Life after first year Mammogram and MRI breast cancer Allclear.

Hi Arty 

I remember those feelings well. I am now nearly six years down the line, but I remember my first annual mammogram so clearly.  I was 100% convinced that the cancer would be back.  We wanted to book a holiday and I wouldn't book it until I knew the results as I was so sure it would be bad news. They don't tell you the results there and then, but I think they took pity on me and she said "you need to wait for your letter, but I can tell you that it all looks good - you can book your holiday". (they never did that again for the following 4).  But I was absolutely stunned that it was actually good news!

I found each year after that, that I had a little more faith in my body and that it wasn't going to let me down and now I am happy to be waiting for the 3 year mammogram that happens after you have been signed off.  It was odd really as I got a letter after the 4th annual just to say, stop taking the tablets and that was that!  

It really is difficult after such a turmoil with the treatment and then building yourself up to the first annual, that suddenly you can actually relax a little and your body isn't letting you down any more. That's how I felt anyway and as you say, it's exhausting to be living on the edge for so long and then finally - it's all ok.

I worked on the principal after the first one that I would just 'ignore it' as much as I could and only start thinking about it when I got my letter for my next mammogram and it worked for me.

Enjoy your holiday and make the most of it - you deserve it

Kindest wishes, Lesley

I saw my oncologist on 30 Nov last yr and he said “evidence shows it should not return” and surprised me by giving me a ‘sort of hug’!. He was beaming and so was I BUT I wasn’t ecstatic as I was too scared to tempt fate! I did however forget about it in time and what a relief…no more appointments (except for acid infusion 6 monthly for 3yrs).  Can get on with my life now and always happy to help others who are at the start of their journey. Bless us all! X

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. It is good to know that you are not alone in your dread and I feel much better for writing it down and from hearing from someone who has gone through it too. Good not to be accused of being all "doom and gloom"!

All the best

Sue x

Thank you for your reply, it has been such a scary time and I think coming up to the first mammogram was so tense. I insisted on going down to Devon straight after in case the worst was realised! I too was ecstatic with the result but finding it hard to be normal again. I'll get there I'm sure especially as the nice days of summer are on the horizon. 

All the best.

Sue