Can anyone help - Being recalled after a mammogram

[FluffyEarMuffs]

I have to have mammograms every year due to a high risk family history.

I had one two weeks ago, having seen the (non genetic specialist) consultant for a chat. She said she's refer me on to see a new genetic specialist at another hospital as there were new things that could be done. I then had a mammogram that day.

There wasn't anyone in the scanning department available to analyse it, so I was told I would get a letter in two weeks with the results. I did and it's another appointment with the same clinic, same consultant in 6 weeks time. No results.

And I got the text and electronic letter after office hours tonight so of course I can't phone anyone to ask what it means.

Does this mean they found something as I can't think what else it's for? And I am stressed to bits on my own tonight with a bloody arrogant annoying tween who thinks screaming in my face about homework is what I need right now.

Has anyone been in this situation before? Is a 6 week wait normal?

I would contact them tomorrow and check but it sounds like an error tbh - I've been recalled after a mammogram and it was a lot faster than 6 weeks.

@ChicCroissant yes, I am holding onto the idea that it's an error and otherwise it would be faster. Thank you.

I think they’d be calling you by phone and getting you in within a week, not 6. I understand the panic though. Good luck, fingers crossed.

I wonder if someone has misread the letter and instead of referring you on to the new clinic, has simply booked you back on to the old one again!

When I was recalled, I got a letter with an appointment for a breast clinic. I can't remember how the letter worded it but I'm sure it said something about having to have another mammogram because the scan had shown something and it had a leaflet with it about the percentage of cases that turned out to be cancer (which was in the minority, and thankfully mine was too).

I hope it's just an error, but I can see why you are worried

@Benjispruce that would make sense. And to text with the code for the letter in the evening would surely be cruel if it was something?

I am going to try and sleep tonight and phone first thing.

That almost certainly sounds like an admin error. Don’t panic!

Also if it was bad news, they would call you asking you to come in, they wouldn’t send a generic appointment letter in the post.

I have yearly mammograms due to my famy history. When I was recalled it was by phone 2 days after the mammogram and was booked in for 3 working days after that. I did ask if there was flexibility over the 2nd mammogram as I had a big work event that day but was told absolutely not, I had to go back on the designated day.

I had the mammogram and an ultrasound and luckily everything turned out to be fine- as indeed most recalls are - but the hospital was very clear that if you are recalled because of a query/anomaly on the mammogram they get you back in within a week.

Do phone the clinic to check though.

I was referred seen and diagnosed within 2 weeks of seeing my GP even though I wasn't high risk. I really doubt you would be asked to wait 6 weeks if your mamagram showed anything suspicious. I think it is likely an admin error.

It could also be technical - not perfectly aligned or blurred. Try not to worry to much at the moment, which I know is easier said than done, but recalls are very common.

@Lucked YES, I'd forgotten that aspect. Of course it could just be blurred or something for one of the shots.

Thank you.

I think I will be hitting the dial and redial button at 9am tomorrow morning, but I am feeling much less panicky.

I was recalled after my routine mammogram, the appointment was for the following week. I'm sure there would be a quicker appointment if there was something wrong.

Also if it was bad news, they would call you asking you to come in, they wouldn’t send a generic appointment letter in the post.

@FenellaMaxwell Not always the case, they do not always call you. My recall letter was sent out to me a week after my mammogram and I had to attend within 3 days.

OP, this is almost certainly a mistake so try not to worry and give them a call tomorrow. They would not wait 6 weeks for a recall if something was wrong.

A suspected tumour would not be left six weeks. You would be referred for biopsy within a fortnight.
Could be error or could be poor image.

Hope it went OK today OP and you got some answers.

After a lot of to and fro, I have had confirmation today that it was a clerical error.

Phew!

Thank you so much to everyone who replied and said it was likely that. You made me think straight 🙌🏻 😊

Yay! Glad everything is OK OP and thanks for the update.