"You can survive this. Talk to others that have"

sad12008 posted 5/23/2013 12:24 PM

I had the annual breast mashing back on the 8th. Around last Thursday, I get a call from my regular doctor's office saying that the radiologist wanted me to come in for 'additional views' & to call & schedule that. So I did, and radiology scheduled me for this past Tuesday. They took 4 or 5 additional shots (who knew mammograms could be even less pleasant?....they can be when they pull out what they call "the small paddle" which is narrower...but I digress). Then I wait while they take it back to the Wizard of Oz and when the nurse returned she said the radiologist wanted me to have an ultrasound done. So I wait a little more and go back and have that done. The u/s person says that my primary care doctor should get the results & call me in the next couple days. I called my doctor this a.m. about another thing & to see if they'd received the test results, and the desk jockey said this:

"Let me check, I think those came in this morning." (she goes & checks) "Can you come in tomorrow morning at 11:00 so that Dr. D can go over the results with you?"

So now I'm feeling scared ....trying to think it's nothing, but I'm not doing a very good job convincing myself. :o(

I just have this assumption that if it was nothing, my doctor's office would just say, "everything was fine". Instead I have this "go over the results" appointment. Plus I thought they were closed on Fridays....but that may've changed.

I am used to putting on the brave face and being stoic for three other family members as I've dealt with their sundry health scares/worries. However, I feel anxious, like I'm holding my breath.

If it is something, what would be next (and how much does it hurt)?

ImNellNow posted 5/23/2013 12:31 PM

If it is "something," next would be a biopsy. Confide your fear in someone so you can get IRL hugs in addition to these: (((((sad)))))

I have to get the small paddles and ultrasounds all the time. Damn troublesome boobies!

simplydevastated posted 5/23/2013 12:33 PM

For your sake I hope it's nothing. I'm not at the mammo stage yet so I have no idea what comes next. Sending you lots of (((HUGS))) and positive thoughts your way.

nowiknow23 posted 5/23/2013 12:37 PM

(((((Sad))))) I know that "holding your breath" feeling, honey. Hang in there. Try to distract yourself until the appointment - find something relaxing and self-indulgent to do today.

I'm sending you tons of "it's absolutely nothing to worry about" mojo.

JessicaFL127 posted 5/23/2013 12:40 PM

That happened to me too- just cysts. I am young and my tissue is denser so it is harder to read them. Hugs.

Undefinabl3 posted 5/23/2013 13:29 PM

INN is right, next would be a biopsy, and I have no idea if they hurt or not. I would assume that they put local in the area if they do just a needle biopsy, if its bigger, then probably outpatient would happen.

After that, there's a few roads.

1. Its not cancer, its a cyst and they remove them.

2. It is cancer and they give you options.

To be honest with you, the advances made for breast cancer are amazing. There are trials with great success. There are options out there that werent there even 10 years ago.

Talk to someone in real life, have someone go with you just incase you need the moral and physical support. Also, if this person could be a potential "Battle Buddy' that would be a great help too.

(((Sad)))

Newlease posted 5/23/2013 13:34 PM

I have been through this a few times. Mamo - 2nd mamo - ultrasound - needle aspiration (to see if there is liquid) - core needle biopsy. Every time they came out clean, but every further step makes you feel a little more anxious.

The only thing that really was unpleasant was the core needle biopsy - not really during the procedure, because they numb it - that part feels more like pressure. But afterward I had quite a bit of bruising.

Sending strength and peace.

NL

amitheow posted 5/23/2013 13:44 PM

You do them reguarly right?
so even on the off chance it is something, it's a new something and that's GOOD.

So many of these things have been caught early.

I get it though. I HATE HATE HATE waiting on docs to call. I had to have a sonogram when I thought I had gallstones (I did) and those 24 horus waiting were awful. I just KNEW they were going to call with pancreatic cancer or something.

TRY to calm down but I know you can't and any time someone tells me that I get mad!

HUGS!

nowiknow23 posted 5/23/2013 15:06 PM

Talk to someone in real life, have someone go with you just incase you need the moral and physical support.

I second this! It's also very good to have a second set of ears. Big hugs, honey. ((((sad))))

tushnurse posted 5/23/2013 15:13 PM

Usually they move pretty quick with all of the testing, and so forth. If they have found something suspicious they don't usually make you go for a PCP visit, they call you and say you need to come in for a biopsy, we have you scheduled for tomorrow. At least that's how it's done here.

Even if it is something suspiscious the next step is usually a biopsy, sometimes an MRI. Start doing your research and find a breast surgeon in your area and make sure they accept your insurance. This is all they do every day. Most are quite good at it, and have very personal reasons for choosing said specialty.

The unknown is the scariest part of all.

((((and prayer, and strength, and MOJO))))

Hearthache again posted 5/24/2013 00:29 AM

Try not to be too worrisome. My mother has had so many biopsies done I can not even count. My younger sister who just turned 30 has a mamo every year because she had radiation on her chest for lymphoma 6 years ago.

I also read somewhere that 90% of breast biopsies turn out to be benign. I have also had cancer screening done for myself and 2 of my children. Waiting is not fun. The moment when you hear something does not seem right or is abnormal your heart sinks. Every time so far its turned out fine.

I also second the medical advancements. My step-mom had early breast cancer and she didn't even need radiation. early detection helped her to avoid it.

Good luck.

Dreamboat posted 5/24/2013 08:28 AM

((((hugs))))

Sending you strength this morning

JustDone posted 5/24/2013 08:32 AM

Wishing you the best, sad. I've had three stereotactic breast biopsies, so pm me anytime if you want to chat.

Thinking of you, hope it all turns out well.

sad12008 posted 5/24/2013 16:18 PM

First, thank you each and every one for your supportive, kind words. It was really so comforting to me. Hearing of others' experiences helps chase away the dark shadows of the unknown.

Now though: good news from the doctor's office! Hallelujah, now I can go back to worrying about all the usual things! The issue, according to the radiologist's report, was "scattered fibroglandular tissue". Sounds so sexy! (NOT.) They want a repeat mammo on that bosom in 6 months. I can live with that.

Boy, am I relieved, not only to get good news but also to get it without having to wait over a long weekend!

SoVerySadNow posted 5/24/2013 16:22 PM

Great!

JustDone posted 5/25/2013 16:49 PM

cass posted 5/27/2013 16:15 PM

Great news

JanetS posted 5/27/2013 16:29 PM

don't you wonder why they can't share that information with you on the telephone?????????? They have to know you'd be worried.

okaynow posted 5/27/2013 17:29 PM

Fantastic!

tushnurse posted 5/27/2013 19:33 PM

Did you tell your Dr he was an Ass?'!? That is BS for making you wait on pins and needles thinking the worst. Seriously it's inexcusable.

Very Happy you got good news but to save others this grief you may want to let him know.