hi

I've just been called back from a routine screen too and of course it is alarming so I fully understand your tears. I was diagnosed and treated for endometrial cancer last year, disease-free now, and  the best piece of advice I was given then, from an information nurse on the Macmillan helpline, was 'deal with what you know'. It is easy to go to the worst places but none of that may happen and worrying does not change anything apart from wearing you out. I also find it useful to learn as much as I can, there are some really informative and informed websites (like Cancer Research) and I cannot stress this enough, ask questions and more questions. I had intense bouts of anxiety last year after going for the initial diagnostic tests and getting the diagnosis and found some podcasts on the Mental Health Foundation website really helpful to calm myself and to help me sleep.

I realise you posted this last year so I hope your recall turned out ok for you.

Hi Bemahan,

I expect that you will by now know the reason for your recall and I hope that it was good news. Can you update us on any progress made since we last communicated?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

HI Janez,

Welcome to the forum.

 I am sorry to hear about your cancer, but thank you for sharing your Macmillan nurse's advice on the helpline. 'Deal with what you know' is definitely the best way to cope with a cancer diagnosis. There are so many unknowns, particularly in the early stages that it all becomes quite overwhelming.

I hope that you are keeping well now.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi all, 

This is a double whammy for me. Just over a week ago I got a letter regarding my routine cervical smear, informing me there was abnormal cells discovered. I'm at the hospital in July for a colposcopy.

Last week I went for a routine mammogram, and this morning I received a letter recalling me this Thursday. I've not got any lumps that I can feel, no nipple discharge, no puckering or dimpling of the skin. 

Why do we get recalled?

I'm petrified. 5 months ago my mum was diagnosed with breast cacer, of which she is currently having chemo for. I've been with her from the start of her journey , and have seen what she's had to endure. It scares me because I can't helping thinking hat could be me in a few weeks.

Had anyone else had a double whammy like this? How do people cope with the waiting?  I'm scared and feel so alone. My anxiety and panic attacks isolate me quite a lot.

Many thanks 

Hi Tra,

Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reasons that you've joined.

You must be beside yourself with worry. I have been recalled after a routine mamogram, but was fortunately given the all clear. People get recalled for all sorts of reasons. Maybe something abnormal has shown up or it could be that your originaltests were not as clear as they could be.

My mum had breast cancer too. She developed secondaries in her brain, bones, liver and lungs and, sadly she died. That was 21 years ago, when treatment and after care were nothing like they are now.

In the past 10 years I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer myself, so I have a fair idea of how you are feeling, as I too was petrified having been with my mum as she battled cancer for 12 years and, having seen all that she had to go through.

The only consolation I have found is that every cancer is individual to every person, so we all have a slightly different journey. If the worst happens and, yours does turn out to be cancer, I hope that you will have caught it in the early stages. This is likely if you have just picked both up from routine smear and mammogram. The earlier it is caught the better the chances of beating it.

This having been said, I sincerely hope that both are just false alarms.

I hope that your colposcopy goes well in July and that your recall mammogram shows up nothing untoward on Thursday.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hiya,

Thanks for your reply. It ment a lot you taking the time to respond.

I've been to the hospital this morning for a mammogam and ultrasound. The staff were lovely and did everything to put me at ease.

The reason they'd called me back was because my breast were looking different to each other. It was my right one that they were wanting to look at more. 

Apparently I have 2 glands in it that are intertwined with each other and this is what showed up on the original mammogram.  They aren't concerned as they say it's obviously just how my breasts are. Now they've got photos the next time I go (3 year recall) they will know it's 'normal' for me. I hope this makes sense. 

Big relief all round especially with my mum going through it atm and needing me there for her.

Just got my colposcopy to get through now. Roll on 7th June. 

Hi Tra,

You must be feeling so relieved to know why you were recalled and, to discover that there is nothing to worry about.

I hope that your colposcopy goes just as well on 7th July.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Libs,

Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that you've joined.

My sincere sympathy on the loss of your sister. I am sure that this has coloured your viewpoint and I hope that this is just a routine call back.

If the worst turns out to be the case, you are in a pickle with both your partner and your mum, but it's not insurmountable. We have a lady here who has been through this with her partner. Her name is Chrissie. I shall contact her and ask her to tell you how she has coped with this. She is truly inspirational.

I shall be thinking of you on Tuesday and hope that you are fortunate enough to have a clear scan again.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx 

Hi there libs ...

Bless ya .. I know how hard that is ... my partner was married then divorced ... then married the love of his life .. they had a beautiful daughter together ... and when she was 15 her mum got breast cancer ... he cared for her 24/7 .. for 2 years ... never leaving her side .. giving up work to care completely ... she lost her cancer journey nearly two years from diagnosis...  then he found out his first wife developed breast cancer .. and is still here some 6 years later ... then me, 2 years ago ... breast cancer yet again .. but I think, because I got my head round it .. and my family shared my journey .. with daughter in law and niece comming with me to tests and appointments for results .. and on the day of my masectomy,  my son and daughter in law and him, was there all day ..

I think because he didn't have to care 24/7 for me, and I was totally in control , I think that helped him to accept it .. I even joked , he should come with a health warning .., "may cause cancer"  l do opologise , as I've got a wicket sense of humour .. and was brought up to find something to smile about, no mater what .. and he laughed ... and that's how we all move on with my journey ... I don't know if any of this has helped ... there's no right or wrong way for everyone ... but take heart ... walk together on your journey.. share tears .. admit your both scared ... and lots of hugs ... 

Chrissie xx