Recall after unclear mammogram

[KnittingNeedles]

Had first mammogram about three weeks ago, have had a letter this morning asking me to reattend for further tests as my recent x-rays are "unclear". Does also say that a "substantial" number of women are recalled.

Nothing to worry about, right? Except I am very worried.

It is no fun, to say the least, and I am sorry this happened to you. But you are correct. I think it varies by location, but a shockingly high proportion of women are recalled after their first. I think on the order of 25% at some locations. A fuzzy image and no previous records for comparison is a bad combination.

Best wishes

I know it's hard, but don't panic! It's very common to get a call back and it usually just means they didn't get a clear picture, not that they spotted something worrying. Also very common when a woman has dense breast tissue.

I used to get call backs regularly until they switched over to 3D mammography. So far "all clear" for me and very good chance you'll be the same. Take care.

Thank you both. It’s so hard not to worry though. Appointment not until 23rd. Have said I’ll take a cancellation. Dh going to come with me.

My mum was recalled twice. She never had breastcancer and died years later of something else. I've heard it from colleagues as well, it's incredibly common.

And even if it is breastcancer, the survival rates are really high nowadays and still climbing. It's a shitty thing to go through at the time but most survive.

So you don't have to worry, it's probably nothing but if it is something then you're just going to have a few shitty months before you get to go on your summer holiday.

That's reassuring @Ladyofthesea . I am struggling enormously with the waiting, it's the not knowing which is the awful bit. My kids need their mum. My mum needs me - dad is currently in later stages of dementia. It's shitty timing.

I know all the stats say it's probably nothing, and dodgy pictures or similar but it's completely terrifying considering the alternative.

FWIW there are many threads here about recalls. I was also recalled once. A huge majority of recall stories end happily (including mine, so far). But what I find even more optimistic on those threads is the small proportion of women who write to say that a tumour was found and it was dealt with quite straightforwardly. They are writing years later! Even in the unlikely event of a BC diagnosis the odds are very much on your side.

Thank you, @poetryandwine . I appreciate it.

I was on a recent thread in here where a few of us were awaiting follow up appointments. It is very nerve wracking - my head was all over the place at the time even though the sensible part of me knew it was highly unlikely to be anything to worry about.

Try to find someone to talk to so you are not bottling up all of the anxiety. The staff at my centre were so lovely, very kind but clear in their messages. I hope you have a positive outcome. But yes, the wait is just awful.

I had a recall a few years ago and was beside myself waiting for it, so I understand how you feel. They explained when I got there the second time that it was because I was on the younger side so my breasts were more dense and fibrous! However, all was well for me. Hope all goes well for you with your recall.

Yet another reason why opting out of breast screening is the choice that so many women make.

I said that to DH earlier - this worry is awful, and ignorance is bliss. I would never, ever advocate not going for routine screening but I can understand why people would rather not know. Especially if you go through 10 days of worry, planning your own funeral, and are told false alarm.

I certainly can't feel any lumps which has to be a positive. I do have breast pain but this is almost certainly menopause related. I am worried they will tell me to stop using HRT patches which are the only thing keeping me sane.

I have a scaly patch of eczema on my right breast which has been there forever, comes and goes, gets treated with moisturiser when i remember. If that's the reason for all this worry I'll be so cross.

Not a helpful comment.

I had a recall last year after calcifications were identified. The follow up was scheduled for a regional hospital rather than my local one.

I received a call from one of the nurses to check I was happy with the follow up appointment time, and to explain the potential tests.

I had the more detailed mammogram and whatever had previously shown had gone, they also gave me an ultrasound to be sure, but I didn’t have to have a biopsy.

they were really good at explaining every stage and I got the all clear before leaving.

Thanks, @AuditAngel . Screening here is done at a large regional breast clinic in the city centre, so it's the same place as I attended for my first mammogram. Good to hear another positive outcome.

I work in breast screening and precious posters are right, it could just be that they didn't get clear pictures. A certain amount of scans get randomly picked out and if the images are not clear enough you will get called back, even though the radiographer has seen that all is normal, they still need the images recorded

My friend & I both had our first mammogram at the same time. We were both recalled as was another friend who I met on my return visit. We were all clear. Had repeat mammogram & scan & examination by a doctor. Sometimes because it's your first screening they have nothing to compare. Sending thoughts & hope all is well for you. 💐

I was recalled last year with calcification- went as far as a biopsy but they specified it was highly unlikely to be BC and it wasn’t!

This happened to me , ironically I'm waiting to go into my mammogram now . First one I was recalled as they had nothing to compare it to , they found something not cancer and I now have markers . It's so so stressful though . It is very common to be recalled particularly for a first mammogram.

Hope everything goes well for you @hattie43 . Do pop back and let me know how you get on.

I am menopausal and regularly have breast pain and itchiness, which makes me worry too. I know there's no perfect way of calling people back but the way the letter is worded is so very concerning.

@KnittingNeedles

Just got back , this is my second routine mammogram and just have to wait for the results now . The lady was lovely and a very easy process . Will be a stressful three week wait compounded with a bowel screening pack just come through the door . Feel like I'm overwhelmed with cancer things but despite the panic I know these are good things to do . I keep it sane by telling myself if anything untoward is found they will get to it earlier than head in the sand and a worse problem down the line .
Wishing you lots of luck and try not to worry .

Yes the waiting is the worst bit. I have been told that scan and mamogram results will be given on the day, might have to wait if I need a biopsy.

Thank you to all who replied. Have just had a call from the clinic offering me a cancellation for tomorrow at 9.30 am so the awful wait has been shortened considerably. DH is going to juggle things to come with me.

Good to hear! I will be thinking of you and sending good wishes your way. I have been in your shoes so I understand the anxiety; lovely that your husband is able to go with you for support. Take care.

Best wishes, @KnittingNeedles