Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Weejeannie on July 21, 2013, 11:43:19 AM
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Hi All
Just got my letter to attend for my very first breast screening appointment and I am very scared, not of the screen itself, but of the results. I suffer greatly from health anxiety and I worry so much that they will find cancer, this is always a major concern of mine, can't help it, I just worry endlessly whenever something like this comes up.
I have had a feel around myself and can't find anything out of the ordinary, but I am rather large up top and am frightened that I have missed a lump due to my large boobs.
I know I am being irrational, everything in the news, the papers even in soaps is about someone famous dying from or having cancer, just seems to be everywhere.
Sorry for venting , I'm sure my partner and friends would think I was mad for worrying so much, just the way I am.
At least the sun is shining, I shall go into the garden and try to busy myself.
Thanks for reading
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I was scared first time too. Now due to have another at the end of the month. They are slightly uncomfortable, but only takes about 20 minutes in total. Most ladies are usually clear. Think positive. :hug:
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They are a bit uncomfortable but they don't last long.
The chances are that you will be fine, most ladies are.
But, even in the very unlikely circumstance, of something beng found, it would be better to find it early so it can be treated effectively.
The main thing is think positive, don't panic. :hug:
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Know EXACTLY how you feel - I'm trying to see if I can have it done privately so I get the results quicker - but you are not alone....... :hug:
xxxx
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The results probably won't get to you any quicker privately ::)
I had breast disease in 1995 - felt by lump, nothing shown on mammogram ......... still here <wave>
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I am just the same - get v anxious with mammograms and smear tests etc. - but then remind myself that (a) the majority are negative and (b) how lucky we are to have these tests available to us. Good luck -it will soon be over :)
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Thank you all for your replies, I know I should think rationally, and when I read your lovely replies, they go some way to help me think rationally, so I really thank you all so much for your kind words.
I feel a little bit better, did some gardening and this took my mind off it for a bit.
My appointment is on Tuesday afternoon, not sure when the results come out, wish it was straight away, however, I will just need to suck it up for now and try to remain calm.
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Results take normally 2-3 weeks. Remember that 1 in 20 of all women get recalled for one thing or another so don't be too scared if you get a recall.
Bramble
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I was told that you are most likely to be recalled after your first one as they have nothing to compare it against to see if there are any changes.
I was not but was fully expecting a recall.
Try not to worry it really won't help. It a bit uncomfy but over with quickly.
Honeyb
X
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Thanks Honeybun, I will try not to panic if I get recalled.
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I am pretty sure it's actually one thing they tell you in the information leaflet.
The nurse that did mine told me as well. I went to one of the mobile units and they were so nice.
Let us know how it goes.
Honeyb
X
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I will do Honeybun, and thanks for the information, I probably did read that on the leaflet but not looked at it again since I received it.
I work at the hospital that the screening is done, next door in fact, maybe they will take pity on me as a member of staff lol
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Doubt it ;) ;D
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Thanks CLKD ;D
I'll be too scared to even open my mouth never mind ask them for any favours ;D
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Had my first one this year. All was fine. Just try not to be embarressing and faint like I did ;D Theres always one isn't there? !!
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:o Oh my !! Mind you, I can't rule that reaction out for me ;D
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Just back from my screening, definitely not as bad as I thought it would be, took 20 minutes from arriving to leaving.
The radiologist/ographer said to wait till she checked that the films had come out ok, scanned her face for concern, not sure. I really wish I could just take these things in my stride instead of being an over anxious wreck of a woman.
Just waiting and trying not to worry now :-\
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Well done Weejeannie.
Not sure, but when she said she was checking the films had come out ok, think she meant for technical picture quality type issues. Not whether she could see anything sinister there.
Please try to stop worrying
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Yes, they mean whether the films are clear enough to see, not anything sinister :)
Try not to worry :)
Libby
x
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Thanks everyone, I am thinking more positively today, I think my mind just goes into overdrive and I feel I can't cope with any stress at all.
x
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The Radiographer will have a certain knowledge as to what she/he is looking for, any doubts she/he would have asked for the Consultant to take a look. Otherwise it should be OK.
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I'm sure it will be fine. At least its all over now xxx
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Got my letter today, mammogram was 'inconclusive' and I have been recalled for further tests. I am so scared and have not stopped crying.
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Difficult as it is to say "don't worry" try not to!!!!
I was recalled the first time, mine was done at a mobile unit.
My understanding s that there is a lt of recalls from the mobile units, they seem not to get as good images as the hospital screening units.
I hope you get an appointment quick so they don't leave you waking!
Good luck, Ann x
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My mammogram was done at the main screening centre at the hospital.
Don't think that my nerves can take this pressure, I am so worried and scared, anxiety levels through the roof. I am convinced that they will find cancer. :'(
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weejeannie - just stop and think for a minute - what realistically is the chance of something being 'wrong' at your very first screening???? xxx
I heard there are lots recalled at the first screenings.
I know how you feel and how nervous you are - I had my first invite for the end of this month, I'm 49. I had to cancel it as luck would have it (or otherwise ;D) I am away on holiday - but I must say I felt a sense of relief.
I know I will be just like you when I have MY first one .
PLEASE try not to worry sweetheart, I know its easier said than done, but the chances are there will be nothing wrong whatsoever xxxxx
Keep posting, we will all support you I'm sure xx
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Weejeanie - that's rotten for you I remember how worried you were.
A lot of ladies get recalled for another scan so it's not necessarily anything sinister.
I seem to remember that you work at the hospital where the scan was carried out?
Why not stick your head round the scanning dept door and say how worried you are and ask for a bit more information.
Failing that see your GP and say what you've said here.
Please Please try not to worry it won't help or change anything.
Lots of Hugs
:hug: :hug: :hug:
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Wee Jeanie,
Try not to worry, easier said than done I know. I was recalled this time as well but only had to wait a week before the second appointment. Had to go to the main breast screening clinic in Edinburgh for it. It should have told you in the letter that 1 in 20 women get recalled (and out of these, 4 out of 5 have no problems). When I was there, there were a lot of women who had been recalled on their first mammogram. I think they err on the side of caution as they have no previous x-rays to check against. Is your appointment quite soon?
Bramble
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1:20 are recalled, look on patient.co.uk
That is quite high, I hope you get seen again soon.
When I was recalled, they showed me the first scan and even I could see that the image wasn't good, there was a shadow. I think more inexperienced people are trained just to take the pictures but can't check them before letting the patient go, I mean just check that the pic is ok.
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Remember we talked about the high number of re calls after the first screening because they have nothing to compare it with.
Try not to panic, although I know it's hard not to.
Honeyb
X
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Like everyone has said try not to worry, easier said than done. Not uncommon for recalls. Think positive, at least they are being thorough. Hang in there. :hug:
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Thank you all for your messages of support, I will be going on Tuesday morning, so will let you know how it goes.
At the moment I am trying so hard to remain positive, but to be perfectly honest, I feel as if I could throw up.
Crying almost constant and dreaming about doctors telling me that I have cancer, I am just a mess.
Sorry for venting, I feel as if that is all I do on here. All I want is to be happy and healthy, not miserable and stressed out as I have been for months, need a break from this cycle.
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Awe no need to apologise. We've probably all vented at some point on here. Sending you :bighug:
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We all know how you feel. It is so scary. I did absolutely nothing in the week I had to wait except sit and read. It was the only thing I could do to keep my mind occupied and to stop shaking. When I went (in the morning) the nurses were so concerned that I had had no breakfast, I didn't like to tell them that I hadn't eaten for a week! They made me eat a biscuit and drink water because I felt a bit faint (it was a toasting hot day). Tuesday will be here quite soon and you can get it over with. Have you got someone to drive you? Is it near at hand? My friends took me through and dropped me off. There was no way I could have got myself on the train or driven through. The nurses and doctors are really nice and they are used to women in distress /nervous so you will be in good hands. You will probably get another mammogram and an ultra sound but they will explain all that to you in the leaflet they sent and they will explain it all on Tuesday.
Good luck and stay strong. My thoughts are with you.
Bramble
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Hi Bramble
My partner is going to come with me, no way I could go myself.
I work in the hospital where the breast screening is done, was tempted to phone but too afriad of
finding out something beforehand.
I am trying to be positive, I am at work today, couldn't have stayed home, would have driven myself mad.
Thanks for your understanding everyone, and for not judging me for being an absolute paranoid wreck.
WJ
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Good luck tomorrow, hope all goes smoothly
Ann
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Crossing fingers for you tomorrow.
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Good luck for tomorrow, will be thinking of you.
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Good luck WeeJeanie. Hope it all goes well for you tomorrow.
Bramble
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Went this morning, they found a shadow on my right breast and want to have a further look.
I had another mammogram and an ultrasound. The doctor also had a clinical examination, she couldn't find any lumps or bumps. The radiologist doctor said that the ultrasound showed lots of cysts in this area but this shadow was behind them.
He was not sure that this wasn't another cyst or something else and so I had to have biopsy done, I won't get the results until next week.
The shadow was small, the breast care nurse said it was approx. a little finger nail size, so maybe half an inch.
All I can do is wait.
The staff were so lovely, and I actually feel a bit calmer, perhaps because I saw that the shadow was small and maybe easier to deal with if it is something sinister.
I feel as if I have been hit by a bus, exhausted, sick and weak feeling.
Going to see my doc tomorrow as the breast care nurse said she may help me with something to ease my anxiety over the next week. I don't know what on earth would work instantly, but we'll see.
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I have gone through what you have and I am all fine. Diazipam is quick working and its what I have if anxiety is bad. I hope all is well for you too.
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I've been thinking of you today, Weejeannie xxxxx
you've been very brave!!
If you need something like diazepam to help you through the week, then please make sure you ask for it. Anything that helps you through in the meantime.
A week is a long time - but then again not as long as some results take to come back.
Fingers toes and anything that will cross are crossed for you.
Here's hoping everything is fine xxxxxxxxx
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Glad it is all over for you for a wee while. I found the week I was waiting for my biopsy results was much easier than the week I was waiting for the recall appointment. Perhaps because I had a better idea what I was facing. I will keep my fingers crossed for you and hope the week goes quickly.
Bramble
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Weejeanie,
Well you should be getting your results this week. I hope all goes well for you. Good luck,
Bramble
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I get them on Wednesday. Terrified that there will be something wrong, I think what makes things worse is that a work colleague just had a mastectomy, she didn't find a lump and it was found on screening.
I know that my logical mind should tell me that at least it was found and dealt with quickly.
I don't have a logical mind at the moment.
My doctor gave me diazepam, these have helped a great deal to supress my anxiety for now.
Thank you for your good wishes.
WJ
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Fingers crossed for you. I had mammo two weeks ago, just waiting for results. Not expecting anything wrong, but then who does.
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Good news, clinic phoned me today, think all I heard was the words, benign changes and come back in 3 years. Burst into tears. So relieved, feel as if a huge black cloud has disappeared from above my head. Loving everything and everyone. Thank you all once again for your continued support. X
WJ
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So pleased for you.
Sb
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So pleased for you. Now have a large drink or bar of chocolate. It is such a scary experience and I'm glad it turned out ok.
Bramble
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Weejeannie - So pleased for you, bet you'll sleep better tonight! :-*
Really really good news
:congrats: :cancan: :cancan: :cancan: :congrats:
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Think you deserve a celebratory drink WJ. So glad it all turned out fine for you!
(http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/rulez/t2003.gif)
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Woop woop, that's great news.
Ann
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Thank you all for your lovely comments, you really have all got me through one of the worst times I have had recently.
Not celebrated yet, will wait till weekend, my partner's son and his girlfriend are coming for a few days, first time I have met them, and I am so glad that I didn't have to fake things for them. Can now enjoy having them to stay.
Thanks once again everyone :D