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Original poster

I'm panicking, my mum has been recalled from her mammogram

57 replies

Loopylou6 · 26/02/2022 20:19

She's 70 and never had any issues before, she's up to date with her mammograms, but I'm so scared.
Anybody have any experience?

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FinallyHere · 26/02/2022 20:22

Yeah, I've been recalled. Turns out there was 'something' to see on the mammogram. They did an ultra sound to check that it was a flaw in the mammogram and nothing bad there so I went on my way rejoicing.

Hope your DM's has an equally good outcome.

WeAllHaveWings · 26/02/2022 20:33

I had my first routine mamogram a couple of weeks ago. I got a letter on Thursday to say I've been recalled and I have appointment on Tuesday and depending on further investigation might involve a biopsy on Tuesday 😱.

Scary it is so quick but at least it isnt too long to worry for. Leaflet says 4 out of 5 will not need any further tests, the odds are in her favour at the moment, I know how you are feeling as I am in a similar place but try not to worry until there is something confirmed to worry about.

Crimesean · 26/02/2022 20:36

I've had that - apparently my breadt tissue is 'lumpy' and no problem.

It's more likely to be benign than anything sinister, but even if it is cancer, they've caught it and will deal with it.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Women's health
Oldraver · 26/02/2022 20:44

I had to go for more mammograms scan and biopsy due to calcifications though all was well in the end

Yes there is a worry but it's not unusual to need further tests and the news isn't always bad

Original poster
Loopylou6 · 26/02/2022 23:38

Thank you for your replies

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Folicky · 26/02/2022 23:43

Recalled last week and it was a benign cyst. The other two women in the waiting room also got positive news. But frightening to be scaled so quickly. None of the three of us slept the night before!

DietrichandDiMaggio · 27/02/2022 00:03

Just as a counter-balance to all the people that will say it's probably nothing, in my case it wasn't. I was recalled last year after a routine mammogram (I'm early 50s). At my appointment they said it was because they had seen something and wanted to investigate. They did more mammograms, an ultrasound and biopsy - they told me that day that they thought it was very likely cancer, but would only be able to confirm when the results came back. When I went back for the results a few days later, it was confirmed that I had a small cancerous lump in my breast. I had surgery to remove it, then radiotherapy, and am now on long-term hormone tablets.
I am fine though, totally recovered and cancer-free. Alongside the hormone treatment (which is to minimise the risk of recurrence) I will have yearly mammograms for the next five years.

CharacterForming · 27/02/2022 00:08

It might be nothing, but even if it isn't it's not necessarily disastrous. DMIL was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was seventy. One mastectomy, one course of chemo and twelve years later she's still doing absolutely fine. So even if she rings back saying that it's "bad news" then there's a very good chance that you're in for a difficult year of treatment but then many healthy years to come.

shinynewapple22 · 27/02/2022 00:27

I was recalled twice last Autumn - had to have two further mammograms and accompanying biopsies as the first one was inconclusive .

It's something to do with calcification and they will monitor me, so next mammogram in a year rather than 3.

I was pleased at how efficient they were considering everything I had read about delays due to Covid .

Fingers crossed your mum will be OK.

user1471538283 · 27/02/2022 10:10

Yes it happened to me twice in the same period. I then had to go to oncology and had about 10 more. It was a pretty big cyst but not cancerous. It is so scary but it happens to alot of women. I hope your mum will be ok.

Original poster
Loopylou6 · 01/03/2022 20:16

Been thinking of you. How did you get on?

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WeAllHaveWings · 01/03/2022 21:33

@Loopylou6 went in today will let you know what happened so know what to expect. First had a chat with a breast care nurse who explained what would happen, then to changing room to remove top half of clothes and put in a shopping style basket to carry around with me and had a cape to wear.

First went for another mamogram, much the same as before, but just on the one breast they were concerned about. Then another room for a breast exam. Then for an ultrasound.

They then went to speak to the consultant about what they found (I never actually met the consultant) and they decided a biopsy was required. This isnt always necessary.

Biopsy was done on the mamogram machine, big chair to sit in while it was done, boob squished flat with a plate with a hole in it to take samples through, local anathestic, small incision and 8 biopsy samples taken with a tool that made a loud snap noise each time it was taken. Tiny bit nippy getting the local but biopsies were painless after that. I have an appointment for next Tuesday for the results, or they will call if they get them back sooner, they said on a scale of M0-M5 I am currently a M3 so she says it could go either way, but even if it is cancer they have hopefully caught early.

Steri Strips and dressing on small cut for 2 days and taking paracetamol now the local has worn off, not too sore though I might struggle to sleep.

I've never been good with the thought of cutting skin/needles and even though it was painless I still nearly passed out on the first snap, I had visions of me passed out hanging from the machine by my left boob! 🤣

The whole team of breast care nurses were fantastic, talking to me constantly to keep me distracted from what was happening so while it wasnt the most fun day out Ive ever had it wasnt too bad. They are also very good and patient at explaining what they are doing, offered tea, made me feel really comfortable, no rushing but no waiting around worrying either, very efficient. I was in and out in 2hrs, would have been quicker if the biopsies hadnt been needed.

Sorry that was long, hope it is helpful and not tmi. When is your mums appointment?

LaMariposa · 01/03/2022 21:35

My mum had this. She’s on tablets already. Her lumpectomy is this week, then she has a course of radiotherapy. We’ve been told the treatment is curative and it’s been caught early, but it’s still bloody scary.

Original poster
Loopylou6 · 02/03/2022 09:07

Thank you for replying, I'm glad it wasn't too traumatic for you.
My mum has her apt today at 10 15 x

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Original poster
Loopylou6 · 02/03/2022 09:07

Its terrifying La

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Original poster
Loopylou6 · 02/03/2022 12:58

So there was a nodule a millimeter in size, they have done a biopsy and said if it is, then they'll take it out as a day patient, radiotherapy and medication, but they've said she won't lose her boob

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HufflepuffPride · 02/03/2022 13:09

My auntie has a recall from her mammogram and it was breast crystals whatever they are? My DF had a recall from his bowel screening which turned out to be caused by bleeding piles. Sometimes they will pick up things that are unrelated. I’m dreading the screening when I turned 50 as I have a benign fibroadenoma and I know I’ll will get called back because it will be picked up.

WeAllHaveWings · 02/03/2022 17:20

@Loopylou6

So there was a nodule a millimeter in size, they have done a biopsy and said if it is, then they'll take it out as a day patient, radiotherapy and medication, but they've said she won't lose her boob
@Loopylou6 Not entirely good news, but good to hear it is a treatment that is hopefully not too invasive for a 70 year old.

Hope she is okay after her day at the clinic.

Original poster
Loopylou6 · 05/03/2022 20:15

Thank you x

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Original poster
Loopylou6 · 08/03/2022 13:24

My mum is getting her results today, they've moved the appointment forward, was supposed to be tomorrow, I'm shaking like a leaf. Please send positive thoughts

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WeAllHaveWings · 08/03/2022 13:42

@Loopylou6 sorry it must be so worrying. I know I shed a few stressed out tears this morning before my planned appointment this afternoon at 2pm but they called about an hour ago to say I don't need to come as everything is thankfully clear, it is just a cluster of benign cells.

I now have all this spare positive energy so I am sending every single ounce of it your mums way. Hope the results are not too bad and the treatment not too invasive for your mum.

FizzyThinking · 08/03/2022 13:45

Thinking of you and your mum, OP. Sending lots of positive vibes your way Flowers

lulabelled · 08/03/2022 13:47

Thinking of you Daffodil

viques · 08/03/2022 13:58

I know ( from experience) that finding a breast lump is terrifying , and imagine that a recall after a mammogram is equally scarey, but I have to say that I am finding these stories oddly comforting, mammogram appointments are being made, anomalies are being spotted, recalls are organised quickly, treatment plans are put in place. That is what is supposed to happen, and I am pleased that despite all that has happened in the last two years breast screening is continuing to do what it is supposed to do.

Sending positive thought ps to everyone waiting for results, stay strong.

Original poster
Loopylou6 · 08/03/2022 14:58

Ah you must be so relieved wing's. Wine I've still not heard anything, but I'm guessing it's not going to be the best news as you were called and told not to come in. I'm getting myself into a right state. It's been nearly an hour and a half.
Thank you to everyone for the well wishes Star

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