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i've been referred for a mammogram...

8 replies

xmasadsboohiss · 13/11/2013 20:55

and i'm worried! the gp was reassuring saying that breast cancer at my age (early forties) is rare and that she is 'duty bound' to refer. but i am still imagining the worst! can anyone tell me what to expect - how long does it take, will they give me an indication of what way the wind in blowing there and then (i understand biopsy results take time). i think if i had a clearer picture of what to expect i might feel calmer. waiting is the worst. thanks so much in advance.

OP posts:
DinosaurRoars · 13/11/2013 21:17

Hello, this was me three weeks ago.

It is horrible and stressful and like being lifted out of your life into some kind of limbo... I'm 40.

My appointment was 10 days after seeing the GP.

Examined by a consultant first, who told me he wasn't too worried. (Even so I cried a bit at him, but I think they are used to it.) He said I might only need a mammogram and ultrasound, the biopsy might not be necessary.

The mammogram was a bit tricky and uncomfortable, (but there was a lot to manouver IYSWIM.) Ultrasound easier, but then they decided I did need a biopsy.

Biopsy was not much fun but again, not too painful. The second consultant who did this also said he didn't think there was 'anything to be particularly worried about' which helped ( but I expect many of them would be totally non-committal, so don't panic if not given any immediate reassurance.) I babbled absolute nonsense to nurse and consultant to take my mind off the procedures.

I was given an appointment 1 week later (a Monday) to come in for results (gulp).

I can't really remember how long it all took, as I was in a bit of a state - maybe 2 hours? felt quite battered and mangled after all the stuff that had been done!

Panicked quietly for several days but got a phonecall on the Friday to say all was fine, and Monday appointment cancelled. :)

Hope you are OK and I'm sure it will be fine.

xmasadsboohiss · 13/11/2013 21:30

thank you so much for that. i am waiting for a call for an appointment - i saw the doctor yesterday so am hoping to have an appointment next week. my partner will come with me which will be great. i barely managed the short walk from the doc's yesterday without crying. i go from thinking it will all be fine to imagining when i will have to have chemo! it's crazy - i'm crazy! fingers crossed all will be fine - i feel as fit as fiddle so hopefully that's a good sign.

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Mummywheel · 14/11/2013 18:29

I could have written this myself - going through exactly the same :( My appointment is on Wednesday.

Thymeout · 14/11/2013 19:20

Some people do find the mammogram uncomfortable, and recommend a paracetamol in advance. But I've never had any problems. 38B. Just to let you know that it's not always the case.

Good luck!

Gigondas · 14/11/2013 19:22

If you want advice from the front line, we are happy to help on tamoxifen thread in general health. But your dr is right that bc is rare and even if it is bc it is treatable . Lots of living proof of that on the thread.

Gigondas · 14/11/2013 19:23

And I am having chemo , I can still mn, Internet shop, eat choc and yell at my kids so don't believe the films ( and I doubt that will be youSmile).

xmasadsboohiss · 14/11/2013 20:50

thank you all so much.good luck mummywheel - i will be thinking of you. my appointment is for a week on tuesday and now that i know that i feel a bit better about everything. thanks for steering me towards the tamoxifen thread gigondas. i didn't want to barge in on everyone there who is being so brave and level headed in the face of tough times. i know that breast cancer is usually treatable so in sane moments i am hopeful either way. my mother died of cancer last year and i have another close relative who is a long term cancer patient so both those things are fuelling my anxiety if i'm being honest. thanks again - there is simply nothing more helpful than a problem shared!

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Mummywheel · 30/11/2013 11:57

How did things go for you xmasadsboohiss? I had my mammogram and scan which showed another lump in my right breast as well as the one in my left breast which I could feel. The consultant said I had what looked like a cluster of cysts on my left side and a smaller cyst on my right side. I then had five biopsies yesterday two on the left side and three on the right. Just waiting now for another appointment to find out results. I have to confess that I have never felt so scared :(

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