New here. Call back and ultrasound from 3D Mammo

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
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I am new to this forum but I am quite scared. I got a call back from a digital and 3D mammo from 2/27. This was my first mammo and I just turned 50. They said I needed to come back in for a more bi-lateral views and a ultrasound and that the mammo part would take about an hour. Which is unreal to me because the initial one took maybe 15 minutes. I am nervous because I thought the 3D part would negate the need for unwarranted call backs for benign issues. I read the statistics and they all say not to worry and only about 1% is cancer found. That does not lessen the anxiety. Especially, I lost my husband 4 years ago due to lung cancer and I recognize the pattern with the docs.. Help and support will be greatly appreciated. THX
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Hi Smoo & welcome to the forum. I understand your fear, it's one phone call that none of us want to ever get. I know this will not help, but try to calm down some. Even with the newer testing available today, none of it is perfect. I lean towards it's best to be safe than sorry later.

I am sorry about the loss of your husband. I lost my mother to lung cancer several years ago. Hers was discovered too late & she was given 12 months to live. She made it 11 months & in all honesty she did well except the last 2 weeks. She lived in a small town & she came here for care treatment. We were fortunate to find good drs to take care of her.

In the meantime, try to keep yourself busy. If you have friends close by, connect with them & share your thoughts. Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
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Thx for the reply. Staying calm I am finding is not an option. Tuesday cannot come soon enough. I am feeling quite stupid because when they called me Thursday afternoon and said we can get you in first thing that next day Friday. I said no and then they said how about first thing Monday and I said no. I was worried about work being mad. So I opted for Tuesday afternoon. It did not dawn on me about the anxiety I would be feeling until then even more so with the urgency of them trying to get me in as soon as possible. So now I wait. I am also feeling the effects of not having anyone there with me. I went with my husband through all of it and I am not sure if this doesn't go right who will be with me. I do NOT do well with things like this when it is me. I do not even take Tylenol or cold meds.
But for now I wait.
I am so sorry to hear about you losing your mom. My husband was told he was going for the cure and was even told he was in remission but was dead 2 months later.
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Good luck with your re-check. I’m hoping it all works out to be fine.
Diagnosed with MS July 2006, Breast cancer 2017

I have no lesions on my soul and so I live with no limits.
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Well I had my diagnostic mammo ( 8 more views and being really squished} and us. Was told I needed a biopsy on both breasts. Was also told nurse would talk to me to go over radiologists findings and talk to me about biopsy. Turns out she left for the day and she would call me tomorrow {today} I did ask what birads I was and she said a 4. She said they already had in my chart that I had breast cancer which really through me for a loop. I said no I was never diagnosed and she removed it from my file. I am wondering who put that in there. The nurse did call me today and said I had to see a breast surgeon for consult and would have biopsies the next day. It is scheduled for March 19 and the 20th. It will be core biopsies. I asked her specifics from radiologist and she said she could not tell me. So I have no clue what those spots are though but us lady did say that they were solid and definitely not cysts. This waiting is all consuming. I am pretty good all day and only a few OMG moments but alone at night it hits like a ton of bricks. Any suggestions or advice?
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You could ask for a copy of the radiology report. That belongs to you. They can’t say no. Try to just take this at a day at a time. You may have more waiting. The needle biopsy report is never a fast thing. It can take 10 days to two weeks. Keep us posted!

See GP if you need more support for anxiety during this time. Hang in there.
Diagnosed with MS July 2006, Breast cancer 2017

I have no lesions on my soul and so I live with no limits.
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Smoo, I do hope that you will consider what Gretchen has suggested about getting a copy of the report. You are entitled to obtain copies of your records. Get in with your GP for help with the anxiety.

Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
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Thx guys. I see breast surgeon on Tuesday and I will ask for the reports. I have been trying to manage stress but it is difficult. I keep thinking of my kids if this doesn’t go well. My 16 year old just got her first serious boyfriend and my 18 year old is going to be going to college in the fall. I just don’t want them to have bad memories of this time.
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Take care of you. Your kids will be fine. Kids are so resilient. I chose not to tell mine too much. They were a couple of years older when I was diagnosed. Despite their youth, they were loving and supportive. My experience with cancer made them more empathetic. They understand the importance of family.
Diagnosed with MS July 2006, Breast cancer 2017

I have no lesions on my soul and so I live with no limits.
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Post a reply

Well tomorrow is the day I get my biopsies. Wish me luck. This is one test in my life I need to pass. (negative , I mean) I did have the consult with the breast surgeon and I must say I do feel better. She said that both masses are about 9MM and have characteristics for malignant and benign. She also said that if it is cancer that can easily remove them and have some chemo but no mastectomy. Which put me at ease. My lymphnodes are fine as well. So if it cancer, it is early. It was nice just to have someone explain things to me, answer questions I have and explain the process. To speak to you like a person and NOT a patient. She also showed me where they were and to feel them. Kind of odd but I never felt them. They were just random blips on a screen to me. I still have some anxiety but I guess that is normal. I should have the results Friday or at the latest Monday. Another long weekend I am guessing. She did tell me to stay away from Dr. Google and WebMD and to relax some. That they can get me through it. So again I wait. I will post ultrasound report tomorrow after biopsies
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Smoo, good luck with the biopsy today, I know I am a little late posting this. It sounds like you have a very good compassionate surgeon in your corner.

Check in when you can.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
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Good luck to you. I truly hope you get your results that soon. It took 13 days to get mine. It’s awful to wait.
Diagnosed with MS July 2006, Breast cancer 2017

I have no lesions on my soul and so I live with no limits.
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Thx all. I am home relaxing. Now I am just waiting. Having them both done at the same time sucks. I will post any updates. I can’t believe you had to wait that long. I would go insane
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Results are in. Both are benign. Yahoo. Just need follow up in 6 months to check for changes. Thanks to all of you for your wisdom and encouragement. Good luck to you.
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How wonderful!! I’m very happy for you. Have a wonderful weekend!! Celebrate!
Diagnosed with MS July 2006, Breast cancer 2017

I have no lesions on my soul and so I live with no limits.
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Smoo, that is awesome! Please take your girls this weekend & celebrate your wonderful good news, perhaps a lunch or dinner. I can see you doing a happy dance!
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums