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Fear of breast cancer recurrence

Jal55
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Hi

i just wondered if anyone else felt the same panic as I do going for their 8 year mammogram post treatment?

I have been having yearly mammograms at the hospital where I was treated for grade 2 breast cancer ( just lymph node involved). I had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy, clearance of lymph nodes and have been taking Anastrozole for 8 years. Due to Oncotype result of 32 I was told I had a high risk of recurrence though. 

My last mammogram was in 2019 and all was fine. Somehow, now I am back in the regular screening programme, I have convinced myself that something is bound to have developed in 3 years and the cancer must have recurred. My mammogram is tomorrow and I'm finding it really hard to cope - especially the thought of waiting for the results.  I'm getting regular flashbacks of opening my recall letter all those years ago!! 

At the hospital the lovely ladies doing the mammograms were able to give me a hint on the day that everything looked ok, but realise this won't happen tomorrow!! 
Most of the time I don't really think about the cancer coming back but it's as if now I can't allow myself to think otherwise. 
 

I know there are so many other people going through similar experiences but wondered if you have any coping tips for the next couple of weeks.

it's a bit like a big clock is ticking down and everything is about to start all over again!! 

Jx
 

 

 

Parents
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    Hi

    I was diagnosed in 2016, I've just come to the end of yearly mammograms and I am now back to the regular  three yearly screening programme. In some ways it is a relief- to be back to 'normal' but yes- there's always anxiety. I really wish I had some coping skills to give but I don't. I sometimes think that the anxiety will  last as long as the physical scars - only wish it was as easy to live with.

    Hope all goes well,  

Reply
  • Offline

    Hi

    I was diagnosed in 2016, I've just come to the end of yearly mammograms and I am now back to the regular  three yearly screening programme. In some ways it is a relief- to be back to 'normal' but yes- there's always anxiety. I really wish I had some coping skills to give but I don't. I sometimes think that the anxiety will  last as long as the physical scars - only wish it was as easy to live with.

    Hope all goes well,  

Children
  • Offline in reply to wyll

    Hi wyll

    Thanks so much for your reply. 
    I'm still waiting!! A bit of a respite now as no post until Tuesday
    You are right - it is good to be back to "normal" and most of the time I don't think about it. I suppose it's just fear of being back to square one when you are feeling so well. 
    I do hope it works out well for you - I suppose the fear is just something we have to cope with!! I'm trying really hard to be positive!!

    Jxx

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