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Original poster

Invitation to routine mammogram (age 50) - irrational fears, please help

31 replies

Coffeepot72 · 25/03/2019 11:28

My appointment arrived at the weekend and I'm really nervous. God knows why, it makes no sense. I know that screening saves lives, so I should look at this as a 'potential life saver' rather than something to be scared about.

I have implants, and the letter says to ring the clinic and let them know, so I will do this, as I think they may use a different technique in my case?

The letter says the results should come through within 2 weeks, and I think the waiting period is the thing that worries me. I don't think you can be given your results on the spot? If I went privately, would I be more likely to get instant results?

OP posts:

Knittedfairies · 25/03/2019 11:30

Honestly, you're over-thinking this. You'll be in and out in a few minutes. It's all very professional and matter-of-fact. I've heard that some women find it uncomfortable but that wasn't my experience.

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 25/03/2019 11:31

It will be fine! I had an early one - not sure why - and I hadn’t anything that was of concern.

It’s not sore, the room is warm and the staff nice.

Original poster

Coffeepot72 · 25/03/2019 11:32

And were the results through quickly?

OP posts:

christinarossetti19 · 25/03/2019 11:33

I don't think they can give results 'on the spot' tbh. The images need to be looked at by a doctor, I believe, rather than just a technician.

I had a routine one when I was 47 (the results were clear). I did find it painful, and will take paracetemol beforehand next time.

Mention your fears to the clinic when you call about your implants.

WendyCope · 25/03/2019 11:36

I've got one next Monday too! I dislike going. I really don't know why, it takes a few minutes and is all over.

It's just getting to the hospital and back and a faff …

I am 48 and have already had one. In Spain it is from 45 and every 2 years. If nothing is wrong you get the results a few minutes after the scan and that's it, with a follow up letter confirming all is well.

It will be fine

Original poster

Coffeepot72 · 25/03/2019 11:37

I'm trying to analyse why I'm so scared. I'm wondering if implants make it harder to get a clear image, in which case I'm more likely to be recalled for another go, and then I'd be terrified they'd found an abnormality? I'm hoping that if they simply need to have a second attempt for technical reasons, they would make this clear in the letter?

OP posts:

WendyCope · 25/03/2019 11:39

christina here there is a doctor reviewing each scan as it comes out, it's like a factory line almost! They call your name and say 'free to go' (hopefully) or you get another apt on the spot.

Obviously, I don't know how it is in the U.K.

WendyCope · 25/03/2019 11:41

coffee I am sure implants do not make a difference, they will be clearly visible, they are looking at breast tissue only and will be able to see this.

Implants, if anything, will make it more comfortable! I have small breasts and it's a bit painful.

WendyCope · 25/03/2019 11:42

I think it makes me feel old!

Birdie6 · 25/03/2019 11:45

I think you normally have to wait for the results - I've been having them for years and I normally get a letter about a week later. Honestly it's nothing to worry about - you're in and out in about 5 minutes, and the technicians are always lovely . It's like a ladies' club - no men allowed ! I have a strong family history of breast cancer, and I see the test as a gift which we are given - how fortunate we are to have these screening tests , free of charge , to give us reassurance that all is well.

The implants don't mean you get called back - it's more likely that you'd just need extra screening on the day. I'm sure the technician will explain how it all works. You'll be fine.

katseyes7 · 25/03/2019 11:45

l've had a few mammograms, and they're maybe a bit uncomfortable (l'm 60 and post menopause, so hormonal tender boobs aren't so much a problem these days) but honestly, as previous posters have said, you're in and out.
To be honest, it's nothing. Take a couple of painkillers an hour before if you're bothered, but trust me, it'll be over very quickly. And it's worth it - it could potentially save your life.

BatFace1 · 25/03/2019 11:46

I went early at 45. No reason why, I just didn't want to wait until I was called for one on the NHS. I have just had my second one and I'll have one more and then be in the system for NHS.

I'd try and calm down! You've no reason to panic, this is all very pro active that you're going and you'll have the results back within a week or two

NaturalBornWoman · 25/03/2019 11:47

You don't get results there and then, a radiologist looks at the images and you get a letter saying either all good see you in 3 years or please come back for further investigations. If it's the second they don't say why, it's a generic letter which says there are lots of reasons so please don't worry too much. If you go back you see a doctor who will explain exactly what the issue is, whether that be an unclear picture or a suspicious looking anomaly. They are very kind and professional. It doesn't hurt but it's a bit of a squeeze. I understand that there is a higher chance of a recall after the first one, as they have no comparator, so bear that in mind.

Original poster

Coffeepot72 · 25/03/2019 11:56

NaturalBornWoman that's exactly what worries me. Getting a recall, and generic letter, which would scare the living daylights out of me, when the only issue is that the images were too blurred to give a result. I would really hope that if that's the case, they would say so?

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81Byerley · 25/03/2019 12:01

First don't panic. I'm 69 and have been for all my routine mammograms. On the first and the last occasions I was called back. The first time, I went on the Wednesday for the mammogram, received a letter calling me back on the Friday, went to the hospital on the Monday, had a scan and a biopsy, and was told two hours later that all was ok.
On the last occasion, a few months ago, I received a letter three days after my mammogram calling me to the hospital the next day. After a scan they told me it was all ok.
On all other occasions I received a letter telling me it was ok after about 2 weeks.

If you do get a call back, the chances are it's an anomaly with the mammogram. My first call back was for two lumps which were harmless calcium deposits. The second was for what appeared to be a lump, but actually wasn't. Two harmless anomalies that had got squashed together, but when looked at on the 2nd mammogram and scan, were nothing to worry about.

81Byerley · 25/03/2019 12:04

Unfortunately they don't tell you if an image was blurred, but they do say that you should know that it could just be something like that.

Original poster

Coffeepot72 · 25/03/2019 12:07

Thank you for all the replies. You have made me feel a bit better. The date of the appointment clashes with our holidays next month, so I'm going to rearrange for when we're back. I'd hate to have a mammogram the week before, get called back, then spend all holiday worrying about it.

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acciocat · 25/03/2019 14:29

I’m the same as you... even though no history of cancer in the family and it’s just a routine mammogram, I get really anxious about it. I’ve coped by giving myself a stern talking to, and rationalising it. I know that if I don’t go for appointments, I’m just burying my head in the sand. It’s avoidance. It won’t stop any disease if I’m going to get it, so actually best to know as early as possible. I’m the same with smear tests... my heart sinks whenever I get the routine letter even though I’ve no reason to worry.

On a positive note, I really don’t think it’ll be 2 weeks of agonising waiting for results because if there is any reason they need to see you again you’d likely get a response much more quickly. And in most of those cases everything will be ok... it’s ruling things out, not expecting to identify a problem. So, the longer time passes by, the more you can relax because I assume all the letters for clear results are lower priority for sending out.

Just one other thing... I don’t know if this is standard in all Trusts, but the letter from my hospital always reads ‘pleased to inform you the recent mammogram shows no sign of cancer’. First time round my heart missed a beat when I opened it because i scanned it fast and of course the word cancer jumped out! I think I was expecting it to just say ‘clear.’

I’ve had two routine mammograms now and although they’re a little uncomfortable, they’re quick and the staff are always lovely.

acciocat · 25/03/2019 15:18

PS I think you’re sensible to rearrange for after your holiday too, so you’re not worrying during that.

Howtochoose · 25/03/2019 19:23

Hi,just want to offer some reassurance if I can.
I was recalled after first mamogram and found to have harmless cysts,and I was told there and then after a second mammogram and ultrasound of breasts. This would appear to be quite common,as a pp stated,there is no previous image to compare against.

I am just going the system again,and everyone is so fantastic,caring and understanding.
Our NHS is amazing and they will take great care of you.

llangennith · 25/03/2019 20:37

In South Wales it's a one-stop clinic. You check in, change into a gown, wait with all the other ladies till your name is called, and you have your mammogram. Then back to the waiting room till you go to see the consultant who will have looked at your mammogram. If all clear you can go. If they found anything you have an ultrasound, wait again. If all clear you go. If they find a benign cyst they can tell and aspirate it or get you booked in to remove it. If they find something suspicious you may have a biopsy there and then. Then you wait for the result with fingers crossed.
You're told in advance that your appointment may take up to three hours. But at least you're usually spared the worry of waiting for the result.
I had breast cancer 18 years ago and have regular mammograms. This year there was a new machine and it was quick and slightly uncomfortable for a nanosecond.

Original poster

Coffeepot72 · 26/03/2019 09:41

The One Stop Shop sounds like a fab idea. Having reflected on all of this, its the fear of a recall, and the waiting, that is at the root of my worries.

OP posts:

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 26/03/2019 11:14

You’re being illogical, which I totally understand as I felt the same as you. What I tried to get my head round was would I rather find out there was a problem and have it dealt with or ignore the appointment and wait till I was really in trouble.

I’ve had to routine mammograms and got the results about a week later, all clear.

myusernamewastakenbyme · 26/03/2019 11:39

I had a mammogram and ultrasound on friday due to being referred for a lump in my breast...i didnt find it painful at all and was given the all clear during the ultrasound.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 26/03/2019 11:50

Is the one stop clinic for when you’ve been referred by your GP to investigate a lump or similar? A routine mammogram doesn’t require you to see a consultant.

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