Mammogram recall

[Shoegal0305]

I've been 'invited' for further screening after a recent mammogram and to say I'm terrified is an understatement.

I'm 47 and was invited for mammogram as a trial for 47-50 year olds. Haven't felt any lumps or bumps. No family history.

Went for the procedure all went well. Got a letter this morning giving me 3 days notice for further testing.

Anyone give me any calming advice???,

My mum was recalled after her first mammogram. Very frightened, but when she went to the appointment they explained that your first mammogram has to super-super clear because they use that one to compare all the subsequent ones to check for changes. So the recall was just because the first one was a bit blurry really was what it turned out to be, and the recall letter didn't explain that.
I hope you are ok. It must be very worrying. But it could be the same as what happened to my mum.

I'm a few years younger, and had mine abroad, but was recalled on my 1st one. I was told that as they didnt have a scan on file, its very common to recall on the 1st one. They did another mammogram and then ultrasound, and everything was fine. Try not to worry OP.

Thank you both. I've just got home after a lovely night away with a friend. Felt brilliant! Then walked into this letter. My close friend carries the BRAC (spelling?) gene and she was recalled recently. She has mammograms every year, she'd never been recalled. Her letter was slightly different. Hers said 'recalled' mine is 'inviting' me for further testing? It's at a slightly bigger hospital and will involve mammograms, scans etc im absolutely petrified. I feel sick and I'm shaking. I do have health anxiety. Xx

www.wwl.nhs.uk/Specialities/breast_screening/further_tests.aspx this looks helpful.
"How many women are invited back?

About 5 out of every 100 women who have screening will be invited back for this additional assessment. 4 out of 5 of these women will be found to have a normal result."

I had a lump investigated 18 months ago. That involved a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. It turned out to be nothing to worry about, but nevertheless very frightening. All you can do is follow up on Monday. I found the breast clinic to be exceptionally helpful and kind

I found just keeping gently busy was helpful. Pottering and cleaning helped keep my anxiety in check I do understand xx

Thank you. I'm convinced now I'm going to be diagnosed with cancer. X

Your friend will be part of the high risk programme, which is something different and (as she said) aimed at women who carry the BRCA2 gene.

Here is some information about the recall process - it's on the Breast Cancer Now website but to be really clear, the page says:

About four out of every 100 women screened are recalled. You’re slightly more likely to be recalled after your first mammogram.

Of these four people recalled, three will not have breast cancer. They might have a normal breast change or a benign (not cancer) condition.

So it is highly likely that you have nothing to worry about, although quite understandable that you are concerned.

I would definitely give the hospital a call if you are concerned or want a walk through of what is going to happen - there is some good information here on the Southampton website.

Your age may also be a factor, as breast density can make it harder to spot issues (so they may want to be ultra-cautious). Your friend will also find her screening approach changes over time due to her age.

Hope you get the all clear.

Thank you. I'm a single parent. Don't have much family support but nice friends. Always had health anxiety. This has just pushed me into my discomfort zone. How can I not worry and think the worst?

Hi, exactly the same thing happened to me. Recall at 47, screened as part of the same trial. And I did have breast cancer. Totally out of the blue, no outward signs. I had a wide local excision and radiotherapy before Christmas and I'm back to normal now. You won't know until you go back why you have been recalled. However if it is cancer, you like me are very lucky to have been screened at an early stage. It will likely be diagnosed early, with a better chance of less severe / less invasive treatment. Although obviously I'd rather not have had breast cancer at all, it is far preferable to be diagnosed at an early stage... Good luck and I hope everything is ok.

Oh, and I have young children with no family support, but they and I coped just fine with the treatment regimen with some support from neighbours and friends. So try not to worry about that. If it is cancer, you will cope, people around you will help and the children will be fine. Fingers crossed for you x

Thank you I really take comfort in everything each of you has said. I feel sick to my stomach and I'm sat alone. Two close friends are not available tonight. Sod's law huh .

I know if it IS worst case scenario then of course it's better caught now. Part of me wants to bury my head in the sand and not go. I WONT not go by the way and my friend already said she'd drag me kicking and screaming. I'm so scared of Illness as I am a single parent. My son is late teens so doesn't need THAT much looking after but......

Also my biggest fear is a general anaesthetic....... don't know why as I've never had one.

All these fears are spiralling out of control in my head xx

Whilst I was waiting for the initial appointment, plus then the subsequent 2 weeks for biopsy results, I got through the first 5 series of The Walking Dead I'm not sure it was a good thing to be watching but it certainly distracted me a bit. Distraction (by zombies) and keeping moderately busy helped me out.

@alphaechokiwi

Ditto to the support and flowers xx

Anyone else with any advice on how to not turn into a blubbering wreck (possibly?) unnecessarily?

Anyone? Xx

I don't think I've ever checked my boobs so much in my life! Keep feeling and checking for lumps. Can't find any? My anxiety is crippling xx

Is anyone there? Could really do with some help with my anxiety 😞

Oh you poor thing. As others have said it will probably be fine and you will be the one posting support for the next person to go through it.
Try and keep busy. Do you have an appointment date?

They gave me the apt for tomorrow. Originally I was working but phoned in sick as in no fit state to work. But struggling for someone to accompany me so may need to change apt. My friend can come with me the day after.

Can anyone please help me get this into perspective I'm in such a state.

OP- I'm sorry you are in such a state. You should see your GP and ask for counselling to help with your health anxiety and get professional help to get things in perspective. It will help in the future too and it well worth it. best of luck today, but do seek help.

Thank you. I already take Citalopram for anxiety. It only flares up when I'm faced with something scary, which is kind of obvious as I type it! .

Day to day my anxiety is under control. Just think most people would feel anxious but I'm maybe blowing things out of proportion?

Positives: no family history, age, no previous breast issues, no lumps.

Negatives: drink too much (I Know this!), overweight, not an ideal diet and not enough exercise

'Just think most people would feel anxious but I'm maybe blowing things out of proportion?'

Yes, you are blowing it out of proportion! As mentioned in earlier post, I too was recalled on my 1st mammograph. I too had no breast lumps, but I DO have a family history. Its normal to be concerned, but how would you act IF something was actually found? Its then that you should be concerned, but to be this worried now will just eat you up. From what you have written, you do seem to be overly anxious and out of proportion. Do you have a friend/family member that could go with you? Maybe you need more than citalopram?

@Elouera thank you. I know I'm overly anxious. Which is a pain in the ass!!! Also I know I wouldn't be human if I didn't feel some anxiety. Because it's such short notice until the apt I'm unfortunately having to go by myself. My over anxious brain is telling me to go out all blown panic mode so that when they tell me I have cancer tomorrow I'm somehow prepared.........

Does all this make sense? I feel I'm rambling.....