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

SirChenjin I feel for you. I had a lump at the age of 47 and I was terrified. Fortunately when I had a doctor to check it out, she thought it was a cyst due to its shape, etc.

I had a mammogram and it was very painful.

I then had an ultrasound scan and then the cyst was drained
painlessly via a very fine needle, guided by an ultrasound scan so I could see it on the screen.

Since then I've had no further problems.

When I get called for a mammogram - I will ask if I can have an ultrasound scan instead. I don't like the idea of my breasts being x-ray'd. And I don't want to go through pain again. So...

See if you can have an ultrasound scan instead, as an alternative.

Good luck!

Hetty

I hope your son is OK?

My son had it when he was only 22. The way he found out was bizarre. The bathroom was being updated in his rented flat so the shower was out of action.

He always showers, but that time, took a bath instead. One of the newly installed, very large wall tiles detached itself and hit him on the head. Sitting there, somewhat stunned, he discovered a lump!

They'd all faint if their b***s were clamped!

I think a blood test is on the way.

They can detect non-specific abnormalities with a blood test.

SirChenjin, now you know why there's no male equivalent screen for testicular cancer! Maybe there should be!

I was last year just before Christmas and was convinced it was the end. Couldn’t think how I was going to get through it. I had a second mammogram when I got there and then waited until the doctor saw me, convincedI would require a biopsy and exactly what it would find. The doctor said she saw nothing to worry about and we went out and to a Christmas farm shop. I was dazed with relief after a couple of weeks of crippling anxiety. No use telling you not to worry, but you are right that most are fine. Let us know how you get on?

I was recalled a whileago, and all was well, although it was very scary at the time.

If you are taking your husband with you, it's a good idea to suggest that he takes a crossword or a book with him, as there can be a lot of hanging about. I was taken into a separate room from him, and then waited for another mammagram followed by another wait for an appointment with the consultant, who did a manual exam. It all took quite a while, and he was in the general waiting room all the time.

Good luck with it, and remember, as others have said, that the majority of women who are recalled do not have cancer.

I’ll see what they say on Wednesday and then yes, that would be an option I think.

We'd all have MRI scans if they were available on the NHS. Nice music through headphones and totally pain free. Why not go private?

Thank you everyone and yes, a t*t sandwich is exactly what it’s like! I was expecting it to be uncomfortable and slightly painful but oh my - it was off the scale (and I had 3 labours on just gas and air, including one ventouse delivery!).

Solonge what other tests are available? With the best will in the world I really don’t think I can go through another mammogram

I’m a nurse. Tell them you will have other examinations, no mammograms. I’ve always refused them, there are alternatives.

That test sounds dreadful SirChenjin! I've never had one but, if I was worried, I'd definitely have an MRI instead!

Just to say I went to college with a lady who had a lump in her breast on 9 different occasions and each was only a cyst Hopefully yours will be a cyst too. All the best xxx

I am too old to get automatic reminders re mammograms but always request one anyway (every 3 years I think, note on the calendar) which we are all free to do. Age makes no difference to the likelihood of getting something.

I can’t tell you the terrible pains I experienced when I was waiting for biopsy results all psychosomatic. All disappeared once the issue had been diagnosed. Mind plays tricks.

Just adding my good wishes SirChenjin - I'm sure it will be OK. The pain must have been horrendous - I often wonder why after all these years of mammograms a less painful procedure has not been developed. Having your breast squeezed between two metal plates can't be very beneficial (as in your case where the cyst burst) and is downright painful. And I speak as one not very 'well-endowed'.
My dear late brother, never one to mince his words, called the procedure 'a t** sandwich'.

Thanks you all so much

I’m just back from a trip to the shops with DD and trying to keep everything in perspective by remembering everything you lovely GNetters have said. I’ve been having some twinges in my upper back recently which is more likely to be the result of hunching over a laptop at work and bad sleeping position but of course I’ve now created a whole terrible scenario so I really need to get a grip.

I was recalled a couple of years ago. My sister went with me, and we were both surprised at the number of ladies waiting to be seen.
Fortunately all I had was a cyst, which they drained there and then.
My youngest sister nearly always gets recalled, she has had many cysts drained.
We are so lucky to have such a good service.

Welcome to your fifties, and you did the right thing by yourself in going for your first mammogram. No-one likes having them! But if there is a problem of any sort the quicker it is dealt with the better. Ignoring something won't ever make it go away.
(By the way your sixties will start off with your first bowel cancer screening, something else to look forward to..!).
Best wishes xx

I too was recalled after a mammograph and was one of the fortunate ones who was immediately told there was no signs of cancer, or anything else.

I hope you have the same good result.

Please do try not to worry. And do let us know the result.

I do sympathise. It's horrible waiting, isn't it. I was recalled once but it was only because my result was unclear apparently.
I probably fidgeted or something.
Lots of luck, chances are its nothing to worry about.

I was called back once because the picture, from the mammogram, wasn't clear enough. I must admit it was the only time I'd felt excruciating pain during the mammogram so maybe it wasn't done properly. All was well the second time and good luck and hope all is well.

It isn't pleasant, but you must go through with it, try to think of the long term benefits.

I was recalled almost exactly 5 yrs ago and it turned out I did have Breast Cancer. They did a lumpectomy and that was followed by 4 weeks of daily radiotherapy and 5 yrs of Anastrazole tablets. The staff were all absolutely amazing. I have my final yearly mammogram next week and see my specialist in Feb when I expect/hope to get the all clear. Through it all there was never anything to worry about and definitely worth getting it all checked out. I’m sure you’ll be fine on Wednesday but do let them know how you are feeling