I had my first mammogram 3 weeks ago Age 51. This was held in a temporary mobile unit local to where I live. Yesterday I received a letter recalling me back for "further investigation" next week at a Breast Care Centre not local to me (about 25 miles away). I am obviously worried sick... I cannot feel any lumps. Any words of advice would be appreciated.
No advice, but just hang in there. Like Snow with her bone problem and me with a TIA, just "waiting for news" can be painful.
Try to look on the bright side, firstly it may turn out to be nothing (happened to me on a bowel test recall), and deep down you would rather know and have treatment if necessary.
basically you need to reminded of the question
Ae mammogram the be-all and end-all of cancer diagnosis?
and the answer is no - or else there would be no breast cancer
so wait and see
Is it worthwhile? that is terrifying the worried well in order to pick up the cases of ca breast - answer:yes - that is factored into whether they do the mass-testing or not
Thank you. I am just more anxious as I started HRT 18 months ago. Also the letter says leave 2-4 hours for appointments at the clinic. The nurse said "as they have no previous images to look at that is why I am being recalled" but she could not tell me the reason for the recall.
They have no previous images so if an area appears unusual they have nothing to tell them if what they see or don't see is normal for you. They will probably do another mammogram and maybe some other imaging to ascertain what is what. When I had a pre surgery scan a shadow showed on a lung. Further scan showed nothing. Try not to worry. Take a book or something with you. They will probably want any scans reported on before you leave and this could take some time
I was recalled, I think it was the first one. I underwent a biopsy and what was found were 'innocent changes'. This was the only time I was recalled and have had checks every 3 years since and never been called back.
It is a worry but try to think positive. I hope all goes well.
I was recalled and it was found to be a cyst. They aspirated it (stuck a needle in and drew out the rather disgusting looking fluid) at the recall appointment.
I went on to have cysts pretty regularly until menopause, all of which were aspirated.
Good luck.