mammograms

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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