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

You must explain how painful it was last time, and tell them that you are very frightened. They will understand, and talk you through the whole procedure.

That kind of pain isn't the usual thing at a mammogram so it does sound as if a cyst got horribly squashed. Awful - my sympathy to you. There are so many things that aren't cancer for which you can get recalled. I found a breast lump when I was only 23 and it was a fibroadenoma - completely benign but needed surgery. Many years later the same breast grew itself a fat cyst which was dealt with at the Marsden in one OP appointment and pretty painlessly. Good luck - hope all will be well and painless. Please let us know how it goes. xx

I have been recalled twice and I know it's quite scary but thankfully both times were clear. The second one was exactly as Bradfordlass with a Titanium marker inserted due to calcification. For some reason I can now set some shop alarms off on entering! My friends joke about it and are convinced it's the marker. Good luck SCJ I'm sure all will be fine.

I have been recalled, I was told the redo the mammogram, that is examined then if need be a scan is carried out and if further clarification needed a biopsy. On my recall they redid the mammogram then I was called to have a scan which freaked me out thinking the worse but there was nothing to worry about this particular clinic always do a scan as well. I know it is difficult not to worry but the odds are with you x

I know it’s pointless telling you not to worry, it’s human nature. I was recalled and went into melt down! Luckily I know an ex Macmillan nurse who I had a chat with. She was very reassuring. Knowing that lots of people are recalled is comforting (not that I wish anxiety on anyone!) She told me that whatever happens you will cope.
I was lucky and got the all clear. Cannot stress how lovely all the staff were.
Good luck ?

You could track down thermo-imaging, see if there's a place near you. They're supposed to be gentler and more accurate than mammograms.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

Of course you are anxious, it's normal. I was recalled once. Turned out to be a poor image but I was worried. Your history of cysts seems the most likely cause of the further investigations surely. Do hope all is well.

I have never had a recall but found lumps myself unfortunately mine was cancer ,I have had cysts in other breast as well . So to be honest don't get too bothered by mammogram results . I am sorry it was so painful hope all goes well ?

Have been recalled twice and each time was when I was living abroad (2 different countries) on one occasion I had a different kind of mammogram followed by an examination and the second time I went straight for an ultrasound. I was cleared both times (calcifications only) but as I've never been recalled in the UK I think probably they are not as thorough.

By co-incidence my big sister was also recalled and I accompanied her to the Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow last Wednesday. She also had a titanium marker implanted next to the tiny piece of unexplained dense tissue, a biopsy was performed and she has to go back this Wednesday for the test results.

All the staff were very reassuring, said that the mass did not look cancerous but even if it was it would be quickly removed. They stressed that this was the point of the Breast Screening Program, to catch the slightest 'thing' and treat it before it had done any harm.

@SirChenjin please go! Yes it's terrifying in advance but not doing anything is worse!

I was recalled last year and had a small cancer removed. The recall appointment consisted of another mammogram to confirm the first finding, then an ultrasound and a biopsy. If it is a cyst they may want to sample the fluid in the cyst but you will be given a local anaesthetic before either of these procedures.

Tell them when you arrive that you're anxious and that the previous mammo was painful and why the radiographer thought that was. All the staff in the breast care units are experienced and sympathetic so please don't worry.

Best of luck!

I've had call backs twice now, which have necessitated biopsies. On both occasions the lumps proved to be nothing to worry about. For most people who get called back this is the case. Don't start panicking yet and if you do need further treatment, rest assured whatever you may have will have been caught VERY early!

I just want to add my good wishes, SirChenjin. I hope all goes well for you.

18 years ago I had a routine mammogram and they found a very small lump, which turned out to be a small piece of cancerous tissue.
Very quickly I was re-called and had the operation to remove it. The consultant said it was about the size of his little fingernail so he was able to remove it all. I only have a tiny scar.
There was a real feeling of camaraderie in the ward as we were all in the same boat.
I had radiotherapy, but no chemo, followed by one year of Tamoxifen, after which, when I returned to see the consultant, she said I could stop taking it as there was almost no chance of the cancer recurring.
I still go every three years for a mammogram, even though I’m well over the age when they contact me automatically. I just wait three years from the previous mammogram and then book myself in and I would advise everyone to do this, and never miss a mammogram, as my cancer could have been much worse if it had not been spotted so early.
Mammograms aren’t very comfortable, but only last a minute or so, so it is well worth putting up with a moment of discomfort to get a brilliant outcome.

I had 2 cysts too and biopsies. I also have some scar tissue. I have to go this week for a mammogram because I thought my breast felt a bit lumpy. The GP couldn’t feel anything but referred me to the clinic anyway for a mammogram and to see the consultant afterwards. Like you I’m terrified because my mum had breast cancer at my age.
I don’t know how I’m going to get to the appointment. Sometimes when I am really stressed I get a bad migraine and can’t keep appointments but I need to go for peace of mind. I hope it all goes well for you

tell them when you get there your fears, and that your very nervous, and worried, they will put your mind at rest.

It's the waiting and worrying that's the worst bit. Try to hold on to reason for three more days. And all best wishes for Wednesday.

All the best SirChenjin... I had spontaneous bleeding from one of my breasts ...feared the worst, but after scans etc , had a small operation, they took it out and biopsy confirmed it was benign. Good luck! Dont worry too much .

Sending you best wishes - hope all goes well for you. Let them know you’re nervous and they will look after you. When I have something coming up
That I dread I always think ‘this time tomorrow it will be done’. It helps me.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to post - I hadn’t expected so many replies and feel quite emotional reading all your kind words

I really feel for all of you who have been through similar and have experienced the fear and anxiety associated with the recall. Although it’s obviously something that happens a lot it’s still a very worrying time and I’m so glad that you all had good outcomes. Thank you again for sharing your stories, your support means the world.

Just want to add my good wishes SirChenJin

I had a big lump once that turned out to be a cyst.

Sending all very best wishes, OP - I do hope your worries will be needless.

I was recalled and was very worried as I had to wait two weeks for appointment however they redid the test and it was a vein that had bled due to a little bit pressure off the machine- phew the relief! Good luck .

Can't add anything to what's already been said SirChenjin so I'm just sending you my good wishes for Wednesday. ?

Can't add anything SirChenjin just wish you good luck and sorry you had such a painful experience last time. Take care