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.

[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.

[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

[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....