Mammogram call-back

[Catrin]

I've been more stressed than expected this week, and now my keyboard and mouse are no longer working. Computer isn't frozen...but my input devices are not working. Thank goodness for smart phones! I should know something by mid-afternoon tomorrow, and hopefully all of this will prove to be a tempest in a teapot. I am taking tomorrow off work and have a stress relieving kettle bell workout planned tomorrow morning here at home.

Thankfully I got the computer up and going though it took some time. Unsure what the problem was, hope it doesn't return!

[emily_in_nc]

I hope you get the "all clear" very soon, Catrin. We just lost a dear friend to metastatic breast cancer yesterday at the age of 55. I don't want to hear any more bad news, ya' hear me?!

[Catrin]

No all clear yet The cyst, if that is what it is, is stubborn and refused to aspirate. They told me that this can happen if the liquid is too thick for the size of the needle and isn't uncommon. It is, however, officially now a "nodule", but that doesn't mean it isn't benign. My doctor had refused to order a needle core biopsy if it wouldn't aspirate so now things are back in his court. Hopefully I will hear from his office Monday after he gets the results from the radiologist, if not I will be calling Monday afternoon for an appointment. I am hoping we can avoid a surgical biopsy, they don't seem to think that it looks cancerous... I don't have a budget for all of this and I've a high-deductible insurance plan so it is hard to know the best way to proceed.

I went out this afternoon and went walking in the woods after treating myself to a wonderful triple mocha. I also started the day with a great workout at home that featured all of my kettlebells and jungle gym. Very thankful to have expanded my equipment!

[Crankin]

I am sorry you have more to go through. Why did your doctor refuse to order the core needle biopsy? I am not really well versed in these things, but it seems like it would be the next step.

[Catrin]

I am sorry you have more to go through. Why did your doctor refuse to order the core needle biopsy? I am not really well versed in these things, but it seems like it would be the next step.

Well, they asked him prior to the appointment and I don't know. One of the nurses told me that some doctors prefer more control over everything then approving everything in advance. I will find out more when I speak with him. They DO think there is a low chance of it being cancer, so perhaps that is why? I am sure I will find out next week.

[OakLeaf]

Aw, Catrin, so sorry you have to go through more of this.

I would actually take it as a good sign that your doctor didn't want to sign off on the stereotactic in advance, that he wanted to weigh the risks and benefits in your particular case. Hoping for the best - hang in there, take good care.

[Pax]

So sorry you got no resolution in this, the waiting part just stinks! Still sending you warm healthy thoughts.

[emily_in_nc]

Ugh...so sorry you still don't have definitive results, Catrin. Since I also have a high-deductible health insurance plan, I understand your dilemma. Hope you can talk to your doctor soon about how best to proceed from here.

[Helene2013]

What a bummer that you have to wait and go through some more. Sending you +++++++ vibes that all be ok and a thing of the past very soon.

[Catrin]

I will speak with him soon. I think he can't be too worried about my risk since he clearly told them not to do a biopsy if the aspiration failed. I don't want to go there unless there is a real concern. I am feel better and less stressed today. I appreciate all of the good thoughts!

[shootingstar]

Hoping the best for you, Catrin

[Catrin]

I had a good talk with my doctor this afternoon, and we decided on a 6-month call-back for a diagnostic for at least a few years rather than proceeding with further testing. He felt my risk is actually quite low, and that sometimes people get in a "testing treadmill" that is appropriate at times, but not always. Obviously if there is any change in the cyst then we will take the next step, but I am comfortable with this approach. I think it is reasoned and weighs out both risks and benefits. I greatly appreciate the support during this stressful time, hopefully there won't be a return of this anxiety in 6 months...

[OakLeaf]

That seems like a smart approach. I hope it's reassuring to you.

(((((Catrin)))))

[Crankin]

It sounds extremely well thought out!

[azfiddle]

That sounds reasonable to me- how are you feeling about it?