"Breast screening appointment"

Hi, this really is a message to all you ladies who don't go to have breast screening.

I missed one of my breast screening appointments 3yrs ago.. I was recently invited along for another. ( There I was thinking everything was fine just like the last time when I attended. ). ( yr 2006) But this time it wasn't the case.. 2 weeks after my last screening, much to my horror, I then received a letter from the NHS saying that they would like me to go along to Medway Maritime for more detailed x rays. Needless to say I froze . ( I took it for granted that all was ok)

Anyhow, I attended the 2nd appointment and had another x ray on my left Breast, taken by a very professional Nurse.

I was then told to sit outside while the Dr took a look at the xray.. After 10-15 mins later, I was then called in for a Breast examination. The lovely young lady (I think she was a Doctor) then said she'd like to do an ultra sound scan. ( I then sensed something had shown up on the x ray..) By this time I felt a huge sense of panic especially when another Doctor also appeared in the room.

The lovely lady Doctor who carried out the ultra sound scan (I think she was Indian) after a few minutes then said out loud " ITS A CYST". One can imagine the sheer tremendous relief that I felt. It was a huge weight off my mind. I even asked the Lady Dr if she was sure, she replied "yes" its a cyst filled with water and needs no further treatment.

She then gave me a signed letter thanking me for coming, and was pleased to say that no cancer had been found. I shook the hand of the Lady dr, and when doing so she said, oh I've got gel on my hands from the ultra sound scan to which I replied, " I don't care what's on your hand"- as I was so overcome.

Knowing I had just a cyst rather than something more serious I then pulled myself together and went home and cried.

My sincere thanks to the Lovely Indian Lady Dr who carried out my Breast examination and ultra sound scan, plus the Nurses involved.

This has been a good lesson for me to learn by, as I will never miss another Breast screening appointment ever again. I also hope that if any Lady out there is thinking of not attending for Breast screening to do so. I missed one of mine thinking I would be ok, and you can see what happened to me.

From a very grateful patient