Mammogram recall - so anxious

[TinglyandCurious]

I have yearly mammograms as I’m deemed to be at moderate risk of breast cancer. This is because my mum had triple negative breast cancer at 49. She has since had genetic testing which came back negative for 7 high risk cancer genes. Phew!

First mammogram last year was fine. Had my second earlier this week and got an invite letter today for Tomosynthesis and Ultrasound of right breast. It’s for three weeks time but I spoke to the department today and they’ve had a cancellation for next week that they’ve given me (as we’re away on holiday in three weeks.)

I am sick with anxiety but trying to be rational. I can’t feel anything different in my breast or armpit (and I’m well acquainted with my breasts!) and nothing was found this time last year.

I have two small children and am terrified of something late stage being detected.

Any positive stories would be so appreciated x

I’ve also had triple negative breast cancer.

You’re young, your breasts will be dense, so difficult to see stuff! They’re so cautious they’ll redo the tests unless they’re 100% certain. They may also ask for an ultrasound for the same reason.

Fingers crossed it turns out to be nothing. The odds are on that.

Sorry I read you were 49 and didn’t read about the ultrasound! But the sentiment is there, better cautious than not!

How old are you?

I had a recall recently and it was all fine. Just needed a better angle. Try not to worry.

When I booked my mammogram 6 weeks ago, there was one single appointment available at the location I needed.

I've just gone on the site out of curiosity and seven more have opened up for next week.

I would imagine that people have cancelled for holidays - I've also seen an oral surgeon this week and despite not having any sooner appointments in June, I've had five text messages asking me if I want to have an earlier appointment, which I think means a considerable number have cancelled. I'm sure this applies to all recalls as much as initial appointments.

It just makes sense to get in touch and fill spaces for both efficiency and because it gives results and hopefully peace of mind to people quicker.

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. I’m 41 🙂
I’m sorry you’re dealing with breast cancer but hopefully all going well for you. My mum is fighting fit nearly 30 years after hers!

I totally understand your anxiety but the high chance is everything is going to be fine.

I’m out the other side, thank you!

It was all last year.

the NHS are amazing!

Brilliant! I’m delighted to hear this 🥰

Terrible sleepless night but need to calm myself down and be rational. Thursday can’t come soon enough.

Sorry to hear that. Try and distract yourself. Do some nice things if you can. Where are you in the UK? I’m near the sea (ish) and going to meet a friend for a beach swim later. Go for a walk? A gallery? Binge watch some TV? Sending best wishes. - just re read your original post and see you have two young children so I’m sure you are super busy. Do you have a partner/husband. Is he or she aware. You do need some support; sending a virtual hug. 🤗

The nights are the worse, you’ll be worry free soon, I’m really hopeful.

Thank you for your lovely words. I have a very supportive husband who has just brought me a cup of tea and we’ve talked it all through and rationalised everything as much as we can. I have a busy day with my boys and indeed many busy days ahead given the summer holidays so lots to distract myself thank god. Just need to try and sit with the anxiety and not let my mind wander into “I’ve already got stage 4 territory” as that is extremely unlikely. The whole point of the annual screening is to catch things early at the end of the day.

Thank you for your hope ❤️

Nights are so hard. ‘The darkest hour is just before dawn’. So pleased you have a lovely husband. Take strength from him and your lovely boys. You’ve got this! 💪🏻

I just went through similar albeit from my first ever screening mammogram. I had 2 weeks between my letter and the appointment. It was bloody awful (the waiting). But once you’re in the clinic they are quick and efficient and super thorough. I was ridiculously anxious - so much so that the mammographer took pity on me and explained what she could see (nothing sinister) when she did the follow up mammogram. I had a precautionary ultrasound and was discharged - just a bad picture. But SO much stress - I feel your pain. Best of luck tomorrow chances are all will be fine x

Thank you so much @HoorahisitHenry and everyone who was kind enough to reply!

All was fine 🥰 Just some superimposed tissue that gave the impression of some density which of course needed rechecking. They knew after the Tomosynthesis but gave me an ultrasound too and that confirmed no changes since last year. Phew and phew.

That’s the best news xx

Fantastic news, so happy for you

Great news. Yes phew. And relax!!!