mammograms

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

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!

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.

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.

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......

Quote:

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Originally Posted by velogirl

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

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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....

thank you, Lisa.

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.

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.

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

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....

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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

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.

Big hug to you, Velogirl.

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