"Mammogram recall"

I received a recall following a routine mammogram at Ayrshire Central. I was apprehensive but was glad that it was only five days until I went back to the clinic. On return I was informed there was an abnormality in my right breast and saw various people including a consultant and it was decided they would do a biopsy. This was carried out and I was asked to return on the following Tuesday to receive the results. On return I went to see the doctor and a breast nurse. I was then informed by the doctor my results were not yet back but they had contacted the lab . The doctor then told me I had breast cancer and the labs were determining whether the cancer was invasive as this would determine the treatment I received.

At this point I was in shock there was no empathy just clinical information then silence. I asked to leave and returned home terrified having to go up next day to get the results. Next day I returned to be seen by another doctor and a different breast nurse who then told me they had "better news for me", "no cancer cells had been found". I cried but didn't understand how  they could tell me I had cancer the previous day. 

When later I spoke with the radiographer they told me when my results had come back they were "flabbergasted". Again I had a further biopsy with the assurance they would contact me if the results were not in. Up I went again one week later, which is results day, to sit and look at the fearful looks on peoples faces. I was seen again and told my results weren't in, they thought they would be back before I arrived. The staff at this point were very apologetic and they would try and see me at another clinic. Next morning I received a phone call from the consultant at home and was told again the biopsy showed no cancer cells.  I then made the decision that even though it was not cancer cells I wanted a lumpectomy, as wait and watch was not an option. I was given the option of when I wanted to come in for this treatment. I then under went a lumpectomy and was given an appointment for a further two weeks to get my pathology results- the anxiety returned. On the day I was due at clinic I received a phone call to say my results were not in and again I would have to wait a further week until the next clinic.

On return to the clinic I was told that some "pre cancer cells" had been found and I had been referred to the oncologist for a course of radiotherapy. During this time I saw the breast nurse at Crosshouse Hospital who gave me good information and made me aware of cancer care, voluntary drivers who proved to be worth their weight in gold. I am a psychiatric staff nurse with 37 years experience and I was dismayed at the lack of initial support and reassurance which would have made a considerable difference to the anxiety and fear I experienced from recall until my treatment at the Beatson. 

As a healthcare provider I have some knowledge and while the physical care received was good there was little care for psychological impact this experience left or any explanation of how a doctor could tell you 'you had breast cancer' when the clinical results had not been received. Since my own experience, I able to emotionally support and reassure a family friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. There would appear to be a gap in the service i.e.  care of the patients' mental state.