I had my surgery (lumpectomy) on 30 March. The oncologist has booked me in for my first set of post op mammograms and ultra sound on Jan 5. Since receiving the appointment letter a week ago I have been totally stressed. I am terrified of what they might find this time. What did they miss? My fears are based on the fact that the initial scans only showed one tumor but postop biopsy found 3. My breast is still sore and tender most days. It is warmer than the other breast as well. The dr's all say this is normal but its a constant reminder. I am not coping well with this. Just needing to vent a bit.

Hi Jacqui Whether it's our first second third et cetera the emotions you describe are what most of us go through. I shiver at the thought. Early 2017 I'm due for follow up scan and mammogram. Deep breaths and happy thoughts Take care

Yes I call it scan anxiety. We all go through it. So your not a lone. I look at it this way , I would rather know than not no. And then get on with some treatment if the news is not good. I sure you will be fine. Best wishes. Wendy

Don't do what I did and forget to take the original mammogram and scans with you. We had to chase around for them as it was done at a different centre a year prior. Then I thought I would be smart and see the GP for the results before the surgeon who generally tells me next to nothing but the results report took more than just a few days and the GP had no info yet so make that appointment a little later. As usual the surgeon told me next to nothing. I suppose if there was something sinister they would have told me.

And don't do what I did and take the original scans to the hospital then wander around and sit in a few places before your appointment because you're early... only to find that you put them down somewhere public and forgot them! Thank goodness someone handed them in! :smile:

Thank you so much for the kind words and support. In a sad way it's nice to know that others worry about the same thing. My partner just does not understand why I am so worried and scared. 'I don't have a copy of my original mammogram and scans but its at the same hospital so hopefully they have them there. The scans are on the Thursday and I see the oncologist a couple days later on the Monday so hopefully he'll fill me in with all the info.

First mammogram and scan coming up

14 Replies

melclarity
Member
9 years ago
You will of course, just remember its one day, then you can go home and breathe again! So deep breath! get it over with, let us all know how you get on! xx
jacquipp
Member
9 years ago
Thanks so much melclarity. It really helps.... but as you said I will still dread it. Here's to a good year for us all xx
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
@jacquipp I think you'll find we all dread those yearly scans, ultrasounds or MRI's. Ive been getting Mammos for over 10 years and up until my first diagnosis in 2011 I never worried. Of course after 2011 the yearly checkup was really difficult on so many levels. Just remember that no matter what as Wendy says, if there was anything you'd be treated immediately and that means we are all in the best possible position. 2015 ended up being like a bad dream, but honestly, big breath you'll be ok! then you can get on with things for another year. xx Melinda
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Kath - that is one less stress I guess but the enormity of what you have been through thus far I recognise and appreciate. I do hope that your treatment course is on the better side and that as time goes on you can look back and reflect only when you need to not because you are still in treatment.
Take care
primek
Member
9 years ago
Yes...due to family history, breast density and recommendation from the breast surgeon I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Kath - did you lose both breasts? I had a left breast mastectomy and no lymph node involvement but still have to have scans on the good breast.
primek
Member
9 years ago
As I had a mastectomy and no lymph nodes I don't need scans. Not having anything worries the hell out if me also. I'm hoping in time we all get to be less anxious with scans, aches and pains and anything else that we worry is progression. Hope all goes well for you.
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Good luck with your scans jacquipp. Let us know how you get on. Xx
Mira
Member
9 years ago
If the original one was done at the same hospital they should have them on file jacquipp. They may not have the results on the Monday, I was told it would take a week but that was a public hospital.
jacquipp
Member
9 years ago
Thank you so much for the kind words and support. In a sad way it's nice to know that others worry about the same thing. My partner just does not understand why I am so worried and scared.
'I don't have a copy of my original mammogram and scans but its at the same hospital so hopefully they have them there. The scans are on the Thursday and I see the oncologist a couple days later on the Monday so hopefully he'll fill me in with all the info.