Mammoanxiety - having my first mammogram tomorrow, already fearing the worst

Hi

  1. Im feeling awful I have my first mammogram tomorrow and I'm already on the slippery slope of i know I have breast cancer ...the thought of waiting for the results makes me feel so depressed as I know I will be good for nothing  and probably rocking in the corner ....I have health anxiety and have suffered this for many years and I do take medication but since the Perimenopause my anxiety has definitely escalated and I went on hrt to help me deal with all the other symptoms thrown at you during this time ....but now.im convinced I will have breast cancer as I use hrt ....my mind is like a complete *** show i just hate not being able to control my anxiety. 
  • Sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time.  I would talk to your Dr about increasing your anxiety meds.  An increase in anti depressants will take a while to have an effect though.  It's also possible you might be prescribed a v limited supply of something like Lorazepam for acute symptoms .

    Id highly recommend CBT .  It's available on the NHS via your GP but waiting lists can be long.  Obviously quicker to see someone privately - if you can afford it of course ...

    I've found distraction quite useful - eg meeting friends and doing a jigsaw can be quite calming.  Exercise is also helpful.

    Remember, most mammograms show no evidence of cancer.  Also even if a lump is detected most will not e cancerous and instead will be a cyst etc 

    Hope that helps