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

No experience to share but wanted to send all good wishes to you

sirchen it is frightening, but if you think about it, it isn’t surprising is it? Thinking about it logically after your horrible experience it would be more worrying if they hadn’t recalled you.

Keep us posted?

It’s natural to worry. I think all of us would but it sounds as though as you said you have cysts and they need to deal with these. As nurses we have asked for a long time for letters sent to ladies following mammograms and smears to be a little bit more explicit because the general letter causes so much anxiety. I remember getting a letter following a smear, I requested an urgent appointment and it turned out I had thrush! Take a friend or relative with you and please try not to worry.

I know it is an awful worry, but keep telling yourself that with the majority of recalls it is because of harmless cysts. I have had a cyst treated by an injection, I won't say it was entirely pain free but it was not too bad.

I was called back. It was a cyst. Nothing needed to be done.

Some months later the cyst suddenly came up like a boil on my breast. I went to see my GP, who gave me antbiotics and sent me to a specialist, who examined me and gave me the all clear and nothing has happened since. That was about 30
years ago.

I've been recalled LOADS. I have, however, had breast cancer, but since then, I've been called back 10 times.

They'll ultrasound you, because it's a better way to diagnose AND possibly drain the cysts. Ask for a local anaesthetic and you will feel nothing.

IF they find anything suspicious (suspicious doesn't automatically mean cancer remember, I can attest to that), they will do a biopsy. Again, ask for a local anaesthetic injection and you'll feel nothing.

It's terrifying every time I go, BUT, if the worst comes to the worst, I had stage 3 cancer 9 years ago. A very aggressive type. I'm still here.

I haven’t been recalled ( and have had my last one due to age anyway) but just wanted to say I do hope all will be well for you SirC and that it probably is cysts and nothing for you to be worried about, although very understandable that you are.
Good luck.?