Mammogram Recall - wtf

[Allaboutthecheese1]

Had first mammogram a few weeks ago, now had a letter asking me to attend for further tests and ‘helpfullly’ pointing out that only 4% of folk get recalled but of them only 25% have cancer.

Feeling rather anxious now! Is this a common thing? I’m fit and healthy and only just 50 😳…. appointment isn’t for 14 days so I’m left to ponder…..

I was recalled after my first mammogram and was terrified, but it was just because they hadn't got enough of the pectoral muscle in the image on the one side. I have tiny boobs and the first mammographer (is that a word?) had struggled to get me into the right position, but the second one said straight away that that was all it was and went to get the extra-small plates, manhandled me into position (gently, with lots of giggling on my part because she turned out to be our neighbour at our allotment so it was all very surreal) and it was all fine. I really hope it's something as simple as that for you.

You are all so incredibly kind to take the time to message about your experiences. The waiting, thinking, overthinking is pergatory. I’m not usually a catastrophiser (if that is even a thing) but I’m going to all manner of dreadful places with this one letter!

trying to keep busy and occupied but this is like a black cloud.

Totally bricking it.

It’s the nature of the beast, OP. I remember the terror. We all do, that’s why we’re here for you. And even those with a BC diagnosis, many fewer than the false alarms, are here..

Do you have plans for today? If not, can you make some? Something indulgent, whatever that means to you. You deserve a treat.

Can you share with anyone IRL? That might also help. Come back if you need to. Take care.

@Allaboutthecheese1
You're nearly there! Do you have a partner, you don't say, if so do they know? Have you told anyone in real life?
I didn't say in my first post. I only told my DH, didn't tell anyone else as I didn't want to worry anyone one else unless there was something to worry about.
We got through these 2 weeks with me in a bit of a daze and barely sleeping.
I went to the appointment on my own (I work in the NHS and am quite resilient) but I was shitting my self.
They get you to undress your top half and wear a gown, and then you sit and wait.
I saw a lovely registrar and nurse. They talked me through the 2 areas they needed to look at again. I had a full physical breast exam, and then another mammogram.
Another wait. Back in with the same doctor and nurse, the doctor then did a scan and a needle biopsy of one area and then a different mammogram where they did 6 punch biopsies of the other area. The registrar said she was fairly confident they were not cancer.
Back a week later to see the consultant to thankfully confirm that one was a lipoma and the other a calcification.
I have a titanium marker in the lipoma so they know where it is and what it is in further mammograms. I have since had 2 more with no issues.
It's grim but even if it's bad news it's better to know sooner rather than later 🩷

Update. Appointment was this morning. I was a total wreck. Everyone was super kind, they said there was some distortion on the original screen image - did more mammograms and then had an ultrasound with the consultant. He was happy that it was overlapping tissue from the original screen and I was sent home.

thank you yet again you kind kind people for your support and help.

Brilliant news 👏

Thanks very much for the update, OP. I share your relief! I hope you will celebrate.

That is amazing news @Allaboutthecheese1 I completely understand the relief.

Brilliant news - thankyou for updating the thread.

Glad to hear all OK with you.

I had my first mammogram 2 weeks ago today and haven't had the results yet 🤨

Hoping no news is good news as they say 🙏

So delighted to hear this 💐

Fantastic news!! You must be so relieved. You might feel a bit wobbly as the adrenaline ebbs away, though!

Really happy to hear this update
x

That's fantastic news, OP.

Yes, recalls after a first mammogram are actually quite common. They often just want extra images or a closer look at something that isn't clear on the initial scan. Most people who are recalled do not end up having cancer.

It's completely normal to feel anxious, especially with a 2-week wait, but try not to jump to the worst-case scenario. Take it one step at a time and remember that being recalled doesn't mean there's something seriously wrong. Sending positive thoughts your way ❤️.

Such great news!

I got my all clear electronically thank goodness!

Guess what. I've been recalled again.

The letter does say "x-rays have been examined and are unclear". I'm not sure what the letter said last time. FFS.

Solidarity as you go through this again! We know the statistics are in your favour, especially with that wording, but it doesn't make the worry any less. Have you got long to wait? 💐

A week. But I have messaged them and said I'd take a cancellation.

The last thing you need, and I am very sorry. But I agree this is the least concerning way the letter could have been worded, FWIW.
Hang in there. Can you give yourself treats this week?
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

Appointment brought forward to Friday. 🤞 hoping everything is ok.

That’s great, @TipsyLaird . Be good to yourself in the meantime. Sending best wishes

Wishing you all the best today @TipsyLaird