Invited for follow up tests following routine mammogram

Hi, I'm a few months away from my 65th birthday, and I too have received a recall letter just 5 days after a routine 3-yearly mammogram. 

Despite a history of breast cysts in my 30's, a (non malignant) fibroadenoma which was removed surgically  at 43, and a recall 10 years ago (then x-ray was unclear and the retake was ok) I am still very nervous and concerned. 

The messages on this forum are comforting - there are no apparent lumps or changes that can be felt,  other than discomfort from the previous surgery scar from time to time. Your stories and words of comfort to each other do help.

My appointment this time though is not at my local hospital, it's at a bigger teaching hospital about 15 miles away, but maybe that's normal because of cutbacks locally.

It's the waiting I guess (although the appointment is quite soon in 5th August) - even though I'm older now, and have had a few reprieves in the past, I still feel sick at the thought of possible outcomes. My husband knows because he saw the letter when it came this morning. But I can't talk to my kids and grandkids because I don't want to worry them.

Thankyou for listening, I'll post a follow up soon.

Sue 

 

  • Hi there ...

    Oh my .. you know it doesn't get easier with age ... I was just the same after 4 call backs from mamorgrams over the years ..

    My son was in the room when I got my last call back ... I'd hid the other times from everyone and gone alone not wanting to worry anyone .. but you know they need to be prepaired in case it is positive .. you would want to be there for them if it were that way round .. yes we all had a few tears .. we all admitted it was scary ... but oh my , having a hand to hold this time was wonderfull ...

    Even my daughter in law held my hand while I had my biopsy's.... yes it's a fight of a lifetime .. but I'm still here 2 years down the road from grade 3 total masectomy on right ... and it's a rollercoaster ride ... but it is doable... I'm 65 now .. with loads of health problems before cancer ..

    And fingers crossed you'll be fine again ... but if not, there's lots of us on here .. all kicking cancers butt... so if you have to join us .. you'll find some wonderfull people here ...  that will hold your hand every step of the way ...  sending you a vertual hug.... Chrissie xx

  • Hi Chrissie,

    Thankyou for your lovely note, it really helps to hear a message of support and the hug. Sending one back to you. Sue xx

  • Attended my appointment - the reason for recall was a small linear group of micro calcifications, which were indeterminate under the magnification mammograms. The suspect tissue (and calcifications) were removed by vacuum assist equipment, plus 6 vac assist biopsies of the surrounding tissue. A small titanium clip was dropped into the cavity just in case the site needs to be revisited for further/future tests/treatment. Results hopefully in another week, keeping positive.

    Anyone else going through the waiting game - it's tough and nerve racking. Yes I'm scared, but treatments and prognoses are better than they've ever been - for suspicious areas to be picked up early, before they develop into lumps we can feel, is amazing. I'm nearly 65 - at 70 the routine screening ceases - that's worrying too!

    Sue x

  • Results day - microcalcification tissue was benign but papilloma identified in the biopsy sample.  Popped onto the annual mammogram radar for next 5 years :-)

  •  

    Hi Sue,

    I know that it is terrifying to face the possibility of a cancer diagnosis. I'm delighted to hear that your microcalcifications are benign. It is good to hear that you are also going to be well monitored for the next 5 years. Many women look upon routine mammograms as a nuisance, but they do pick up anything suspect at an early stage, thus improving our chances.

    Here's hoping that nothing untoward is identified in this time.

    Do please keep us updated with your annual recalls. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Just want to give you a big high 5 ... so so pleased for you ... we love to hear good results on here ...

    So now take every day as a bonus and live live as much as you can ...

    Chrissie xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    Thankyou for your lovely message of support. I welcome the annual mammograms, and worry that post 70 (in 6 years) even the routine 3 yearly programme will cease. Will probably seek out private breast screening as I plan to do for cervical screening (ceases at 65 years so I've had my last NHS one).

    it's so important that we attend our appointments, we are so very lucky to have this offered on the NHS. An inconvenient minute or two can save our lives!

    Thankyou once again - this forum is so comforting.

    Sue xx

  • Chrissie - thankyou ️

    Still can't believe it and yes - a different perspective on life for sure! Hope all ok with you, and thankyou so much for your messages of support, they were very comforting

    Sue xx

  • Hi all 

    I am so happy to have this support as I wait for my call back 28th September.

    Xx

  •  

    Hi Sue,

    We really are very fortunate to have all these routine tests carried out under the NHS. When you compare what people in other countries have to go through to get medical care, we really are very fortunate here in the UK.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx