I had my screening appointment last week and thought it may be useful to share my experience.
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Expect to wait… Receptionist told me by phone I’d get all results on the day, but I didn’t.
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Take someone lovely with you. My partner kept me laughing but was also ready with the hugs.
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Expect a rollercoaster… Doc took ages to find my lump, then told me I had two (surprise/panic) but they were both benign (phew) and could just be monitored and that radiologist would tell me if they were cysts that need draining. Felt a fraud being there. Radiologist then told me I had a concerning solid lump on ultrasound and would need mammogram and core biopsy (panic again). She then said she was slightly less concerned after seeing mammogram but didn’t know what it was. She said not to panic as it could be sorted if it was nasty (still panicking), but then felt OK by the time I got home (phew, maybe it can be sorted).
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Don’t look at the core biopsy contraption if you need one - you can’t feel it anyway after the local anaesthetic.
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Don’t upset the radiologist by telling her the cape is like one you wear to hairdresser, you may be too stressed to explain you’re trying to make light of the situation!!
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Seeing result in black and white may make you worry again. Letter described the lump, sounded serious…
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Don’t Google stuff, listen to the doctors!! Got in a state after reading the classification of my lump meant its “probably malignant”, despite doc telling me it could be sorted.
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Expect to see and hear ads for cancer care all the time. I’m sure they’re on all year but that’s all I’m hearing now!
Just keep busy. Get my result in 2 days, not sleeping but trying to remember I was told it can be sorted whatever the lump is…
Good luck 