mammograms

[velogirl]

so, I'm 42 years old and had my first mammogram yesterday. besides crying in the waiting room (stress), the whole process was quick and painless (and I'm very small breasted).

my sister (53 years old) had breast cancer earlier this year and had 3 surgeries and 6 weeks of radiation. and her SIL is going through treatment for it right now -- two surgeries and chemo . SIL never had a mammogram until my sister had cancer.

the women's health center called me this morning. I have to go back in for another mammogram and an ultrasound on my right breast. they can't fit me in until December 31st.

I'm an anxious, crying wreck, and I know I can tell you ladies. I've had enough health crap in my life for ten women and I don't think I can deal with this. I also don't have health insurance right now (turned down because of pre-existing conditions) so the financial aspects of possibly having breast cancer are pretty daunting, not to mention that I own my own business (coaching) and any time lost would be detrimental to my business.

okay, just had to get that all out there. thanks for listening. I always appreciate the support from this group.

Lorri

[maillotpois]

Hey there. Big hug to you!

First of all - you know you can't fix anything by worrying so try try to put it out of your mind til 12/31.

Secondly - did they say why they want you back? I have had to go back for repeats after one of my mammograms because something wasn't clear - no big thing. Since this is essentially your baseline mammo, they probably want to make sure they get everyting crystal clear. There also could be any number of little things in there they want a closer look at, all of which are probably benign.

Finally - good for you for going to get it in the first place! You've seen from your family it's not good to put this off.

And a big huge PS - can you at least get some major medical insurance?? In spite of your thyca, DVT, etc., you really should look into this. Is there maybe something available through USA Cycling? What about Kaiser? I really worry about you not having any coverage. It may be more expensive, and you would probably need to get something with a large deductible, but you should at least have something in case you're in an accident, etc.

We'll be thinking of you - sending lots of positive energy your way!

[Thorn]

Bummer...but....first, worrying won't make anything better, but intellectually that's easy to say, emotionally....well....

But more important than that, a callback for additional views and an ultrasound is not unusual particularly for small breasted women. If you didn't have kids, even more so. The breast tissue is dense and hard to get good images of. Given your history and the fact that this is your baseline mammogram the callback should not, in itself, be a cause for concern. At this point, view it as them wanting to get a good baseline.

Best of luck.

[snapdragen]

velogirl, I've been called back for additional mammograms and ultrasound a total of 3 times. Each time it turned out to be a cyst that eventually went away on it's own. Let's all hope that that is what your results show too! In the meantime, try to relax, and do not stress over this. I know how scary it is - you will get through this. We are here to support you.

[velogirl]

thanks, everybody. yes, intellectually I know that everything you've all said is true. maybe I should call them back and find out more information?

I'm just a big stress-ball right now so this is affecting me more than it should. the holidays are always tough for me (no family) and my sister just moved away to Fiji so I've been feeling pretty down anyways.

Sarah, I have accident insurance, but also got turned down for major medical. I think I need to move to a new state and marry someone so I can get insurance again......

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm just a big stress-ball right now so this is affecting me more than it should.


No, it's affecting you just as much as it should. What woman would not be deeply affected and stressed by these same events happening to them?

Take heart in knowing that the odds are in your favor that it will turn out to be harmless. Yes, definitely make that phone call and find out as much as you can- you have every right to know all the details about your own body and about their procedures.

Keep telling yourself that worrying does not accomplish anything. But- it's normal to be afraid, and that's ok. Take action in finding out as much as you can, and focus on locating your inner reserves of calmness and positive attitude.

Sending good vibes out to you right now....

[velogirl]

thank you, Lisa.

[KnottedYet]

Callbacks for ultrasound and 2nd mammo are pretty common. Like everyone said, it's your baseline so they want to get a good picture of everything and with your history they want to get a REALLY good picture of everything.

When I got my first mammo the tech said I should just assume I'd be coming back in for a 2nd and/or an ultrasound due to my cancer history and the breast cancer all through my family. Luckily my floppy saggy deflated "girls" squished real darn good between those plexiglas sheets! No need for a repeat.

Call the doc and tell them you're concerned, let them tell you what's going on or maybe move you up sooner if another appointment opened up.

[Wahine]

Velogirl - I just want to send you hugs. I'm a pretty big ball of stress myself right now and rationalize as I might I still burst into tears. It's good that you're expressing all of this. Take care of yourself.

[kelownagirl]

I don't have any knowledge or advice but I feel for you. Waiting and the unknown sucks. I'm 47 and I haven't been for a mammogram yet. Guess I should.

[salsabike]

No, it's affecting you just as much as it should. What woman would not be deeply affected and stressed by these same events happening to them?

Take heart in knowing that the odds are in your favor that it will turn out to be harmless. Yes, definitely make that phone call and find out as much as you can- you have every right to know all the details about your own body and about their procedures.

Keep telling yourself that worrying does not accomplish anything. But- it's normal to be afraid, and that's ok. Take action in finding out as much as you can, and focus on locating your inner reserves of calmness and positive attitude.

Sending good vibes out to you right now....

Good for you, Lisa. Velogirl, she is so right.

It would not hurt to call them and ask to be put on a waiting list and to get a phone call right away if they have an earlier opening. If they know you're pretty freaked out, they may be able to find a space.

[Pedal Wench]

I don't have any knowledge or advice but I feel for you. Waiting and the unknown sucks. I'm 47 and I haven't been for a mammogram yet. Guess I should.


Maybe take Velogirl's situation and turn it into a positive one. Get thee to thy breast center and get that baseline image. Call tomorrow and schedule it. And, do that self-exam tomorrow morning in the shower.

Velogirl, I have a high history and I've been getting squished since I was 35. Quite a few have had call backs because if bad imaging on their part. And, unfortunately, stress can increase your risks, so try to put this out of your mind, or put a positive spin on it -- now you'll know for sure that everything is okay.

If not, I'll have to bike in my pink skort and tutu for you this weekend.

[margo49]

Thinking of you!
8 out of 10 lumps are not You KNow What so stats are on your side.
And if it *is* you get treatment.

signed
Voice of Experience - 11 years well

[salsabike]

The American Cancer Society recommends mammogram screening every year for all women age 40 and older. The National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend mammogram screening every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older.

Guys. If this is you---over 40 and no mammogram yet---then now would be the time to make a phone call to set it up. Nuff said.

[Grog]

Big hug to you, Velogirl.

I'm happy you're taking care of things. It's okay to be afraid... Sending you good vibes...

[Triskeliongirl]

I've had call backs too and it was always nothing. They always err on the side of caution, as others have said, want to have a good clear baseline. Don't stress, feel strong that you went it to do this, that you are being proactive about your healthcare. Don't stress about what might be, that is the whole point of a screening. Its not positive until its positive, right now they are just trying to get you the best baseline data possible. By all means call your doc if you are concerned, and ask about getting on a cancellation list. But, really, try not to worry until you know there is really something to worry about.

[blueskies]

Lorri,

It's so difficult to experience the uncertainty and not knowing that comes with this waiting time. And adding the potential financial worries to the health worries is a lot to sit with. I think I would cry, too, even as I was telling myself that it would probably be ok in the end.

I had my annual mammogram this afternoon, and was just sitting there with that gigantic gown floating around me, trying to read a magazine while the technician checked the images, while telling myself "it will be normal... of course, it will be normal," but really asking "Will it be normal?" and trying very hard to not let my mind go to the "What if?" My heart is with you this evening.

Sending hugs & hope for your peace & well-being.

Kathy

[velogirl]

okay, now I feel a little silly for worrying so much. my only experience with mammograms has been my sister and SIL -- both who ended up with cancer. I've never really talked to anyone else about it. hopefully you're all correct and it's just a call-back to get a clear baseline.

thank you all so much for your advice and kind words.

Lorri

[lph]

Hey velogirl, hang in there! I've never had a mammogram, but I can recognize your fear that "something is wrong with you", since you have close experience with breast cancer. Maybe it helps if you can see it as a gift and an opportunity - without those experiences you might not have had a mammogram, and you might have overlooked something that should have been treated. As it is you're doing everything you can to take good care of yourself, and your health care provider is right there with you making sure they really know what it looks like in there.

Knowing is always better than not knowing, but it takes courage, because it sure hurts to feel vulnerable!

hugs,
-Laila

[bambu101]

Hang in there, velogirl! I have had several call backs, and 2 subsequent biopsies, both which turned out to be negative. It is way too easy to imagine the worst and work yourself into a tizzy waiting for an appointment or test results. I have found that keeping myself busy and venting to other people helps a lot.

Take care of yourself.

[sbctwin]

Hugs to you Velogirl. I am glad that you made the step to get a baseline. I have had a call back before (and have no family history of bc in my family) and it scared me to think I might be the first. It turned out to be nothing, but it is scary. I have a mammogram every year and have since I was 40 and I just had my yearly last week. I have an identical twin who has never had any preventive screenings, never!!! Keep us informed and if you need to express your concern, we are here to listen and lend our support....

[bmccasland]

(((((((((((Velogirl)))))))))))

Because I'm in one of the high risk groups I've had mammograms since I was 35. Unfortunately I've moved twice since then, and amazingly both times the former clinic couldn't find the films to send to the new clinic - therefore the new Radiologist doesn't have anything to compare.

I've have some "thing" that shows up on the one side that I've gotten used to asking if they need to do extra view. So the first time they said they wanted to do an Ultrasound of the other side, I freaked. Managed to keep my composure until I was actually at the registration desk. But the staff was wonderful, and the Radiologist gave me the results directly instead of making me wait several days. Normal protocol is to say the Radiologist will give the report to your doctor, blah blah blah.

So you aren't alone, the staff at most clinics is used to the emotional baggage that comes along, and are usually very caring. We're here for you. And if you happen to move - get your films!

[KnottedYet]

okay, now I feel a little silly for worrying so much. my only experience with mammograms has been my sister and SIL -- both who ended up with cancer. I've never really talked to anyone else about it. hopefully you're all correct and it's just a call-back to get a clear baseline.

thank you all so much for your advice and kind words.

Lorri

Don't feel silly! It is scary stuff, especially when it's new and you are already worried!

[indysteel]

Velogirl, another big, big hug from me. Like some of the other women who've responded, I started getting annual mammograms when I was 30 because of my family history (my mom was diagnosed when she was 34). Ironically, my OB/GYN felt something "funny" when I was 34, and I essentially freaked out. Thankfully, an ultrasound determined it to be a waterfilled cyst, but I remember how hard waiting for that appointment was. So, my heart goes out to you.

I certainly hope and pray this turns out to be nothing. In any event, I'm glad you got a baseline--and I hope the women out there who haven't gotten one yet are motivated by this to make an appointment today.

[Tuckervill]

I had a call back and ultrasound after my first mammo, too. I have some milk ducts that are perpetually enlarged. I had to go back according to the protocol (every 6 months for 2 years, I think) to rule anything out. There was no change in their size.

Try not to worry. Easier said than done, I know.

I was quite happy with the mammo center with their promptness to get results back and to act quickly on follow-ups. I think I went back in the very next day, and the results were given to me in real time, if I recall. I wish every clinic operated like that.

Vibing for a good outcome,

Karen

[velogirl]

thanks again, everyone. I think I'll call the women's center this mornign and see if they can tell me anything else or maybe fit me in sooner than the 31st.

and yes, for those of you who haven't had a mammogram, I highly recommend making this one of your new year's resolutions.

[RoadRaven]

Ah, Velo... Lorri
Adding my hugs and aroha to the others here.
Best wishes with the phone call - they will probably reiterate what the others have said here... its routine and nothing to stress about
Awhi awhi, Rave

[velogirl]

well, I called, and they can't tell me anything (like why I have to go back), but they were able to fit me in this friday so I won't have to wait quite so long....

[RoadRaven]

Great they can slide you in tomorrow (well, it is Thursday morning here in EnZed - and I always forget the time differences)
But Friday is a heckuva lot better than the 31st

Hugs for Friday

[Veronica]

I'm so glad they can fit you in sooner. You're a tough chick. :D You can handle this. Is anyone going with you to the appointment?

You know we will want an update ASAP.

V.

[shootingstar]

I had a mammogram twice, with last one about 15 yrs. ago or less. I'm fibrous in 1 boob. That was all. Was I stressed while waiting for testing? No.

Maybe I'm just dull in the head:confused: but after working in a hospital for a few years , where patients were paraplegics & quadriplegics, paralyzed for life and then hearing stories from siblings who work in health care about all sorts of deaths and accidents, a mammogram visit and results wait...needs to be taken into stride.


I'm 48...it has been recommended that I have another one. I found out the booking appointment list is several months long. But will book soon..after Christmas.

Velogirl...if I was in your position, it wouldn't be the mammogram waiting rm. stress but the fact that you are not covered by health insurance plan for other sudden accidents/diseases that may happen.


I'm Canadian....and most definitely prefer the Canadian health care insurance system if something wrong. occurs.


Best of luck velogirl!

[maillotpois]

they were able to fit me in this friday so I won't have to wait quite so long....

Yay! So that's one small relief.

I have some calcium deposits in a boob or something. They had to re-do me once for that. (The boobs are so small it's a wonder they got anything to view, but whatever.... :rolleyes: )

Perhaps when you go in Friday you can ask the tech what the issue is. They're not "supposed" to give you info, but I find they're generally quite informative and really want to try to help. My mammo, CT scan and VQscan techs were all very forthcoming with information about what they saw, positive and negative.

[Velobambina]

Sending you good thoughts, Velo. As others have put it well, chances are good it's nothing. If they saw something disturbing, I'm betting they would have found a slot for you sooner.

I had a breast tumor removed when I was in my early 30s. Thank God, it was benign. The lump was very evident, but I didn't do self-exams. My gyn found it during my annual pap/pelvic. I had to go through two-three months of tests (needle biopsy, ultra sound, mammo, visits w/surgeon, etc) before surgery was scheduled and it was out of my body. It was a hellish time of uncertainty, especially since I could feel the the damn thing.

I'm supposed to have a mammo every year, primarly because of the lump (I'm almost 45 now). My gyn will hold my BCP script "hostage" if I don't get in for a yearly exam, so I have the mammos done as ordered. I readily admit having them done every 18 months--not every 12 months--but I don't want to subject my body to radiation, small dose that it may be. Having them done is not optional, nor is having a yearly pap smear.

Try to think positive. Please let us know how it goes.

This is a little bit of a threat highjack but I was wondering if it were more or less painful for larger breasted gals? I'm not well endowed, to put it mildly, and well, I don't dig that whole mash thing. It's like the xray tech has to gather then smash. So would it be easier to xray someone with more meat on them in the breast area?

[AnnBB]

Hang in there, I know its going to be a hard week and hard to not stress over it. I recently was in a similar situation, during my annual was told that I needed to go to a specialist to have some lumps further looked at, and of course they couldn't get me in for over a week, I was a mess for that week trying to prepare my self for the worst but hoping for the best and just being so confused and not understanding why me?? I'm only 26 and couldn't believe I was already going through this, after an ultrasound it was found that i just have many fibrous lumps, so it looks like I have many years ahead of me with rechecks as they will want to make sure thats all they are. I sympathize with you this week as I know I just wanted to know by the time it was over, I had so over analyzed it all that I just wanted to know what the answer was and was so tired of stressing over it.

Keep your chin up and know that i'm sure things will turn out just fine for you too.

[Tuckervill]

They have to grab and smash the big ones, too. I think they're trying to get as much as the connective tissue from the chest as they can. Like I said, mine are much more stretchy than the used to be, and for that I'm grateful!

Karen

[KnottedYet]

All I can say is TG for breast-feeding! Sure, I have to scoop "the girls" up and pour them into my bras, and yeah when I lie on my back they end up in my armpits, and if I stand up nekkid I look like something from National Geographic; but mammos are pretty slick!

Flappy = Happy! ;)

[velogirl]

Velogirl...if I was in your position, it wouldn't be the mammogram waiting rm. stress but the fact that you are not covered by health insurance plan for other sudden accidents/diseases that may happen.

ShootingStar, trust me, I do stress about not having health insurance right now. I had insurance until about a year ago and then left my part-time job (bike shop) and had already applied for and been accepted for insurance so I didn't take my COBRA. Then, the insurance carrier turned me down. Unfortunately, I have a pretty robust medical history (5 surgeries for various things + on-going treatments for other various things) and in California an insurance carrier can deny you coverage for any of these various things. I just tried applying for insurance again last week and was denied. Luckily I have accident insurance and cheap prescriptions, but I pay everything else out-of-pocket (and it ain't cheap).

[KnottedYet]

ShootingStar, trust me, I do stress about not having health insurance right now. I had insurance until about a year ago and then left my part-time job (bike shop) and had already applied for and been accepted for insurance so I didn't take my COBRA. Then, the insurance carrier turned me down. Unfortunately, I have a pretty robust medical history (5 surgeries for various things + on-going treatments for other various things) and in California an insurance carrier can deny you coverage for any of these various things. I just tried applying for insurance again last week and was denied. Luckily I have accident insurance and cheap prescriptions, but I pay everything else out-of-pocket (and it ain't cheap).

The US healthcare business drives me nuts. And I work in it, so I'm allowed to say that! :mad:

[lph]

All I can say is TG for breast-feeding! Sure, I have to scoop "the girls" up and pour them into my bras, and yeah when I lie on my back they end up in my armpits, and if I stand up nekkid I look like something from National Geographic


ROTFL! :D

A girlfriend of mine calls it the "empty sock" syndrome.

(And y'all do know that it's mostly hormones from pregnancy that make them go Pamela then flabby, and not the breastfeeding per se, right?)

[bikerz]

Hi Velogirl - regarding the health insurance issue - have you looked into the California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program?

Checkout these links -
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=576841
http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/MRMIB/MRMIP.shtml

I don't know much about it, but it seems like just what you need. (I have similar issues with health insurance as a self-employed person).

And good luck tomorrow - I just had my annual mammogram yesterday, and at the clinic I go to in Oakland, they have you wait right there in the room until the radiologist has read the films, so you get the info right away (well, in 20 minutes, anyway). When you go to sign in tomorrow, maybe you can ask if you can meet with the radiologist right afterwards, so you don't have to wait through the slow holiday period to get the results.

[spokewench]

Velogirl: I can so sympathize with you. I have a great belief that nothing will come of your redo, but it is hard waiting and wondering and it is near impossible to put something like this completely out of your mind!

[silver]

Velogirl, I hope the visit goes well for you. And I hope they give you lots of info.





This is a little bit of a threat highjack but I was wondering if it were more or less painful for larger breasted gals? I'm not well endowed, to put it mildly, and well, I don't dig that whole mash thing. It's like the xray tech has to gather then smash. So would it be easier to xray someone with more meat on them in the breast area?

I answered this in another thread. I found the two mammograms that I had pre-implants to be HORRIBLE. but the one after was pleasant. I was very flat chested with tight skin across my chest. It appeared that the technician was trying to scrap skin up from my legs to smoosh between the plates. :rolleyes: I left with red streaks all over my chest from my collarbones to my navel. Afterwards, no problem.

[velogirl]

thanks, everyone! I had my call-back today and they did another mammogram and an ultrasound. apparently I have a bunch of liquid-filled cysts in my breasts and the ones in my right breast create a pretty large mass -- not uncommon for someone my age.

the good news is now we have a baseline.

and BikerZ, thank you for the healthcare tip -- I'll definitely look into it.

Lorri

[bmccasland]

Yaaayyy!!!! So glad to hear smushed things weren't anything major to worry about. :D :D :D

[KnottedYet]

HOT doggies!!!!:D

[snapdragen]

Excellent news! It sound like you have the same issue I have.

[maillotpois]

Yay - what a relief!

[RoadRaven]

Great news Velogirl, glad all that stressing is sorted and they got you in well before Christmas

Now... lots of arnica is in order I would imagine...?