Feeling very anxious

Hello everyone, just felt I needed to come here as I’m feeling very anxious today. I had a Mammogram in July and it showed calcification so had a core biopsy 2 days later. To cut a long story short the BCN called me with the results and said as far as she could see everything looked fine but the consultant would check them and I would get everything in writing. A week later BCN called me again to say there were a few areas of concern and the consultant has asked for the tests to be repeated in 6 months. The second call really knocked me for six and after that call I thought of lots of questions I should have asked. Those questions were mainly answered here on the forum and from a call to the helpline. I will always be grateful for the support you gave me because it has helped me to try and get on with my life for the past 6 months.

Well tomorrow I’ll have my repeat mammogram and to say I’m terrified is an understatement. I’ve barely slept and feel so anxious wondering if what I feel is a ticking time bomb will finally explode. I keep telling my self that lots of women have calcification with no problems, which really does help, but then I can’t help but think of the women who aren’t so lucky too.

When I went to the breast clinic in July I really did feel unhappy with the way I got the results and that the BCN didn’t have the time to explain things and answer my questions. I seem to remember reading somewhere that you can ask to be copied in on all the results. Is this right? Do you just ask at reception when you book in? And do they take kindly to this sort of request? I think if I had the results on paper in front of me (not that I would understand any of it) I could at least find out what I’m up against and perhaps feel the time bomb isn’t ticking so fast.

I don’t have anyone to talk this over with, as my husband is hopeless about “talking about things”. He understands my anxiety but has the attitude of “ah don’t worry everything will be fine”. Which of course I hope it will but I do worry if after tomorrow the doctor will say we’ll repeat the tests again in 6 months as I’m not sure how I will cope with another 6 months of this anxiety.

Oh I’m so sorry if I’ve twittered on a bit but it has helped to just get it out of my head and share it with people who will understand my anxiety. Thank you all so much for being here, X x x

Hi Haraskram

I completely sympathise with your anxiety, and I’m not going to tell you you’re being silly for worrying. We are all human and it is worrying to be called for checks so don’t be bothered about twittering on, that’s what the forums are for.

I can’t say anything particularly to help other than I hope the mammogram goes well for you, and do come back and let us know the results so we can cheer with you.

Hello Haraskam,

Sent fairly long reply but must’ve got something wrong as it hasn’t posted. Of course you’ll be anxious. Might it help to think that for 6mths you won;t need other tests? Re husband - sounds fairly typical male response. Mine has been wonderful since my diagnosis last Aug and life has been VERY rough since then but…if I express anxiety he tends to come up with rational/practical solution. Use female friends and the forum!

Barbara

Hello Ladies and thank you for your support, it’s much appreciated. Just want tomorrow over and done with and I’ll do my best to think positive. What you have both said is so right and I suppose it’s human nature to be afraid of the unknown so thanks again and I’ll definitely let you know how it goes. x x x

Wishing you good luck for tomorrow
Marguerite

Hi
Just want to add to the others thoughts and best wishes for tomorrow. You are absolutely right in asking for copies of letters,reports etc, especially as you are interested. I would ask the consultant at the appt. Just explain that the previous appt was a bit of a blur and a written note would be helpful. Ive heard that some hospitals tape the consultation.
I found it very difficult to get info after DX and the justification was that I had everything verbally.No so. I found Id had invasive cancer when I -finally- got a copy of my path report.
I know for some folks, they dont want too much detail, but I think the doc should be able to gauge this and act accordingly. Hopefully, youll have nothing much to read about.
xx

Hello, I had breast cancer 5 years ago, I just had a lumpectomy and later radiotherapy. I am now 5 years all clear, and I am thinking of setting up a sort of club for women who have experienced cancer.
I am also an Energy Healer and send out distant healing, whilst I would never tell you that this is a cure, I have been able to help people feel calm and in more control of their thoughts in a very positive way. If you would like to be in touch with me, then i would be only too pleased to help you. The medics are experts in the treatment of cancer, but are not always expert in the way they talk to people. I have spent the past 5 years travelling back and forth to Australia 5 times, and again I leave next week for 3 months. I would be very willing to motivate, inspire and give my support to anyone who is feeling fearful or scared at this time. Warm wishes and serenity be with you, love to you and your family Footloose

…hope it went well and you were able to ask questions. Take care, Barbara

Just to let you know as well as having the information you are quite entitled to request a viewing of your medical records and entitled to copies of all scans, test results etc. I have done this and am currently awaiting an appointment to view records. It is costing me £20.00 for the copies of the scans and £10.00 for any copies i want from my medical records. Good luck.