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I’ve been called to the assessment clinic after a mammogram - absolutely terrified

(159 Posts)
SirChenjin Sat 07-Dec-19 19:16:37

I had my first mammogram recently at age 50 which was fairly horrendous - I fainted several time from the pain which the mammographer thought was the result of a large cyst bursting. I can’t describe how painful it was - I don’t want to experience that ever again.

She warned me that as a result of that and what she thought were other cysts, I’d probably be recalled. Sure enough, the letter came in today and I have an appointment on Wednesday. I’m terrified, even though I know that most woman who are recalled do get the all clear. I’m trying to hold it together but am feeling quite tearful.

Has anyone else been recalled? What happens at the appointment?

SirChenjin Wed 11-Dec-19 07:12:45

Thank you so, so much, that means so much to me, really ❤️ I’m trying to force some breakfast down (unsuccessfully) before we leave in a little while. Feeling physically sick and quite tearful. I’ll let you know how I get on later. Thanks again - the kindness of complete strangers on here has been overwhelming xxx

SueDonim Tue 10-Dec-19 23:29:16

Good luck tomorrow, SirChenjin. ?

Marydoll Tue 10-Dec-19 23:18:54

Good luck from me too.?

Grammaretto Tue 10-Dec-19 23:15:53

Good Luck tomorrow SirChenjin smile

SirChenjin Mon 09-Dec-19 21:24:08

Thanks so much, you’ve no idea how grateful I am for your kind words everyone smile

Patsy70 Mon 09-Dec-19 18:02:04

Hoping all goes well for you on Wednesday, SirChenjin. flowers

Willynilly Mon 09-Dec-19 15:40:40

SirChenjin I will be thinking of you and hoping for a good outcome. flowers

My past experience of losing someone close has affected my ability to be positive for myself. It's something I can't change.

I also send my good wishes to all those who have undergone, or are undergoing treatment. May you also have good outcomes and better health. flowers

jura2 Mon 09-Dec-19 14:59:13

oh SirC- will be thinking of you xxx Send news as soon as you can. Breathe and try and go for walks if you can.

SirChenjin Mon 09-Dec-19 14:56:22

It’s this Wednesday jura

Willynilly - I’ve absolutely got myself dead within the year, which I know is a terrible thing to think on so many levels. I can completely identify with everything you say.

Thank you Auntieflo I really appreciate your kind words

jura2 Mon 09-Dec-19 14:24:14

Do you have a date yet? Thinking of you - hope asap so you can put it all behind you xxx

Auntieflo Mon 09-Dec-19 14:20:10

SirChenjin. So sorry to hear about your awful experience of a mammogram, and can understand your fear of further tests and diagnosis. But, I wish you well for Wednesday, and send you a virtual hand hold.

Willynilly Mon 09-Dec-19 14:17:19

SirChenjin I completely understand as this happened to me last year. I also 'made plans' convinced it would be bad news. I did this every night as I couldn't sleep at all.
However the referral pathway is just how they do this I'm led to believe, and to be honest it's best to be seen sooner rather than later if for no other reason than to stop the 'what if' worry and know instead exactly what's going to happen.
For me it was another mammogram then I saw a registrar who explained there were what she thought was cysts. She aspirated what she could but one was stubborn. I grilled her about how likely it was it was going to be something nasty and although she said she believed it wasn't, I still wasn't convinced. She performed a biopsy and put in a titanium pellet as a marker, and I went away for another week of sleepless nights and making plans.
I was a nightmare to live with throughout.
I could hardly breathe when I went in to see the consultant, however he said the team had decided the lump was benign and I was free to go.
This won't stop me worrying if I get recalled again, but the staff at the clinic were fabulous and so should I ever need their services, I know I will be in good hands.
I sincerely hope it goes well for you.

SirChenjin Mon 09-Dec-19 13:31:39

Thank you smile

I had a quick look at the referral pathway which was probably a mistake as it looks like I’ve been referred urgently sad At work today and just can’t focus at all.

Sweetcheek Mon 09-Dec-19 11:11:17

My second mammogram ( almost 20 years ago now) revealed a cyst, I was recalled the cyst was aspirated with a very fine needle after a local anaesthetic, I felt nothing. Following this I had an ultrasound examination and was told I had Ductectasia which is apparently a shrinking of the milk ducts. This was causing a retraction of my nipple.
I had not had any further abnormal Mammograms since although I too do find the affected left breast very painful during the procedure and don’t exactly look forward to it !
Good luck on Wednesday please don’t worry too much ahead of the appointment.??

gmarie Mon 09-Dec-19 10:34:15

Oh, my. I can only imagine how painful that was, SirChenjun. My scans hurt every time because of my fibrocystic disease so I grin and bear it, but have never had that happen to me! I've been called back twice due to cysts and have had one biopsied after a different, routine visit and all was well. Usually , the painful, movable, (and I'm sure bursting!) ones are benign. Sending you warm thoughts and wishes ahead of your appointment on Wednesday. flowers

SirChenjin Mon 09-Dec-19 07:38:41

I did tell them to stop - well, shouted at them to stop. She released the clamp and down I went. Horrible.

Hetty58 Sun 08-Dec-19 23:35:30

Let us all know how you get on SirChenjin. You can always discuss other options when you get there. Surely, nobody should have to put up with that much pain? (I would have told them to stop.) It's almost certainly just cysts, with a heap of anxiety from your unfortunate experience added.

FarNorth Sun 08-Dec-19 22:24:06

I'm another who had a recall and was fine.
The nurse suddenly went quiet when doing the mammogram so I was expecting a recall but, as said, there was nothing wrong.
Wishing you well, SirChenjin.

Hetty58 Sun 08-Dec-19 22:02:47

Yes SirChenjin, all the men in the family check now. My son only has one instead of two but decided against a 'fake' replacement. He's a father to two kids since so it doesn't worry him.

SirChenjin Sun 08-Dec-19 21:56:33

What a relief for you all Hetty smileI bet he and all your male relatives are super vigilant now - I’m not sure all men are quite so aware sadly (which serves as a good reminder for me to have that conversation with DH and DS1)

Inanticipation Sun 08-Dec-19 21:31:10

I’m pleased he made it to the 5 years but he needs to stay vigilant as it can recur after five years x

willa45 Sun 08-Dec-19 21:14:59

A recall following a mammogram doesn't necessarily mean there's trouble. It's merely a second look to be sure that nothing has been missed. Even when they do find something, it doesn't automatically spell Cancer...much less one that can't be treated successfully. There are other conditions such as fluid filled cysts or benign tumors.

So sorry you had to go through so much pain and now being made to wait and worry, but chin up because no matter what happens, the odds are greatly in your favor.

Hetty58 Sun 08-Dec-19 20:51:25

SirChenjin, he's fine now. After treatment, the risk goes back to 'normal' after five years.

Juicylucy Sun 08-Dec-19 20:49:45

Yes I was re- called, mine was lymph glands slightly inflamed turns out I had a virus. Of course you will worry but I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Let us know how you get on.

Inanticipation Sun 08-Dec-19 20:49:35

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 40s so before I had any of my screening mammograms. I know it is painful and scary but please, please don’t let that put you off going for your check up. Perhaps contact your GP for some medication to help you cope? xx