Mammogram

[pfunk12]

I was called back after my first mammogram. I ended up having surgery because they were concerned about some abnormalities that they saw. It turned out that they were just calcium deposits. But like Muirenn said, they had nothing to compare it to because it was my first mammogram.

[malkin]

Never (yet) for a mamm, but last year I "flunked" my pap smear and had to go back for a more uncomfortable procedure with a fancier name. Everything was fine.

[Biciclista]

good grief, look at those statistics!

[OakLeaf]

That's why I encourage everyone to read, read, read and read more. And be selective about what you read (peer reviewed and NOT sponsored by drug or imaging companies).

Jones, sending good wishes that everything turns out fine and that you're able to find calm in all of this. If it is fine, I'd really encourage you (and everyone else here) to treat it as a wake-up call, and have at least a direction in mind, if not a firm decision, on each step of the way.

Decisions that will affect the quality of your life forever deserve to be made from a position of information, calm and strength - not fear - so IMO the best time to make those decisions is BEFORE you get a test, let alone a scary test result.

I know my decisions are unpopular, but they are NOT a judgment on anyone else's decisions, and I DON'T believe that everyone who is well-informed will necessarily make the same decisions I have. I just believe that everyone should be well-informed. Informed with research, not with advertising.

[Norse]

Yes here too. Called back and ultrasound showed fibrous tissue. My sister, who very large breasts, has been called back several times. Because of her size, she almost needs regular ultrasound screenings rather than mammos.

[nscrbug]

Yup, I was called back on my last mammo back in May. They did a diagnostic mammo and an ultrasound...found a cyst. Now I have to go back for an ultrasound every 6 months to monitor it.

[channlluv]

I've been called back, too, and it was because the tech who did the test the first time didn't get a good enough sample of breast tissue, or there was chest wall muscle in it or something. Hurt like h-e-double hocky sticks. I nearly fainted, but that's the only time that's happened. Every subsequent test I've had to take has been squishy-but-not-faint-inducing, and they've all been clear since.

I have a paternal half-aunt who died of breast cancer about 15 years ago, so I'm aware of the genetic potential, but not overly concerned. I'm facing so many other more pressing health issues.

Actually, I do need to schedule another mammogram. It's been a couple of years since I had one.

Jones, good luck to you. I love Oak's advice.

Roxy

[solobiker]

I go for my second one next week. I have not thought about it too much even though my Mom had breast cancer, my brother had cancer and so did several other relatives. I am sure on the day I go back I will be a little apprehensive but right now there is nothing I can do about it except wait. I am going in with the attitude that it is most likely nothing. Good luck to you Jones.

[Melalvai]

Did you see Fat Cyclist today, "Yes, Ma'am-o-gram"? Philly Jen's mammogram caught a small early stage tumor.

[ScaldedCat]

I've never had a mammogram, women aren't routinely tested here under the age of fifty. I can imagine getting a call back could be a worry, especially if there was a family history.


I did get called back 3 times over a period of a few months for a cervical smear a few years ago, they failed to get a good sample to screen on 3 occasions and I was sent for a colposcopy to be on the safe side which was clear.
I've since had 2 successful normal smears in 2007 and 2010.