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Original poster

Recall after first mammogram

57 replies

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 19:42

Hi, never posted and not a huge social media user but I sort of need to talk to people I don’t know. I went for a mammogram (my first) about 2.5 weeks ago and received a text this morning reminding me of my breast clinic appointment. It really shocked me - when I got home the letter had arrived advising of a recall. I’m literally terrified - I know it’s not logical but can’t stop crying and of course thinking the worse. I’m practical, I do know it could be BC but just scared. Not sure why I’m posting but judged needed to write it down.

OP posts:

GodspeedJune · 09/07/2024 19:48

Hi OP. I’ve heard this is quite common, as for the first mammogram there is no other imaging available as a comparison. It’s less likely to be something nasty, and if it were, the screening aims to pick up very early cases.

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 19:58

I know that’s the logical point but I’ve just completely crumbled - not like me at all !

OP posts:

Chimchar · 09/07/2024 20:00

I had my first mammogram a few months ago. The lady doing it told me that so many women get recalled after their first mammogram, so not to be worried if it happens.
It might be that they didn't get enough pictures to cover the whole of your boob....
I hope you get some reassurance soon.

Floralnomad · 09/07/2024 20:01

When I had my first mammogram the lady told me that the call back rate is 25-30% because they don’t have old ones to compare to so any minor anomaly needs to be checked . Most of the people recalled have nothing wrong with them .

mamakoukla · 09/07/2024 20:02

I’ve had many recalls, to the point I know it’s coming. The first time I was apprehensive but I now accept that, in my case, they’re needing to run an ultrasound for a different view of something seen on the mammogram. I hope it goes well for you; easy to say but try not to fret until you’ve been given reason to 💐

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 20:02

Thank you - and you are right because I was told the same. I think this is bit of a cumulative effect is waiting so long for the results and getting anxious and then sitting at my desk and receiving a text without warning - think it’s completely triggered me. Not a good look having a meltdown at work ….

OP posts:

WhatHaveIFound · 09/07/2024 20:03

I've only had two and been recalled after both of them. It's scary but I was told it is completely normal.

First time because they're nothing to compare the images to so I had to go in for more mammograms. Second time I was recalled for a small cyst (which I couldn't even feel) which they drained.

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 20:07

Thank you much everyone - this is honestly helping - who knew social media could help (trying to resist being Dr Google)

OP posts:

KnottyKnitting · 09/07/2024 20:07

This is very common for the first one as they don't have a baseline to go on. The same happened to me. They told me as I walked in for the tests that they were not concerned about the finding but needed to check to be 100% sure. ( Would have been useful to know this when I was recalled to save the 12 days of sheer terror!) As suspected, the scan showed a cyst which they attempted to drain but the contents were too sticky. A note was made of this and the two further mammograms I have had have been fine.

howrudeforme · 09/07/2024 20:14

Oh yes happened to me too. First recall was to take a new image of one breast as image not clear. Had 10 missed called from hospital for 2nd recall. Terrified.

but once they’d seen me (and a few more scans) all ok. First time they had nothing to compare imegaes with. It’s common.

stay strong

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 20:19

i think I’m also realising that my sheer terror is not entirely unusual !

OP posts:

Sparkygal · 09/07/2024 20:23

I was recalled for my first a few weeks ago too. Also utterly terrified and thinking all sorts. It turned out that they had seen something in the scan which they were convinced wasn't anything to worry about but as it's was the first they wanted to check further as had nothing to compare to.
Mine turned out to be an inter mammory lymph gland which is normally in the armpit but this was in the breast tissue. Harmless and they have made a note for future.
The doctor said although it's scary it's usually nothing and if it is they are looking after us.
Easier said than done but try not to worry and remember recall is common x

NoTouch · 09/07/2024 20:29

It is terrifying, when I was recalled after my first I ended up with a more detailed mammogram, ultrasound and eventually biopsy on that day. Results back 1 week later and it was all clear.

They gave out a booklet about how many women were recalled, how many had biopsies and the how many had a cancer diagnosis and the number of recalls with a cancer diagnosis was tiny. So try not to worry too much until you hear news that’s worth worrying about, the odds are in your favour. Easier said than done, I know.

The women at the breast clinic are lovely and get you through it all.

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 20:57

This is honestly a great group, I’m grateful for all your support. Making a real difference.

OP posts:

Caaarrrl · 09/07/2024 21:04

Hope all is OK OP.

Has anyone any idea of how a bilateral breast reduction over 20 years ago would affect the mammogram? I turned 50 earlier this year so will be called for routine scan at some point in the coming years.

violetcuriosity · 09/07/2024 21:10

Stay positive OP.

Even if it is BC, when my mum had it she was told the best outcomes are for those who it was found just on a mammogram with no other symptoms xxxx

Hoglet70 · 09/07/2024 21:12

Just to reiterate what everyone else said - I was told not to worry if I get a recall as it's really common as they have no comparison. Easy to say not to worry but do try not to.

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 21:14

You are very right - this is the point of screening right ?! Of course I’m now assuming I have missed some massive lump in my breast and my cough I’ve had because of a common cold is a symptom - goodness who knew my kind could go down so may dark spaces.

OP posts:

Caaarrrl · 09/07/2024 21:17

Sorry for jumping on your thread OP. That was poor form.

Hoglet70 · 09/07/2024 21:17

We are our own worst enemies aren't we.

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 21:21

Dw @Caaarrrl

OP posts:

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 21:26

@Hoglet70 omg yes - I’ve decided wine is my friend today.

OP posts:

Hoglet70 · 09/07/2024 21:30

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 21:26

@Hoglet70 omg yes - I’ve decided wine is my friend today.

I'll have some with you just to be supportive lol

moonriverandme · 09/07/2024 22:30

I had a recall following my first mammogram, as did my friend. I had a repeat mammogram & a scan & everything was clear. I was told it's because if they see anything on your breast they have nothing to compare with so to be sure they re examine you. It was a worrying time.
The radiographer, nurse & doctor were very understanding & supportive. All female staff.
My friend was OK also.
I won't tell you not to worry, but hope the positive stories give you a more optimistic frame of mind. Take care,💐

Original poster

Catmadlady12 · 09/07/2024 22:39

@moonriverandme thank you for taking the time to post - really appreciate it ❤

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