Abnormal Screening Mammogram...worried

[icelandgirl]

I had a mammogram on Monday and got a call back yesterday saying that they needed to look at things further with a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.  This is the first time this is happened to me and I'm scared.  I felt my entire body go cold and then broke out in a sweat while on the phone.

 

Anyone had this happen to them and everything turned out ok?

 

I'm sorry if I posted this in the wrong place...gab and chat room didn't seem right as it says to keep things light.

[Gemini]

I would not get too worried about this and yes, how easy for me to say that, isn't it?      Mammography has a high rate of false positives, especially if your breast tissue is dense.  I know many women who have had this experience and it was nothing more than calcifications.  There are also a number of things that are benign in nature that will show up on one and you won't know until they do this further testing.  I am sorry you are going through this because I am sure it is a very scary thing to hear.  Deep breaths, deep breaths.......Get the other stuff done ASAP because you will be able to relax a bit more when they figure it all out.  But many women have that second call and it proves to be nothing serious. I would not lie to you. 

 

I still have to answer your thyroid post but my mother-in-law is here for a visit and I am busy.  I will post a response soon!

[icelandgirl]

Thanks, as always, for the calm words of wisdom Gemini.

[ravenwoodglass]

Try not to worry too much. I have had this happen and the ultrasound ended up showing everything was fine. Sending positive thought your way that your exam will also end up being okay.

[icelandgirl]

Thanks Raven...This is my 3rd mammogram...never an issue before.  Then the call yesterday...ugh.

[RMJ]

I had that happen last year, turned out to be nothing.

[icelandgirl]

I had that happen last year, turned out to be nothing.

You did? Did you freak out or is that just me? My follow-up is on Friday. I'm trying to keep my mind off of it but it's hard.

[RMJ]

I worried a little but didn't freak out. I've heard that being called back for more testing is pretty common. It is one reason that some people feel that too many mammograms are done - all of the false positives/callbacks cause too much emotional stress.

[dilettantesteph]

This has happened to me.  They told me that protocol has recently changed requiring ultrasounds for certain things.  They say that it's because I have dense tissue.  They give me ultrasounds every 6 months but haven't had to do anything else.  They haven't said anything about cancer or biopsies.  One good thing is that ultrasounds do not require that uncomfortable flattening.  You just lie back and relax.  Try not to worry.  Also, don't worry about all those noises the equipment makes.  It doesn't mean that they found something bad.  I did worry too, but really shouldn't have.

[icelandgirl]

I worried a little but didn't freak out. I've heard that being called back for more testing is pretty common. It is one reason that some people feel that too many mammograms are done - all of the false positives/callbacks cause too much emotional stress.

I hear you...I'm trying really hard not to worry.

[icelandgirl]

This has happened to me.  They told me that protocol has recently changed requiring ultrasounds for certain things.  They say that it's because I have dense tissue.  They give me ultrasounds every 6 months but haven't had to do anything else.  They haven't said anything about cancer or biopsies.  One good thing is that ultrasounds do not require that uncomfortable flattening.  You just lie back and relax.  Try not to worry.  Also, don't worry about all those noises the equipment makes.  It doesn't mean that they found something bad.  I did worry too, but really shouldn't have.

Thanks...seems like lots of people have been through this. Trying really hard not to worry.

[Pollymo]

I had a mammogram on Monday and got a call back yesterday saying that they needed to look at things further with a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.  This is the first time this is happened to me and I'm scared.  I felt my entire body go cold and then broke out in a sweat while on the phone.

 

Anyone had this happen to them and everything turned out ok?

 

I'm sorry if I posted this in the wrong place...gab and chat room didn't seem right as it says to keep things light.

I had this happen a year ago.  I was told I had dense tissue.  I was terrified for nothing!  I hope this helps!

[icelandgirl]

I had this happen a year ago. I was told I had dense tissue. I was terrified for nothing! I hope this helps!

Thanks Polly...Every time someone posts their story on your it helps. I'm still nervous...I know I'll be nervous in the morning until it's all done...but I don't feel terrified like I did when I got the call.

[FruitEnthusiast]

I had the same thing happen, exactly, and it was nothing... but anyone would be terrified, of course. Sometimes, with dense tissue as I also have, they just want to be sure by taking an ultrasound. Then they have something to compare it to the next year. I thought it was a sign that they were doing a good job and being thorough.

[SMRI]

A friend of mine got the same call a couple weeks ago.  It was nothing but better safe than sorry.  Just be forewarned, the diagnostic mamo is worse than a regular mamo but the ultrasound is no big deal.  Think happy thoughts or learn new swear words to use during the mamo   .

[Sfa4]

Thanks...seems like lots of people have been through this. Trying really hard not to worry.

 

Using ways to have women "not get worried" is a main mode of action of the medical orthodoxy, and its followers. But how many women and so-called  breast cancer survivors know that there is a good chance breast cancer survivors were really victims of harm rather than survivors who received benefits (read the afterword in this article: Open Original Shared Link )?

 

If women, and men, at large would know the real truth about mammography very many of them would cease having them BECAUSE OF GOOD JUSTIFIED WORRIES ... But the mammogram industry has been misguiding women for a long time running ...

[icelandgirl]

Just an update...

I really appreciate all the positive encouragement. Unfortunately for me...After the mammogram and ultrasound today, they now want to do a needle biopsy. I'm terrified. I'm looking at my 3 year old daughter's face and so scared.

[SMRI]

My friend that just had the same gets called back because of scar tissue from a needle biopsy done about 15 years ago.  It was just a cyst .  Prayers that your results are the same.

[GottaSki]

Just an update...

I really appreciate all the positive encouragement. Unfortunately for me...After the mammogram and ultrasound today, they now want to do a needle biopsy. I'm terrified. I'm looking at my 3 year old daughter's face and so scared.

My sister and mother have both been through the same scenario multiple times...always cysts, but always have to check it out which is never easy.

I had cancer (not breast) 14 years ago -- when my kids were young -- so I get how hard the waiting and supposing time is...I'm still here as are many other survivors on this board.

For now...think positive and try to keep busy until you have results.

[RMJ]

I hope that it is only a benign cyst and that you don't have to wait too long to find out. If i knew how to insert a "hug" emoticon I'd put one here for you.

[icelandgirl]

My friend that just had the same gets called back because of scar tissue from a needle biopsy done about 15 years ago.  It was just a cyst .  Prayers that your results are the same.

My friend that just had the same gets called back because of scar tissue from a needle biopsy done about 15 years ago.  It was just a cyst .  Prayers that your results are the same.

Thank you for the prayers.

[icelandgirl]

I hope that it is only a benign cyst and that you don't have to wait too long to find out. If i knew how to insert a "hug" emoticon I'd put one here for you.

I'm going to accept that hug...I sure could use some.

[icelandgirl]

My sister and mother have both been through the same scenario multiple times...always cysts, but always have to check it out which is never easy.

I had cancer (not breast) 14 years ago -- when my kids were young -- so I get how hard the waiting and supposing time is...I'm still here as are many other survivors on this board.

For now...think positive and try to keep busy until you have results.

Hi Lisa...The waiting is very hard. My biopsy will be on Monday...The. more waiting for results.

my mom has had this 3 times...always turned out fine. I am scared though...can't lie...just am. Cried talking to the radiologist today.

I didn't know you had cancer... so glad you are recovered.

[GottaSki]

We called it the hurry up and wait process...every step seemed like we had to wait just another ten days. I don't think you'll have to wait more than a few days for this one. I hope not.

Hugs.

[Gemini]

Add me to the hug list, Icelandgirl! But when I read what you said about your mother, it might help to remember that many times, health issues can be familial. Cysts seem to be one of those things. I know mothers and daughters that have had cyst problems but they were never cancerous. Just pesky cysts. So, if your mother has had this experience and everything was fine every time, dwell on that because it just might be you are like her and everything will BE FINE! I know you will be really worried because so wouldn't anyone else but concentrate on the positive, if you can!

I will now turn on my positive and healing thoughts beam to you and await that type of result on Monday.