Can you get an ultrasound done to compare the density of your two breasts? Do you have any other symptoms? What does the radiologist say?

I can't do any more until I see the oncologist. I have density on both sides- very dense. The radiologist wants to 'wait' and redo in 3 months. My family practice thinks it looks much worse than density. Because I have been referred to the oncologist. family practice won't do any more. Remember- this is a very rural, back-ass-wards part of the US. In any other place, when you have a questionable mammo, you are redone right then and there- or the next day- the hospital's attitude was 'Well, we legally have 30 days to contact you'. Ugh. A relative just got diagnosed last month with breast CA- she had the mammo on a Tuesday and was in surgery on Friday, radiation is now init's 4th or 5th week. I have to wait 6 weeks to even see the incologist. Waiting is not something I do well.

I have very dense tissue in both breasts, unfortunately I can't tell you what the mammo results look like. My place takes a peek at those, and then whisks me right into a room for the ultra sound. The tech calls the splotches "black holes" and she's right, that's what they look like on that machine.

Do you feel lumps? I can, generally, and they're cysts filled with fluid. We keep a close watch on them and aspirate when necessary. The less caffeine I drink, the less soreness I get.

I'd be pretty upset if I had to wait six weeks for an oncologist. Especially with a relative being diagnosed with breast cancer, I think you could call the insurance company and push for another opinion ... SOONER.

Blessings to you, and I hope it's nothing serious. I know how hard it is to wait and wonder.

Something sure sounds back-ass-wards!

Here is what transpired with me.

I went for my yearly woman check-up with my gynocologist and she wrote the order for me to have a mammo.
Her office got the results, (suspicious) and they called me and they told me they had made me an appointment with a surgeon....like within the next few days!
The surgeon then attempted to do a breast ultrasound in his office, but was unsuccessful, or maybe it was inconclusive...not sure...I was about crazy over it.
He then scheduled again, in just a matter of a couple of days, for me to have a needle biopsy. That, I think, (I've blocked a lot out I think) was done in the hospital. I do remember I blacked out from stress/fear.
The biopsy was positive, and my lumpectomy was scheduled again in just a matter of days.
Due to the size of the 'lump' I was then scheduled to see the oncologist for chemo...thus my name as my new hair after chemo was nice and curly!

Please see the link below. It explains a lot.

Because I have been referred to the oncologist. family practice won't do any more.
I would call them and ask/suggest that they refer you to a surgeon.
Do you have a separate gynecologist? If so, I would suggest calling their office, and explain things, along with your concern, and ask if maybe your next step should be a breast ultrasound with a surgeon. Ask if they could schedule you with a doctor (probably a surgeon) who could do that ASAP!

I have density on both sides- very dense.
snip
I saw the flat plate- it had a large area of dense white
The white only showed on one side though...right?

It sounds like you might be dealing with some very incompetent folks. You might have to take the initiative to see that you get the care you need now!

I wish you well. Please do keep us posted or feel free to email me.

Take care. You will be in my thoughts and prayers diring this stressful time.

Sue...chemocurl

Here is a link that might be useful: What if They Think They See Something on My Mammogram?

I did some more searching around and found a forum so you can ask if this is normal to wait so long and then for it to be to see an oncologist.

Scroll down to the section where it says Life Saving Early Detection and ask about your situation there. I hope they can help guide you so you can then guide your health (???) care providers...sigh.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Breast health Online

chemocurl- yep, you have curly hair now- I have had lots of patients in the past who have had chemo- and almost all that I remember had curly hair come back- alot of them were gray- even at a younger age.
Thanks for the site- but the reason I have to wait is because there is only one 'part-time' oncologist here- he is supposed to be very 'on the cutting edge'. That is why I want to see him. I already have had a referral to a surgeon- but because the radiologist suggested waiting 3 months,so the surgeon won't do anything. That is why I am now going to see the oncologist- he will be my second opinion- even though my family prac seems to think it is very bad looking. As I said- this is a very behind part of the US- I was shocked when I came here to work- I knew within a couple months that it was not where I wanted to work- but I had just bought a large home/farm, and did like the northern rockies. Thought I could deal with the '15 years behind attitude', but got hurt before I could leave. House/farm is 'for sale' now- lol....
Nope you can't feel anything- I do self exams, and had just had family prac do an annual exam- she felt nothing.

Is there any possible what you can take a short trip to the closest city with good medical services? I think I would do this if I were you; no way I could wait that time out.

Can you travel to where this 'part time' oncologist is based and get in sooner. I'd be a nervous wreck.

Chemocurl, my sisters came back in curly too. But it back to normal now.
Leslie

because the radiologist suggested waiting 3 months,so the surgeon won't do anything.
That is what I think is absurd.

I have had lots of patients in the past who have had chemo- and almost all that I remember had curly hair come back- alot of them were gray- even at a younger age.
I had 'some' grey before the cancer, but when my new curls came in, the grey was gone. I 'think' part of it might have been how I changed after the ordeal...as in I no longer get upset about much and see life in a different (much better) way.

Can you travel to where this 'part time' oncologist is based and get in sooner. I'd be a nervous wreck.
Great idea...can you travel to his home office or another satellite office and get in sooner? He will just be referring you to someone else, for further testing anyway...right?

I would pose your situation, and reasons and time frames in a post at the forum linked above, and see what they think/suggest.

Hang tough!

Sue

If I were you, I would drive as far as I needed to, to the nearest big city, I don't think I could wait 6 weeks not knowing if I had cancer or not! That sounds ridiculous to make you wait so long.

good luck to you!