Mammogram, called back for urgent secondary tests - oh, fuck

[allthelittleangelsriseupriseup]

Had a regular mammogram on Monday, it's been 5 years since my last one, due to Covid and I've had 2 other mammograms previously, which have both been fine.
Was very straightforward, in and out in 15 minutes, told I'd get the results back in 2 to 3 weeks as usual...
This afternoon I got a call from the Cancer Centre (where they do the mammograms), they had seen "something on the scan that wasn't there on my last scan", so could I come in for further tests on Monday morning?
I'm not an idiot - I did the same job as that poor woman who had to call me this afternoon and I know that when the consultant asked me to call a patient back the next day (weekend not withstanding), they had seen something they really didn't like.
My mother died from metastatic breast cancer when I was in my early 30's, but there were no mammograms then.
Can't stop catastrophising - over the last 2 years I have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, extensive osteoarthritis, a cyst on my spinal cord (which is inoperable due to my lung issues) and heart failure.
Just feel like it's one thing after another.

Hang on, could it not be a harmless cyst or dense breasts ( sorry I don;t know correct medical term). I have had these. They were benign.

Hard as it is, can you try to have this weekend in blissful ignorance?

I know it must be scary especially on top of everything else you've been through. Enjoy a steak and a glass of wine or whatever you enjoy, try to distract yourself. There will be enough time for more worry, or relief, in due course.

How old are you? Because I am 52 and have been called back numerous times as breasts get denser.

I had exactly the same - they saw a difference from my previous mammogram. I spent an anxious weekend imagining the worst, went to the hospital on Monday for further scans and examination and it was absolutely fine. I'm glad they did the additional checks. Try not to worry.

I've had the same too. Spent the entire weekend in a complete state. Turns out there was a fold in my boob when they squeezed it to do the mammogram. Thought it bloody hurt!

Yes, a difference from your earlier mammogram does not mean you have cancer!

I had the same thing 3 years ago but the callback appt got cancelled due to COVID. I then had to wait 4 months and it turned out to be just a loose bit of tissue. Good luck!

(((HUG))). I'm sorry you've been through so much!! It must be even more worrying with the family history.

5 years since your previous one is a long time & personally I'd try to think it's most likely to be dense tissue, but also to think how far we've come with the treatment. I know quite a few women that have had bc & are in various stages of recovery/remission. My friends wife has the 'best hair in her life' & says it was almost worth the worry & treatment!!

Try to enjoy this weekends bizarre weather & hope it's just tissue/benign lump etc

let us know how you get on 🌸🌸

I was called back for an urgent referral, Something did show up on the first scan, 6 small calcium deposits in my left breast. They looked like tiny white grains of sugar. I had 6 needle biopsies at the second scan as some can turn cancerous but all mine were benign.

Thanks for all your kind words, everyone - know that statistically it's probably nothing, but this is an example where a bit of medical knowledge is a very bad thing!
And @KnittedCardi , I'm afraid I had to laugh!

It could be one of several things. Calcifications do become more common as you get older.
One point, breasts become less dense as you age. This is why mammograms aren't useful for screening younger women as they have denser breasts.

Sorry posted too soon. I hope it's all OK as it seems like you've been through a lot!

9/10 lumps are not cancer
There are lots of things it could be
Also it's the most survivable cancer

Fingers crossed 🤞 for you x

Same happened to me. Turned out to be a stage 3 tumour. That was 2 years ago. I am now cancer free, my boobs intact (albeit with a fading scar) and I am fitter and healthier than I've ever been. My point being that even if it is the worst news, it still doesn't mean it's the worst news. Crossing my fingers for you.

Is that right? Sorry if I have got it wrong. It's calcifications that become more common but breasts become less dense then.

@Falafelfiend yep. Younger women have denser breasts than older women.

Most callbacks aren't lumps.
Most lumps aren't cancer.
Most cancers are curable.

I had similar - went for a mammogram because I'd felt a lump. That turned out to be a cyst, all fine, off you go but on the drive home a call from the hospital, could I come straight back, the senior radiographer had reviewed my mammogram and found something. Straight back in and immediate needle biopsy for a tiny lump deep in my breast. Biopsy came back inconclusive. 2nd biopsy also inconclusive. Discussion by team, better safe than sorry, lets have the lump out. Day case lumpectomy, results in 2 weeks. Go to appointment, results not back. Finally on Christmas Eve - all clear, benign lump. That was a rollercoaster.

Oh and my 79 year old mum has just had her 3rd bout of breast cancer and is absolutely fine. Finished treatment and doing great.

Try to turn any worrys thatvpop into your head over the weekend into a positive.

Ah! It's a lump > but it's been found
What if its bad news? > what if its nothing?

I think I can shut those little voices out like that by repeating something positive in my head. Or just say to yourself "I'm parking this until Monday".

If that's stupid advice, trying pouring a gin everytime a negative statement pops into your head!

It's so awful waiting I've had call backs 5 times all cysts....was on yearly mammogram. Fingers crossed for you..

Really hope that you got on ok today @allthelittleangelsriseupriseup xx