(((satine)))) One day at a time.

Sending you a big hug. Even if it is cancer, it likely is caught very early. In my experience, radiologists read them the same or the next day and if it were advanced, your doctors office would be on the phone to you immediately. There are many call backs that turn up okay as well. I am a 2X survivor of breast cancer.

Yes, I did. Unfortunately I got my letter after 5 p.m. on a Friday and had to wait till Monday to set my second appointment. I eventually had a lumpectomy, but it was benign.

I know it's hard not to worry. One day at a time.

Thinking about you!

When I had my mammogram a few months ago, I got a phone call the next day asking me to come back the next day for repeat views and that the radiologist would speak to me then. I was really nervous about it but after some of the repeat views, I was told the radiologist did not need to speak with me. Apparently, the first views had a shadow in them.

Thanks for the feedback. I know this is not uncommon but it sure is scary! Satine

In all of my years of having mammograms, I was never called back until this past year. Scared? Oh yes. Good news though.....what I have is a lot of calcium deposits. However I am very thankful they were questioned....just in case. Praying you get good news too.

I went for my mammo a number of years ago. Back them, you had the test and then sat down in the waiting room for the results. I got called back for another view. It scared me so much that afterward I had broke out in such a sweat that I had to go home and clean up before continuing onto work. All was well. I hope it is for you too, Satine.

I also was called back for another check after I had my mammogram this year, for the first time ever, I get them every year now being 66, and it turned out okay...

I got one of those letters earlier this year. It sounded scary. I went back in. Got my second mammogram and then an ultrasound. Turns out I have benign fluid filled cysts.

I hope you have a good result also.

I have the same experience as both of the above Lindas, every time I have a mammo. Yes, it makes me worry, but so far, I've been blessed to just have calcium deposits.

my dd has had 2 episodes and calcium deposits....on the flip side dh's cousin went 5 years but did have a reoccurring cancer but she decided to take strong measures had double radical and chose not to have re construction...her bf doesn't care and they're still together...(she'd had radiation and chemo, so didn't want to stress her body more)

One time and it was a shadow. But it is nerve wracking.

This just happened to me 2 weeks ago. I had to wait 2 looooong days to go in, and instead of going to the clinic where I'd just had the mammogram, I had to go downtown to the big hospital. I was terrified. As soon as the mammogram was complete, they had the radiologist read it. Mine turned out to be nothing. Satine, when you call in to make the appointment, ask how long it'll be until the radiologist reads the images.

Just a suggestion to everyone. It is helpful to the radiologists to have your squish-o-grams done at the same place each time so they can compare years. This would probably prevent some call backs too.

I have to believe that it is nothing to worry about - I myself would NEVER go back to the same place. To put you into such stress TWO WEEKS after your mamogrm is beyond unprofessional. I had similar experiance 10 years ago. They called me the next day to set up another appointment in six months as there was "something" to be checked out. I insisted on speaking to the radiologist and was told it was SOP to say that to make sure I made another appointment! I would call on Monday and insist on talking to someone who can tell me what is going on NOW - not wait!

Thanks for the encouraging words. I will go to my Oncologist's office tomorrow to get the order and ask that I be scheduled asap. I was told when I had my mammo done that I would receive a letter within two weeks to give me the results. I think that is pretty standard here. I got the letter on Friday so Monday is the earliest I can get this moving. I guess I should have made an effort to get my previous films but since I have never had an issue before I didn't follow through. I have been keeping busy this weekend so I don't sit at home alone and stew about it. Again thanks for all the encouragement. Satine

Grandma_bonnie two weeks is not a long time to have to wait for further testing. It is pretty standard, certainly not unprofessional. Likewise waiting for biopsy results can take that long as well. Sometimes they rush results if they think it is urgent. Remember, it does take months to years for cancer cells to multiply into tumors that can be seen. A two week wait isn't going to make a major difference in treatment or outcome. I agree though, that waiting and the unknown is really tough. Often women will be asked to come back in six months so that they can do comparisons. That is why it is important to go to the same place.

After not going to the dr. for 25 years, for ANYTHING, ck up, pap, illness, physical, I finally went in 2009. I was just a couple months shy of my 49th birthday. Did she ever give me hell for not having a mammo yet. "You should have had your first one at 40!" "I know, I know, I'm here now."

So complete physical, pap, blood work then the dreaded mammo. I was scared sh!tless. Seriously, DH went with me I was so scared. They must have squished me 5 or 6 times. Then I waited. Then they came back and did 5 or 6 more. Then I waited. Then they came back for 5 or 6 more. Then I waited. Then they came back and said are you busy right now? Can you stay longer, the radiologist would like to get an ultrasound. Well punch me in the stomach.

Had the ultrasound. Then I waited. Then they said you just have one breast that is very dense. Both are, but one much more so. Do a follow up in 6 months instead of a year. I left there so sore and scared and shaken up I cried. And Randy, my DH, was a wreck.

It was nothing. I went back in 6 months, and it was all good. I've gone every year now and it's good. And I don't tell DH when I'm going, he finds out when I get the letter in the mail. He wasn't too happy about it, but there's no sense in him losing sleep waiting for results. And he does.

One of my sister's went through the same thing. Scared the crap out of her. And it was o.k.

Satine, you have my prayers honey. And it's going to be fine!!!!!!!!!

Sending you good thoughts. I went for a mammogram almost 2 weeks ago and with the breast cancer history in my family (sisters and aunt) I was on pins and needles. The tech said my Doctor would have the results in 2 days but since I haven't heard anything I figured I dodged the bullet again this time. My Doctor would have only called if they were concerned about my mammogram.

Hugs

Anne

I had a suspicious mammo, and cried through the ultrasound. I passed. Now I have some intense breast pain and I'm on watch until November. It's easy to imagine the worst, but we're in this together. Likely we'll both and all be OK.

Yes, it as happened a couple of times, and it is always terrifying.
Sending positive thoughts and gentle hugs your way.

Hi Satine. It is scary. I got called back for a recheck a couple of years ago, and after the recheck, they scheduled me to come back for another mammo six months later. Whatever they 'saw' in the first round was gone when I went back in six months and everything was ok, but it was a worry for that six months. I hope everything goes as well for you!

The last time I went for a mamo, the nurse told me that the results are checked right then - to make sure the pics are clear and if there is a problem with anything, it is retaken right then andI would NOT have to wait two weeks for a repoirt - I was sent the report the next day! Perhaps I have found lab that is exceptionally fast... I thought they were all that way...

Yes, I've had similar experiences. I've figured out, the letter means it is less worrisome, and there is some leeway. When they want you to meet with the physician in person and immediately, then it's time to freak out (I didn't even get to go home and get clean clothes or go back to work. Surgery! Not breast, another type of thing). A phone call is inbetween the two on the worry meter.

But I hear you. Waiting is the hardest part and your mind can run amok with the what-ifs. I know you don't want to hear it, but try not to worry too much?

Your sister in worry,
-Robin

I went through the same thing. I had to go back have another mammogram then a biopsy, but they did a aspiration instead, the mass went away when they did it. They kept talking cancer. Now I have to go twice a year for a mammogram just to keep a check on it. I just hate it. Don't worry till they tell you something for sure.

Wow, can't believe all the wonderful responses I have received. I am feeling a bit calmer (keep the serenity prayer in mind). I called my Dr this morning and they faxed an order to the imaging center. The center will call me to schedule the appt. so I've done what I can. They are usually very prompt and I expect a call tomorrow and if not I'll call them. I should know by now that the anticipation is always worse than the result because I worry about everything! My sister and I thought about putting an ad in the paper reading "Don't worry. Call us and we'll do it for you. 50+ years of experience." Thanks for all the support. Satine

Grandma used to say,

"Don't cross bridges ... till you get there".

ole joyful ... offering advice from a mere male

Satine, you are in my prayers daily.

Anne, call to check on the results! Just to make sure nothing fell thru the cracks.

Amyfiddler, I don't remember how old you are, but if you are even 35 at the youngest, cut out ALL caffine, including chocolate, sodas, and decaf. I was in the same boat last Sept, Oct. I was even sent to a breast specialist. My breast pain was caused by extreme fluctuation in hormones! No caffine whatsoever for 3 months plus 3 1000mg evening primrose oil capsules, 2 500 mg vitamin C tablets, and 1 400 IU of vitamin E daily and I have been pain free, unless I slip on the caffine excessively.

It's almost time for me to call for the orders for my mam. I'm not looking forward to it. I've had shadows for years and a difficult exam. I am "fluffy" and tend to get pea size nodules that are only there for a day or two and gone. The first time the dr felt them, he sent me immediately for an ultra sound and the tech couldn't find them! That fast, all in one day.

I really need to get an appt. for a pap, as it's probably been at least 3 years. After my hysterectomy my gyn put me on every 2 years. Do I remember? No. And then he passed away the day after my dad did in January. I guess I will be calling my DD's ob/gyn.......

Tami

Satine, I hope things went well for you.
I got a callback last Friday as well. I did eventually get an appointment for a diagnostic mamm and an ultrasound this Friday, but they said they won't tell me the result until mid-week and I won't have access to the radiologist. I'm trying to educate myself so I won't worry so much, but no one can tell me much and my doctor hasn't returned my call, so I'm limited to online generalities.

I'm scared silly. My doc told me the report said something was found that was "well-defined" and was 17mm, so I know they found something. Is it encouraging that it is well defined?

The waiting really is difficult. I don't think I want to do this again.

I was called back once. It turned out to be calcium deposits like someone else here mentioned.
Better to err on the side of caution.
Best wishes!

IMO this doesn't stand the test of real science. It's overblown. They have new ability to SEE specks of *whatever*, then you can stew until they magnify the speck and run the films on an IMAX screen! Hey, they are really INTO this marvelous technology! (It is marvelous...for some.)

It's probably just calcification.

I hope they can check you very soon, so that you can have peace of mind.

Anything new to report?

Hi all. I finally saw my dr. today and all is good. The biopsy was clean and to follow up with another mammo in 6 months. He did have a long serious talk with me about nutrition and exercise and made sure I understood the importance of both. He ran a program that gives numbers regarding percentages of chances (considering your history etc) of getting breast cancer and my risk is a bit higher than average. I am considering a medication that would reduce my chances by about 50% but wanted to do a bit of research before I make the decision. It was a very long 2 1/2 weeks from first mammo til todays apt and Im so glad it is over. Thank you all for your concern and support. Now, if I could just lose some weight and build some stamina! Satine

Great news Satine!

What great news, Satine!

Thanks just given to God for your good news.

Just got back from my mammogram and ultrasound. It was a shadow. All good.

Yea, Hedgeshrub!! Isn't that a good feeling, though???

Absolutely, sjerin! I'm so thankful for the support I got, including those who've posted on this page. Thanks everyone! What an experience this was. It helped so much to hear from others who have gone through this, or who just take the time to express support.

On a side note: I was finally ready for the big day. Psyched myself up, armed myself with my research, got in the car ready to rock and roll.... My car wouldn't start and my cell phone died. Things improved from there.

Great! TWO 'negative positives'!

I just love, love, love good news. Thanks for sharing.