[Update 8/22] Benign!!

I'm freaking out right now. We were away this weekend, just got home and got the mail. I had my annual mammogram last week and got the letter from BAB radiology today saying "Additional Imaging studies are needed to complete the evaluation, such as ultrasound or additional mammographic views". I'm 41, I've had mammograms the past 5 years--the first one needed repeating in 6 months, but that's understandable. The past 4 years were fine, nothing. Now this. I've done IVF more times than I can count, I'm overweight, and my grandmother had breast cancer when she was 65, she's 90 now and fine. I know I shouldn't be panicking, but how can I not? I always think the worst, b/c the worst usually happens to me. I have a really bad track record for major life catasrophes. Should I call my gyno too? I have my annual appt with him on Wednesday anyway. I'm definitely calling the radiology place tomorrow. I guess I just need to be talked down off the ledge right now, dealing with anxiety is not my forte.

Update 8/13 - Ok, well a bit relieved, but chapter not closed. The additional mammo on the right side showed nothing, they took lots of pics and the right side was good. They did a sono of both sides and the LEFT breast showed a tumor. Radiologist said he was sure it was a fibroadenoma, which are benign. He had another radiologist take a look at it too, he agreed. They gave me 2 choices. Ultrasounds every 6 months for 2 years to make sure it's stable, or skinny needle biopsy. I'm going for the biopsy :) What's weird is, it didn't show up on the mammo at all, just the sono. Dense breasts, I guess. I go for the biopsy on Wed.

Update 8/15 - Never a dull moment. Went today for the biopsy. The radiologist who originally did the mammo 2 weeks ago (and asked for more images) reviewed the additional images today before the biopsy and still didn't like an area on the right breast. There is an "area of distortion"...2-3mm in size. (the left one is the one with the benign tumor--he even said that he's not worried about that one at all even though he did a fine needle biopsy of that one too). So he did a vacuum assisted core biopsy on the right, which is a little more invasive than a needle one. He said if he thought it was malignant, he would tell me, but he's 50/50 not sure. I asked why the other radiologist on Tuesday gave the all-clear and he said, b/c general radiologists wouldn't be concerned with that kind of area. He explained that he (today's doc) is a specialized breast image radiologist. He can pick up on things others don't. So now we wait 3-5 business days.

[Update 8/22] Benign!!!!!! Spoke to the radiologist earlier today and it was just fibrocystic changes. What a rollercoaster these 3 weeks have been! He did say he wants to keep a close eye on it, since it was a chance since last year's mammo. I'm most likely going to get a 2nd opinion from a breast surgeon and just take it out. It's only 2mm, so to avoid having to go every 3 months, just take it out. I'll let the doctors advise me, but that's how I'm leaning. Thanks to those of you who sent me FMs and supporting comments here. Whew.

Message edited 8/22/2012 3:29:53 PM.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Breathe.

Ok, breathing? Good..

I've had that happen a bunch of times. I did have an abnormality and all was fine.

Most of the time it's nothing. NO need to go there. Go there if you have to but later.

It comes down to this. If you freak out now, will it change the outcome? It will only give you more anxiety than you need. It doesn't serve a purpose.

It took me a long time to practice that..lots of therapy! It works. Keep telling yourself that.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Know that either way, you have us and you will be fine!

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Thank you very very much for that .
I called the radiology place this morning and they said that a change in my breast was noticed and they want to do an ultrasound. I told her I wanted to come in ASAP, and they had an opening this afternoon.
DH keeps saying, 'it's nothing until it's something.'
I am breathing :) Good thing I have my regular therapy appointment today as well. ;)

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Eh I have almost always needed extra views. BUT having said that - I have never been asked to come back for them. I have gone to 3 different places and they always read the films and do any additional films before I leave. They will have me sit in the waiting area and then come back and say no we need you again or you can leave. I wouldn't be happy if I had to return.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Yeah I know--lots of places operate that way. Not the one I go to--I wish. I was supposed to have the ultrasound today, but they called and told me their whole system was up and down all day and they needed to reschedule. The next appt is Friday. I asked a couple of more questions and she looked at the report and said there was a change in the density of the right breast that they just want to get a better look at it. I don't know if that makes me feel better or not, but it's more info than I had last week. I could just get my films and go somewhere else sooner, but when would I get in--Thursday? Might as well wait til Friday and not switch places altogether.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Breast density changes as you age.

See? A little factoid to help you through your day.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

I like that factoid. I'll have to face getting older sooner or later.

I had my annual gyno visit today and the doc was like no biggie, people are called back for additional images more often than not. The first time you get that dreaded info is terrifying, but the anxiety definitely lessens the more you talk to people.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Posted by mishmosh

I like that factoid. I'll have to face getting older sooner or later.

I had my annual gyno visit today and the doc was like no biggie, people are called back for additional images more often than not. The first time you get that dreaded info is terrifying, but the anxiety definitely lessens the more you talk to people.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr They rescheduled for Monday now! They've been having issues at all locations with their new system and can't access priors. Getting angry will be useless, b/c there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. So wait til Monday.

Re: Mammogram last week--need additional images

Hang in there. I have had issues in the past (just had a lumpectomy last fall). I have had to get extra shots almost every time I go for the past 12 years. Luckily the places I go do them before they let me leave I couldn't imagine having to wait I would be pulling my hair out. As others have also said it is usually nothing they need better shots - if you have dense breast etc.

Mammogram last week--need additional images

I know it's hard not to freak out but breathe. One of my coworkers had the same thing happened....it ended up being nothing. Like a PP said breast density changes and sometimes they just need some more images to be certain. You are fine

Re: [Update 8/13] Mammogram last week--need additional images

Glad to hear your update. I also had a fibroadenoma which was seen on the sonogram. (Actually, had 2, one in each breast.) They were pretty sure after the sonogram that they were benign, but I opted for the needle biopsy anyway. I think you are making the right choice going for the biopsy, and the biopsy itself is relatively easy. Good luck, and for good results.

[Update 8/15] Mammogram last week--need additional images

Sorry you ended up having to have 2 biopsies done. Thinking about you and hoping and praying for good results.

Re: [Update 8/15] Mammogram last week--need additional images

i had that happen. two biopsies and a lumpectomy just to make sure it was out and it came back all clear.

Hang in there. Yes, it sucked to have to have it done but so much better to be safe.