Terrified

[Shoegal0305]

I have a thread already running on this, please forgive me for starting another, it's kinda gone very quiet and I'm really struggling.

Basically, I'm 47, got called for breast screening (part of a trial for under 50s). No lumps or bumps, no family history. Got the dreaded recall letter. Went back last week and was told I had two areas of calcifications in my right breast. They took a biopsy and put markers in to show the areas. Biopsy results came back yesterday, breast nurse said they were benign but one area no calcifications seen? She said I have to go back and have a vacuum biopsy next week. I'm beside myself with worry, I suffer from really bad anxiety anyway and this has pushed me over the edge. I keep trying to stay positive in the fact that she kept saying 'benign' but scared as to why I need the vacuum biopsy?

Advice???

Anyone?

Bump

Am no expert OP, but I read that as Area A is being biopsied as a precaution- there’s no obvious cause for the change, so they need to be sure it’s benign, confirming the results from histology?

I'm worried sick

Sure- I understand. I had CIN2 last year, and needed treatment, closely followed by a dodgy mole that needed a repeat biopsy.

Both were confirmed as cured/ benign after treatment, as was already assumed by the specialists - sometimes we just need prove what we already know. Try not to worry.

It all sounds pretty okay to me (I have advanced breast cancer, and it's nothing like the letters I got). I know that health anxiety can be crippling, but please don't stress. Call the clinic and ask them to explain it to you.

@BitOfFun I'm so sorry to hear that. How do you cope day to day? I guess it does sound quite trivial when it's compared to your situation but I guess it's a relative?

This is the letter I got. Nothing like yours.

Honestly, I'm fine. In many ways, I'm happier than I've ever been. Whatever life throws at you, you can deal, I promise! It's the not knowing which is worst.

@BitOfFun seriously my heart goes out to you. You're amazing. ❤️

I need to get my situation into perspective don't I!? My anxieties are crippling me.

I'm just getting on with it. In a way, the seriousness of it just makes you appreciate everything wonderful. I feel kind of invincible, really, having had the worst news and coping with it. Not because I'm special, but because I have to.

You will be ok, honestly. You can do this.

Do you take any medication for your anxiety? It might be worth talking to your GP. It's so debilitating, but there are treatments.

@BitOfFun yes I take Citaloram and Propranolol.

My letter isn't that scary is it?

No, it really isn't. I don't mean to minimise your distress at all- I get it, it's frightening. But it's not cancer, and it probably doesn't even need any treatment.

On the plus side, you are in the system now, and if anything changes for the worse, it will be caught so early that you are guaranteed to be absolutely fine.

@BitOfFun I need someone to minimise my stress! Haha. I've always had health anxieties. Never really had any health issues to date so this has thrown me.

@BitOfFun I'm reiterating you ARE amazing!!!!!

I'm not, I promise you! We just play the cards we are dealt. You will be fine, honestly. Get on top of your anxiety and that's half the battle. You already cope with a lot, and you are stronger than you think.

@BitOfFun thank you. Perspective perspective perspective!

All the best to you too.

That's all very well, but I'm not trying to shut you down. The anxiety is a real issue that needs relieving. Please take care of yourself and get more help from the GP x

@BitOfFun I'm hoping if and when all this breast worry is over the anxiety will ease?

Yes it will. But only until the next time there's any kind of scare. It really sounds to me that you need to go back to your doctor.

It must be exhausting, and you shouldn't have to be put though it.

It is exhausting

You could have your medication adjusted, or take up a course of CBT. Or newer treatments I'm not aware of. Don't feel like it's a failure on your part- anxiety is a very debilitating condition, and it is treatable.

@BitOfFun thank you. I just need to keep telling myself my situation isn't that scary. In my head I'm already terminally ill 😞😞