I had a routine mammogram. Three and a half weeks later I had a call back email on a Thursday. On Monday I went back in, had another mammogram, on the 3D machine this time. After a wait I went into another room and had an ultrasound, and then a biopsy. They numb you with a local anaesthetic and then take a number of samples. It's uncomfortable but didn't hurt me. There was bruising and sorenesd afterwards but an icepack stuffed in your bra and some paracetemol kept it under control.
That was the last mammogram I had. After that there was one more ultrasound to place a hookwire (as a guide for the surgeon as my tumour was very deep in my capacious bosom) and that was it for that part of the proceedings.
You can always ask about having an ultrasound alone, but if you are dealing with cancer, you want all the bells and whistles at this stage. Perhaps a visit to your GP to explain your distress and ask for something to calm you?
It's important to explain the the screening people how traumatised you are feeling at this stage. You won't be the first person to have this reaction. They will almost certainly have strategies to help you.
I'm sorry to say it, but from the start, BC requires one to don the big girl undies and yank them up to one's chin. You can do it @SundaysChild. If I can, if all the folk here can, then you can too. Take it one day at a time, no more Dr Google, and try not to cross bridges until you come to them. Deep breaths, K xox
