I finished all my treatment last Oct and had my first post diagnosis mammogram today. I thought I was ok but this evening I’m a nervous wreck. I’m scared stiff of the results and though I’m trying to remain as positive as I always try to be, inside I’m falling apart. Does anyone have any idea how many people are diagnosed with recurrence on their first mammogram? I’m still having Herceptin so am trying to tell myself the risk of recurrence is reduced but I’m really struggling. Any advice is very welcome please…
Hiya…can’t really help you with the stats, although I seem to remember RT Onc saying that in my hospital she sees less than 1% recurrence in first year. I asked her this on discharge from RT when my hospital treatment had come to an end as I felt strangely abandoned! Perhaps have a chat to the BCC helpline or your BCN for reassurance? However, you know what they say about stats…there’s lies, da**ned lies and statistics! The waiting, at any stage, is horrible isn’t it? Have just had my 2nd mammo and stupidly snuck a look at the screen where I saw a white blob and worried myself sick until thankfully results came through a week later showing ‘no worrying features’. The rational part of me realised that must have been my original mammo over 2 years ago which they compare new ones to…doh! Serves me right for trying to peek. Easy to say, but try to live in the moment until you get your letter (fingers and everything crossed for NED) and try not to think about the ‘what ifs’. Sorry can’t offer you much other than a virtual hand hold, but didn’t want to read and run…take care xo