Hi Janeylou. I know how you feel. I'm 51 and received a recall letter on Christmas Eve (great timing) saying an abnormality was found on my first screening mammogram. My clinic appt is 5 Jan and I can think of nothing else at the moment. I'm trying to keep distracted. My teenage daughter and husband saw me open the letter but I haven't told my teenage son or anyone else apart from my best friend. Kind of want to know what is actually the outcome before I worry other people. Will tell my boss (she is lovely) though as need time off work for the appt. My Mum and her mother (so my maternal grandmother) both had breast cancer. My grandmother died years ago from another cancer in the end and my Mum is doing fine, four years on. I had three (one per year) mammograms up to the age of 50 on the familial screening programme (which were all clear)but the last one was nearly two years ago (I'm 52 in February). When I  had the recall letter last week I then took a close look at my breasts as I hadn't noticed any lumps (I am a bit rubbish at checking though) and was horrified to see a considerable area of dimpling/puckering under my left inner breast - quite obvious lines and indents when I raise my arms. I have no idea how long they have been there as I don't go around with my arms in the air staring at my boobs Kind of wish I had now though. I can really understand what you are feeling and the waiting is awful as every scenario goes through your head. All I can say to you (and me!) is that most cases referred aren't cancer so let's hold onto that thought!! Good luck for tomorrow. X

Hi Kiwirunner, just wanted to let you know....my circumstances very similar to you, age 53 years, referral letter arrived the day before Christmas Eve.....not sure how I've got through Xmas as no extended family around to keep me busy as usual, due to their health issues (my sister has secondary breast cancer) Just myself, hubby and teen daughter, who, as you, saw me open referral letter, which I managed to play down.

Attended my appointment first thing today (my birthday) I was told that there was a change in one of my breasts so I had a more detailed mammogram and an ultrasound. After the ultrasound the consultant told me that I am absolutely fine and can go back to three yearly mammograms. 
 

Just wanted to give you some hope and let you know that things can still be okay even though you might think the worst....I found it so difficult to.stay positive. I was sooo scared, i am a bit of a glass half full person. It's awful having waited over Christmas, I can't tell you how stressed I've been. Good luck with your appointment and fingers crossed for you xx

Hi KimMarie thanks so much for your message. I have fingers crossed for a good outcome for you too. When will you hear? I'm in the South West which is not as bad as other areas. I don't think we are allowed to say which hospital are we? I do hope that you are not delayed. It's stressful enough without worrying about Covid impact too. xx

Thank you so much a Janeylou. Yes I'm aiming to take a glass half full approach. That may dip when I get detailed results but won't know that until 3 Feb. Feels good to have dates in place though. Will be checking back with you on the 27th and thanks for offer on messaging. Will be in touch xx

Thank you, I have my appointment on the 22nd. I have everything crossed they are wrong. No better not to, but I am the South West too and they've said as long as all treatment is as an out patient I will be fine. It's all so scary without COVID getting in the way. 
Thanks for your reply 

Take care of yourself and stay positive xx

Hi kimMarie, I will keep everything crossed you get good news on 22nd xxx

Thank you, I've got it all tightly crossed too xx

Hope your both doing ok xxx

Hi Janeylou that is nice of you to check in. A week today until you go back to have it checked again? Doesn't time drag!

KimMarie, you've got just two days to go now until you get your results? I know how you will be feeling, when like me you have been told to prepare for it being cancer but the waiting to know exactly what you are facing is so hard. Will be thinking of you on Friday - do let us know how you get on. xx

I have my MRI tomorrow evening (6.45pm). I dreamt last night that they found lots of extra bits in there in addition to the one they have already found. I guess that is the whole point of an MRI but it still feels daunting. More biopsies on the 28th and I guess if they biopsy more areas than redoing the one they have identified then that will be another thing to get my head around. Just want to know what I am facing and the days are going so slowly...

Let's keep each other posted - so good to have the support on here xx

HI [@KimMarie]‍ have been thinking of you today and wondering how you got on at your appt today? Hope it went OK.

I had my MRI last night. Quite an experience as never had one before. Not my finest moment trying to shuffle up the board on my stomach like a salmon trying to go up river, as I tried to get my boobs in the 'pots' better after not aiming them right the first time hahaha.  Not helped by one of the radiographers being a disarmingly attractive man! Anyway, yet another step done and second round of biopsies next week now.

Here's hoping you had a good end to the week today xx

Hi [@kiwirunner]‍ 

Thanks for thinking of me, so I had my appointment today and it wasn't great news, which I had expected. It's cancer and I have several lumps all grade 2/3 so I need to have surgery which will involve a mastectomy ‍♀️ Then I need 6 months of chemo, some radiotherapy and then tablets. All a lot to take in and I'm not really sure how I feel about it all. 
 

I'm  glad you've had your MRI done, when do you get your results for that? Xx

Thanks [@Janeylou]‍  for staying in touch, not the greatest news but I need to stay positive so I can get through it all! How are you getting on? Xx

Thanks [@Janeylou]‍  for staying in touch, not the greatest news but I need to stay positive so I can get through it all! How are you getting on? Xx