Recall after very first Mammogram - I'm utterly terrified

[Gingerwine1]

Please help!
Had my first mammogram ever 2 weeks ish back. The lady said I may be called back as it was my first...and I have been.

I am completely terrified, I called the department and all they could say was they were checking my left breast.

I have always suffered with anxiety my whole life..and I had very bad health anxiety in my 20s.

So here I am...I can barely eat, I feel sick....scared to death. I cannot get a handle on my thoughts and fears...my appointment is Wednesday.

Please any words of any comfort if you have a moment to reply. xxx
THANKYOU x

@Gingerwine1 While you're waiting to call your GP you really need to force yourself to eat something (even if you don't have any appetite). Between the low blood sugar from not eating and the fatigue from not sleeping well your anxiety will absolutely get the upper hand!

So get some food in, maybe distract with some mindless, easy television, get outside for some exercise (if you can) and lean on your husband for some support. You will absolutely, 100% get thru this!

I had this - with your first they have nothing to compare it to.
Got recalled for a further mammogram and ultrasound - they thought it was ok but booked me for a (ct?) scan two weeks later.
They thought it was ok but decided to do a biopsy so another two week wait before I got the all clear.
They put a tiny clip inside during the biopsy so can see which area has been tested.
At my next routine mammogram there was no recall.

I got a recall too. My best friend is a breast cancer nurse and says it is really really common to get a recall after your first, as we all have different breast tissue etc so they just want to double check.

For future mammograms they have your first one to compare to, so less likely with second and onwards.

Please try not to worry, it is really unlikely to be anything sinister.

Yes it's horrible having a recall - it almost put me off having future mammograms in case I had another recall - very emotionally draining ! On. Y second one I got a recall but my past two have been fine. Mine was a cyst. It's the not knowing that's worse I think .

@Gingerwine1
I'm being recalled on Wednesday for a more detailed examination of my left breast too after my first mammogram (I'm 46 and was sent to the clinic with an inverted nipple).

It is worrying and I was very unsettled when I opened the letter, as I didn't expect it.
The lady I phoned didn't make me feel any better either. So I totally get how you feel!

But I've got two days of stressful work ahead of me including a sickness review (I have 2 chronic illnesses so unfortunately my sickness record is poor).. also my mum has terminal cancer & is now deteriorating which is very upsetting. So I've got to fit in seeing her too.
So I'm focusing on those things at present and will worry about the scan on Wednesday.

Please don’t panic. There’s a strong likelihood it’s nothing but even if it is cancer it’s not an immediate death sentence. I’ve had breast cancer diagnosed last November and I should get my all clear in a few weeks. It has been horrible but I’m nearly there.

Hello ! Xx I'm so sorry to hear you are going through the worry too, with your Mum also x sending you a big hug xx thinking of you xxxxxxx thankyou for your message xxx fingers crossed for both of us xxxx

Thank you for replying xxx I wish for first timers they all got more extensive checks so you knew what to expect x so it wasnt such a shock to be recalled x I wonder too if its more common these days, as I have 2 friends who are 60 and were never recalled ? Xxxx

Hey Ginger, please please please try not to worry. The likelihood of it being anything to worry about is really small. Take care x

I think it was the matter of fact conversation I had with the person on the phone, she couldnt tell me anything but just used the word abnormal....!!! Xx

I keep checking myself...and I cant feel anything...one of my boobs is a bit bigger than the other...but I think thats the same for everyone.....xxx

Did you feel the cyst? I can't feel anything xxxxx

Phoned GP this morning xxx

What did they say?

Like eyebrows, breasts are sisters, not twins. It is usual for breasts to be different sizes, ranging from a tiny bit, to a cup size (or two) to everything in between. It's entirely unique to the individual. I discovered recently it's usually the left breast that is larger, but there are some whose right breast is. There's no rule, but asymmetry is perfectly common and usual, and not a sign of anything sinister.

I think it was the matter of fact conversation I had with the person on the phone, she couldnt tell me anything but just used the word abnormal....!!!

With regards to the use of the word abnormal in connection to your mammogram. It just means the image itself, hence the recall. Nurses and/or those who book the appointments are not privy to any personal information regarding your health.

Did you feel the cyst? I can't feel anything

Everyone is different, so questions like this are redundant.

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I mean this in the kindest possible way but you really need to learn to rein in your health anxiety. Please do think about getting some counselling.

Thankyou xx yes I know I need some help with anxiety xx i really appreciate your message xx

It's a shock when you are recalled and an awful feeling. I've been recalled twice and following additional mammograms and ultrasound, I have been cleared. I had a cyst but it didn't require any treatment. I wasn't recalled after my third mammogram which has been delayed due to Covid so was hugely overdue and I was so surprised that I wasn't.

I hope your appointment goes well on Wednesday. There can be a bit of waiting between the different tests so maybe take someone with you.

I've now received a call back letter this morning. I'm booked in for next Monday. We can hold each other's hand OP.

Firmly holding your hand xx my anxiety has been so bad Ive just got some meds from the Doctor x

Got some anxiety meds xxx

Is it your first mammogram ? Xxxxx

Well done! I hope that the medication helps your anxiety. I'm sorry that you are experiencing this.

No it's my 5th. The first 3 were fine. The previous one was also a recall and they drained some fluid sacks. Which is very common for women approaching menopause. Hopefully it'll be the same again.

Bloomin menopause side effects! I have poked and prodded myself and I can't feel anything xx thinking of you too xxx

Got some anti anxiety meds xxx just taken one ! Think its relaxed me! Xx