Thank you Chrissiie,

It's so true, I'm not alone, and it helps to reach out to other women who really know and share the feelings.

Positive thinking and keeping busy xx Trisha  

Hi I had my first yearly mammogram in January after my treatment and I too was constantly worrying about the outcome.  Fortunately everything okay but I do sometimes worry about my reconstructed breast as a mammogram under the NHS isn't an option.  I'm also taking anastrozole which has numerous side effects for myself aching legs, night sweats, insomnia, etc.  Try and stay positive and fingers and crossed.

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. 

It is something I go to when I get my sinking moments and fear the worst.  I know it must be such a relief having the peace of mind that the mammogram was clear. 

I hope you are doing well.  I know only too well the side effects of Anastrozole.  My doctor started me on Amitriptyline 10mg to help with chronic pain and insomnia.  Took a while to get used to them but they really help. 

Take care and thank you again, for reassuring me

Trisha xx

Hi Tricia

Hope you are keeping safe and well.

I went for my mammogram and MRI yesterday and found it a terrifying experience in many ways, mainly due to my flashbacks from the previous year and also because it was at a hospital that I was unfamiliar with.

Upon arrival it was like a ghost town and just a handful of patients around various parts of the hospital and skeleton staff.

There were no breast nurses and just one receptionist on the desk who I could barely understand and she didn't even know what exactly I was there for!

My mammogram was over in about ten mins and was a bit painful because of the effects of the radiation  I've had plus surgery I suppose.

When it came  to the MRI, I almost couldn't go through with it because of a panic attack and claustrophobia fears and also they failed to forewarn me that I would have to go through 2 Covid wards to get to where the MRI was being done and they had no mask for me.

I was crying and unsure of how to proceed and there was nobody there to comfort or reassure me in anyway it was terrible.

I managed to get through it in the end but when I left no mention was made about results and she just asked questions about my previous lumpectomies and radiotherapy and where I had it done.

The leaflet I read in the waiting room said results are posted to patient and gp within two weeks.

I'm feeling intense anxiety now and keeping myself as busy as possible as I always have so much to do and even more so with the 3 children to home school but my focussing on anything is particularly hard.

Karyn x

Hi Karyn,

I was thinking of you yesterday.

What an experience.  I am really saddened by your unfeeling experience.  How in the world could they expect a cancer patient to walk through Covid areas?  What a disgrace on that hospital.  

I can understand your feeling on having the MRI.  Poor you , but you did it - really well done!  Now forget yesterday.  I am sure the next two weeks will be hard for you - as they will be for me when I get my overdue mammogram. 

Really pleased you let me know how you got on.  I will send you a 'friend request' - but please don't feel you have to respond.  You are busy with your three chldren, especially home schooling, at the moment.  I chose to home school mine (we lived in America) and probably did it sooo differently.  My way - but you know what - my way wasn't bad.  I have a daughter with her Masters in Biomedical Science and a son who is frontline Paramedic.  Mum's brag here he's been on Helicopter Heroes (sorry about that he never let me tell people in real life!).

Trisha x