Mammogram recall anxiety

Hi, didn't know such a group existed till I received my recall letter. My anxiety and worst case scenario have gone through the roof, to the point I had to take the afternoon off work. Couldn't concentrate. My appointment is next Tuesday, so the wait isn't too long. Anyway, hello all - I'm 54, 2 teenagers and one husband who has had a very weepy wife today. Apologies for my wallow. 

Parents
  • Hi JayLou10,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I can empathise with your situation. I was recalled after a routine mammogram too and I was in a terrible state, waiting for my follow-up appointment. After all of the stress and worry, the second mammogram was clear. Was this your first mammogram, or have you had one previously? There are more recalls after the first one than any other. This is because there are no previous images to compare with. Don't worry about being weepy - it goes along with the territory! Besides, shedding those tears, is a good stress reliever and that is something that you'll need at this stage. 

    Unfortunately, our over active imaginations don't help and take us to all sorts of dark places. Fortunately, the reality is seldom as bad as we imagine. I am glad to see that you don't have long to wait for your appointment. Try to steer clear of consulting "Dr Google" in the meantime. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This won't give you any reassurance or answers and will only serve to scare you further.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you for your kind words. This is my second mammogram. My mind has done all Dr Googles work with out the googling! I will let you know how I get on xx

  • Hi JayLou,

    You may find that even with your second mammogram, there is not that much to compare with. The longer you have had your mammograms for, the more images there are for comparison. The other possibility is that the image isn't as clear as it could be and the want to get a clearer one. Even if there is a tumour present, not all lumps are sinister. Only 20% turn out to be cancerous. The other 80% are benign cysts, Fibroadenoma, or due to naturally lumpy breasts.

    I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Reply
  • Hi JayLou,

    You may find that even with your second mammogram, there is not that much to compare with. The longer you have had your mammograms for, the more images there are for comparison. The other possibility is that the image isn't as clear as it could be and the want to get a clearer one. Even if there is a tumour present, not all lumps are sinister. Only 20% turn out to be cancerous. The other 80% are benign cysts, Fibroadenoma, or due to naturally lumpy breasts.

    I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Children
  • I was recalled after a routine mammogram. They have taken 5 biopsies and I have an appointment next week for the results. I’m 65 so I’m pessimistic.

    Along with google I find it hard to imagine less bleak outcomes

  • Hi Pollythecat,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    I am sorry to hear that you too, have been recalled following your mammogram. We usually advise people to steer clear of Google until they have a diagnosis, as some of the outlooks are very bleak and only serve to scare us further.

    I am glad to see that your results are due next week and I hope that nothing untoward is found. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you I try to be philosophical and know it is better to know but I always go straight to the worst outcome, u

    you help me to be a little less pessimistic 

  • Most of us go straight to the worst case scenario. Fortunately, this seldom turns out to be the case. Try to remind yourself that no amount of worry will change the outcome.

    Keeping everything crossed for you!

    Regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • My doctor referred me to One Stop breast clinic after finding a lump I'm 75 so very frightened lymph glands appear ok at the moment but people have told me the older women doesn't get the best care because of her age even though I'm quite fit 

  • Hi Artist75,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    Please don't believe everything that you've been told. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and 1 of pre-cancer, since I was first diagnosed 15 years ago. I have attended hospitals in Scotland and the south of England and, with one exception, the care I have received, has been second to none. I was just approaching 60, at the outset and I am now 75. It is good news that your lymph nodes appear clear.

    Do you have a date for the One Stop Clinic yet? I hope that it comes through soon , as waiting for results is always a worrying time. Not all lumps are cancerous. Of all the people who attend the breast clinic, only 20% get a cancer diagnosis. Many others have benign cysts, fibroadenoma or naturally lumpy breasts. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi artist75 dont listen to everything people tell you it's a lot of hearsay. If you feel something isnt right or something doesnt get explained properly ask a breast care nurse they will always be able to help you. You should have a number of your breast care nurses when you went to your hospital appointment these wonderful nurses are there to support you through what your going through. And the all time favourite of mine is write any questions no matter how trivial you think they are down on a note pad because if you have to go to see a specialist you'll forget everything you want to ask about, be it about an operation or therapies or after care anything write it all down, I had breast cancer 3 years ago and I've just been told it's back and I have to have a second lumpectomy on the 13th of this month then chemo,  anti her2 injections and radiotherapy and I have written all my questions down which really help. I wish you the best of luck but try not to read into what people tell you because everyone is different and reacts differently in there own way but talk to your family and friends let them no what's happening and how your feeling dont bottle things up and think the worst just take one day at a time take baby steps do not keep your worry to yourself stay positive 

  • Hi Angelwings68,

    I am so sorry to hear that your cancer is back, Is this the same type and stage of breast cancer as last time? I had 2 bouts within a year from my initial surgery, so know how worrying this can be. I had a double mastectomy the second time around. I am now 15 years from diagnosis and I still lead a busy life.

    I shall be thinking of you on 13th and I sincerely hope that all goes well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Bad time my fears weren’t far off the situation now it seems to be scans then more reviews for more decisions 

    jill

  • Hi Jill,

    I am so sorry to hear this. Did your biopsy identify the type and stage of breast cancer you have, or are you still waiting to find out? Here's hoping that you don't have too long to wait before you get your scans. How are you coping with the diagnosis? It can be difficult to come to terms with this. Just take things one day at a time, or even hour by hour if need be.

    Jolamine xx