My mum recently had her routine mammogram and I’m really anxious

My mum recently had her routine mammogram and has now received a letter asking her to go back for some more tests.

I know being called back doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, and I’ve read that this can happen because they want a closer look at something or need additional images, but I’m struggling not to worry about it.

I suffer with health anxiety, so my mind is obviously jumping to the worst-case scenario, even though I know there could be many completely harmless reasons she’s been called back.

Has anyone else in the UK had this happen after a routine breast screening? What happened when you went back for the additional tests?

I’m probably just looking for some reassurance and other people’s experiences while we wait for her appointment.

  • We’re home now.

    She had her cysts drain and they have took a biopsy just to be safe. They said she will get a call within 2 weeks with the results of that and then she will have to go back for a mammogram. 

    Although I’m having to wait another 2 weeks and I still feel somewhat anxious about the results. I feel better this time as we know what it is and that it’s highly unlikely to be anything sinister. 

    Thank you for your help and reassurance. 

  • That is such reassuring news at this point , and its good that they are taking all precautions ,try and relax a little whilst you wait although until she gets the all clear you'll naturally still worry .....

  • I’m pleased you’re home now & have more clarity.  The medical experts are very good at recognising just from mammograms & ultra sound what looks sinister & what doesn’t  & although it’s only a biopsy that can definitely determine the final result it’s good that they are already referring to your Mum’s ‘cysts’ in their terminology.  Easier said than done but try to relax a little now over the next couple of weeks in the knowledge that you have all done as much as you can do & here’s hoping that the biopsy result gives you the final  clarification you all desire.  Take care xx

  • This really does sound hopeful. I trust that your mum feels more comfortable now that her cysts have been drained? This will still be an anxious wait until you get the actual results and are told that there's nothing to worry about.

    I fully agree with Jenny and Chrissypaul's advice and hope that you will soon get the clarity you need from both the biopsy and her mammogram.

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you. It definitely feels a little easier now that we’ve actually had the appointment and have some more clarity. I’m still a little anxious about waiting for the biopsy results, but nowhere near as bad as I’ve felt over the past couple of weeks.

    Hopefully the biopsy will just confirm what they already suspect. I’ll keep you updated when she gets her results.

    Thank you again for being so kind and reassuring throughout all of this xx 

  • She actually didn’t feel the cysts at all before, so she wasn’t in any discomfort from them. She’s a little sore now after having them drained and the biopsy, but otherwise she’s doing okay.

    I’m still a little anxious about waiting for the results, but nowhere near as bad as I’ve been over the past couple of weeks.

    Hopefully the results will give us the clarity we’re hoping for. Thank you again for your kind words and support, I really appreciate it xx

  • Thank you! It definitely feels more reassuring now that we’ve had the appointment and know a bit more. I’m still going to worry until we get the actual results, but I’m nowhere near as anxious as I was before the appointment. Hopefully the biopsy will confirm that they’re just cysts. xx