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???,

How are you now OP? 😊

I totally relate and understand the crippling fear that literally has you quaking. You will most likely be fine but it’s normal to feel worried. I’m the same when stuff flares up like this. Have you tried filling in a worry diary? There’s a template online where you write down what you’re worried about why and what the best and worst short term outcomes are. Sometimes writing it down can help and if not, then have you an easy read book or some TV lined up? Maybe rewatch something lighthearted or silly. Let us know how you get on. Good luck

@Galwaygirl I'm ok, well, not ok, but trying to be...... apt tomorrow.

@polkadotpj I may look up those templates it may help? It's so crippling to have such extreme anxieties. Reading everyone's kind replies it's normal to be worried but like I've said I think I've took it to extremes. Already got tomorrow planned in my head.......

Anyone up???

I'm up! Hope you managed to sleep and good luck for today

As a pp said in the unlikely chance something is there it will be early and easier - this evening it will all be over xx

@theculture thanks. I slept terribly and I'm now sat on the toilet wondering whether I've got diahorrea or I want to vomit. I don't know how to get thru today

Just focus that by x o'clock today you'll know. Once you know you'll feel better. I had a breast lump and was climbing the walls. The people at the breast clinic were so lovely. It was a cyst and they drained it there and then.

You are doing well, i also have health anxiety and citalopram didn't really help so they gave me diazepam. Cammomile tea was what calmed me down though, tastes like vomit but worked.

One foot in front of the other

@TheoriginalLEM my stupid anxiety is talking me thru the whole scenario of being sat down and told I have cancer! It's bloody awful I've never felt so frightened.

My friend got recalled a few weeks ago and she is a BRCA carrier, she was able to cope better than me and makes me feel ashamed!!!

Hi. I got a recall on my first scan. As another poster has said, more people get recalled for further testing on their first scan as they don’t have previous scans to compare with. Previous scans are useful in showing what’s changed in your breasts and what’s normal for you. Although there was a list of options for the recall (rescan, biopsy etc) for me the rescan (5 mins) clarified all was ok as the tissue in one breast had creased on the original scan to look like a thickened mass.

Like you id already raced ahead in my mind to telling son I’d got cancer, wondering how to tell family etc.

I know this isn’t likely to be reassuring given how anxious you feel but recall isn’t uncommon on first scans and thankfully breast clinics seem to go on the side of caution. Any doubt re a scan (including if the operator hasn’t taken the scan properly, and you should be recalled.

I cried from the minute i got to reception until i left, i literally stood in the mammary contraption with tears pouring down my face.

You have actually got through the worst bit though, the waiting is a whole new kind of he'll.

Two of my friends have had breast cancer, it was shit but they were treated and they are both fine. They both agree the waiting was the worst- they both had symptoms and hadnt had mammograms.

You can do this - you might be shuffling to the hospital like a zombie and be like a rabbit in the headlights but you are going to get through this.

I've everything crossed for you that you'll get good news today.

@SparkleM thank you.

Your words do help....... if only for a few mins. I know I just need to be brave and go today and see what they say. My friend is coming with me.

@TheoriginalLEM thank you I'll keep you all posted.

I just wish I knew a way to stop thinking what I'm thinking!!

I dont have health anxiety- and I was also a shocking mess whilst waiting for the test. So you're not alone.

I hoped I could be told on the day - but they decided to do a biopsy. But they said at the time it was just a precaution (they are supercareful) and they would have said immediately if they thought there was something sinister - so that allowed me to dial the worry down a little whilst waiting for results.

Fingers crossed for you today.

@TheNemesisOfLame thank you.

I work in the nhs (frontline) and I see and hear all the horror stories. Understandably they are resonating round my head and it's ME that's in these stories.

Try to imagine it being good news if you can.

Imagine you go there today and the test just needs repeating as it wasn't clear enough.

I know how you are feeling as I feel like this when I'm awaiting test results, but try to think positively, it does help.

@batmancave thank you. This is the bit I'm really struggling with!!

So...... apt done. I've honestly never felt so scared in my life. My legs went to jelly.

Was told the reason for the recall was there were some minor calcifications in the right breast. Could be completely normal but due to the left breast being clear it needed further investigation.

Had another mammogram and then an ultrasound. The consultant doing that couldn't have been more laid back. He said there's no real concern but that have to take biopsy to rule anything sinister out. So had a biopsy which was fine, now left with a slightly sore boob. Feel loads better but obviously anxious about the results of the biopsy. But the radiography girls who did my biopsy said I am getting a telephone result which is one of less concern if that makes sense? So they are ringing me next Tuesday. Considering that in my head I was walking out of there with a terminal diagnosis I feel ok. Thanks to you all for your support.

was it a punch biopsy? I found the soreness lasted a few days and used paracetamol.
Very pleased you are feeling OK.

@DiscontentedWoman I've no idea? Is a punch biopsy where there's quite a loud click? If so, then yes. I feel lots better like I said I thought it was curtains! But worried about the wait. All the staff didn't seem worried and it's a telephone call with the result.

Yy loud click. If they gave you an anaesthetic, it will wear off later and you might be a bit more sore than you are now (I definitely was).

@DiscontentedWoman yes they numbed it but the procedure was painless. No pain as yet but only a few hours ago. Just got to wait for the results now but like I say the staff didn't seem concerned and believe me I questioned them haha!

Sounds like a relief to have the appointment over. Fingers crossed everything will be ok. You probably need a good nights sleep tonight x

@SparkleM I will that! X

Anyone else had calcifications?