mammograms

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.

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

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

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

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.

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....

(((((((((((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!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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

---

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

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.

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

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.

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

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....

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

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.