmas period, I can’t get an appt till 9th January. TIA

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Anyone got experience? Thanks

[rumred]

Hiya @LittleLadyFooFoo I had a recall 12 years ago and went through hell, only to find it was calcification after several procedures. My advice would be to take someone with you to the appointments and know that it will be thoroughly investigated. Living with the anxiety is the hardest part. I use YouTube meditations at night to redirect my worries. Alcohol works but only temporarily and then piles on the angst
If you have money you may be able to pay for quicker investigations but otherwise it's a waiting game I'm afraid.
Have you talked to friends /family about it?

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Hi tinted, thank you for your response. I’ve spoken to my partner but he struggles with my anxieties. He says all the wrong things. I’ve told my sister and friends.
I’ve got private health care through work but the earliest appt is 9th January.

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Sorry Rumred - autocorrect

[Nogodsnomasters]

My friend has been recalled twice, both cysts. I hope the same for you.

[rumred]

@LittleLadyFooFoo can you harass them and get something earlier? That's a very long time to wait. Or talk to your gp?

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Hiya. I called them and they’ve made it the 8th January which is quickest appt. I’ve booked a private consultation for Friday as my anxiety is sky high. Last Christmas I was in hospital with a heart condition and now this. I just need a holiday free from stress

[Oldmum55]

Sometimes partners as good as they dare cannot cope with health/anxiety issues. I guess that's why we come on here for advice and support. You are doing all you can so now take it easy.

[Oldmum55]

Are not dare!

[mushroom60]

Just to say that 90% of recalls turn out to be harmless, so try not to let anxiety go into overdrive (easier said than done I know)
I had a recall after my first routine mammogram at 49. The one stop clinic is very thorough, but don't be surprised if they do a biopsy as well as ultrsound. They are very thorough.
Mine turned out to be something called a Radial Scar - a benign lesion which presents like a cancer on mammograms. There are so many different things it could be. I know it's very scary and very easy to let anxiety get the better of you, but I found meditation, relaxation cds and being easy on myself helped. Best of luck for Friday.

[tribpot]

Hopefully you have seen a copy of this leaflet @LittleLadyFooFoo. The chances are very high that the recall appointment will not find something to worry about, but I think all of us would feel as you do during the waiting period.

You can read in a bit more detail about the recall appointment here (it's on the Breast Cancer charity website but please don't be alarmed).

Keep posting - you aren't alone as you go through this.

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Thank you Oldmum, Mushroom and Tribpot. Your replies have really helped me. I’m feeling more relaxed tonight.
Had a long chat with my partner. Thank you for sharing your experiences and the info leaflet really was helpful. My friend coming on Friday to the appt with me. The breast clinic also called with an appt for 8th January. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Again, thanks. Sharing experiences really helps x

[moonriverandme]

I had a recall after my first mammogram screening, as did my friend. I had a repeat mammogram and a scan. I was given the all clear. They said as it was my first one they had nothing to compare to. All subsequent ones have been clear. I well remember the anxiety waiting for my follow up appointment I was a nervous wreck. The clinic was very thorough and I was there about 2 hours. My friend was clear too. I hope you have good news too.

[Skap]

If you went to your GP you would get a nhs breast clinic appointment within 2 weeks. Private health care isn't always quickest.

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Thanks Moon and Skap.
I went for a private appt last Friday. The consultant examined me and couldn’t find anything worrisome. She advised keeping my appt at the clinic on the 8th as she advised I didn’t have another mammogram so soon.
I was reassured by the appt. just got to wait till Wednesday now.

[AlexaAmbidextra]

Recalls on first mammograms are common. This is because if anything looks slightly abnormal there are no previous mammograms to compare it with. I had a recall on my first mammogram and I had a small area of very densely packed breast tissue that they wanted to re-examine. It was all fine and now, it can be compared with previous mammograms so they know it’s always been there.

[LittleLadyFooFoo]

Thanks Alexa. Really appreciate your response. I’ve had a couple before but they were out with the 50+ screening so maybe they didn’t have access to them.