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

Just think it’s better to go and be properly checked out than to do nothing and regret it.

I was recalled several years ago now so I can relate to the week of feeling sick with fear.
It turned out to be a group of tiny cysts that were removed by a painless needle biopsy.
Having said that the staff were so kind I think I could have coped if the news had been worse.
Good luck for Wednesday.

Most mammogram recalls show nothing sinister. As you already know you have cysts i am sure that is what it is and a cyst bursting will make the mammogram unclear.
I wish you well.

Hi SirChenjin I think that recalls happen routinely when something needs to be 'double checked' so in fact they should be reassuring, not anxiety inducing. The nurse gave you a 'heads up' that you will probably be recalled, so I would say this is a routine recall.

I was recalled after a mammogram a few years ago, also got myself all worked up and it was purely that the x-Ray was unclear. So I was being well looked after.

Best wishes for Wednesday. x

I too was called back, on my 63rd birthday no less.

They did a biopsy, found it was calcium deposits and put in a marker for subsequent mammograms to show up and check.

Those cysts need to be removed if they are causing such terrible pain.

Wishing you well SirChenjin - let us know how it all goes.

Sending you every good wish, Sirch

I used to get a lot of cysts when younger, and the first one did scare me. After that I got quite used to them and the treatment, which just involved draining them. As I recall the cysts were rather painful, but more of a nuisance than anything because they would keep popping up. At least they were relatively harmless. Good luck on Wednesday. Being recalled is very daunting. We just want them to tell us everything is all right. I was recalled a few years ago as they found some calcium deposits that could have become cancerous. A needle biopsy sorted those out. Mammograms are not a lot of fun, but I intend to go back next year in spite of the fact I am no longer eligible for automatic recall.

That sounds very painful SirChenjin.
A mammogram does hurt a bit but if a cyst burst that could have been extremely painful. I would think that that would be enough to make the mammogram unclear and hence the recall or perhaps another cyst which they should be able to deal with quickly.

Good that you have an appointment quickly and good luck for Wednesday.

I can’t add to what everyone else has said so I’m just sending you my best wishes for your appointment, SirChenjin.

I too have been recalled several times; and on one occasion they sent the results off to some specialist regional team. I was, as you are, more than a bit worried during the waiting, which is the worst bit. All fine every time; so take heart asn try not to worry - hard I know. Good luck.

Hi SirChenjin try not to worry, I know that's easy for me to say.

When I had my first mammogram I was told it wasn't unusual for a re call as everyone's breasts are different and when it's your first, they have nothing to compare it too. What may seem different may be perfectly normal for you.

If you have other cysts it's good that they are being thorough. My mum had 3 re calls in total all due to cysts, and it was never anything sinister.

I'm sorry you had such an awful experience, they're pretty painful at the best of times.

The very best of wishes for Wednesday.

Don’t be scared. I was recalled, and I had a lumpectomy this time last year, followed by daily radiotherapy. It was nowhere near as bad as I had imagined. I just felt so confident that I was in good hands all the way, and the staff couldn’t have been kinder. It was actually quite a life-affirming experience.

I was recalled and it was simply because the machine had caught a small fold of skin causing that part of the breast to appear more dense.
I know how you feel, it is a worry but try not to think the worst. The chances are it will be OK.

I had a recall letter once and like you was very anxious. I had a biopsy so more waiting and worry.
Your imagination runs riot (and Dr Google doesnt help!) I was lucky and mine wasn't anything too serious. I had an excisional biopsy for a papilloma which was causing an inverted nipple. It left a small scar and that was it.
I am sorry you had such terrible pain.
All the best to you for Wednesday.

Thank you all so much, you’ve no idea how much your kind words mean ❤️ I do have a tendency to catastrophise so I’ve had a bit of a rough day since the letter arrived this morning. It’s reassuring to hear so many positive stories and hopefully I’ll have the same outcome.

Gagajo That’s great you had positive experiences and the best outcome you could hope for ?

So sorry to hear SirC - no experience of this at all- but hope you get an appt very soon so you can stop worrying x

I was recalled after my first mammogram and like you I was terrified and emotional. However I was fortunate as it turned out to be a cyst.
Good luck for Wednesday. Hope all goes well for you

Just wanted to pop by and wish you good luck I m sure we ll all be thinking of you x

SirChengin I really do sympathise with you and I know just what you going through. Sixteen years ago I had my first mammogram when I was 50. I was recalled and whilst waiting for the appointment I was terribly anxious. Had to keep having a sip of brandy to calm me down!
Anyway to my relief it turned out to be cysts.
After that experience I am quite reluctant to go for my mammogram. I agree with GrandmaJan, the letters should be more explicit. I suffer with anxiety and that recall sent me over the edge! Best of luck with your appointment. Sounds like you'll be fine but I know through experience it's hard not to worry!

Good luck SirChengin. I hope your appointment is soon so you don't have the worry hanging over you at Christmas. Sounds like it should be fine. Some wise words from others in this thread. Let us know how you get on ??

I THINK I'm 100% ok Scj, thank you. It was, off and on, 3 years of absolutely outstanding treatment / lots of operations. But I don't mind an operation.

Wishing you as positive experience as I've always had.

You are bound to be anxious Scj and I hope your worries melt away soon after reassurance from the hospital.
?

Thanks Marydoll and I will do

Thank you all so much for sharing your own stories and I hope you’re ok now GagaJo? That must have been an extremely worrying and difficult time for you and your family

My mum passed away a few years ago although I know she had a lot of breast cysts so maybe it’s hereditary? All of my friends are in their mid to late forties so none of them have had mammograms yet and no-one I know has been in this situation so I really appreciate all your posts

I too was recalled, my appointment was two days before Christmas.

I had a history of cysts, and was frequently being sent for mammograms, but this was actually a lump of gristly tissue. No-one could work out what it was.

I was very anxious, but the staff were lovely, very professional and matter of fact, they have to be. They are used to anxious patients.
It is reassuring that medics are on the ball and have called you back so promptly.

As Whitewavemark2 says, it's no surprise that they want to see you after your horrible experience. It may be just something as simple as a poor image result.

It's a good idea to have your husband with you.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on, if you can.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your kind words and good wishes It’s not surprising I was recalled as you say Whitewavemark2 and it’s good they’re seeing me so quickly - I suppose I was just hoping that the mammographer had made a mistake and it was all clear.

DH is going to come with me so I won’t be on my own thankfully. I’ll just need to be brave and hope everything’s fine.