didn't pass the mammogram, what happens next? small update pg 2

[bumcat]

My mammograms have always been fine but I received a letter yesterday that states I need an ultrasound or additional mammographic views. So I'm assuming they saw something this time.
Do they usually do an ultrasound first or more mammogram views first? I know I'll hear from my ob-gyn this week but was curious what happens next, thanks.

 

[Kirk]

Just wanted to send prayers and PD your way!

 

[AnnMorin]

This has happened to me several times and it can be very scarey. What they saw on mine was a shadow and had me come back twice for additional views (they really twist you up good for those views) then they had me come back again in six months. The decided that the shadows are some f word ( I can't recall now) but not cancerous but have me returning for one more six monther than back again on once a year. If you had yours done on the new R2 imaging that could be why also because that calls back for additonal views anything slightly suspicious. The good thing is when you go back for the "diagnostic" ones they have the doctor read it right away so you don't have to wait and worry.
I am sure they will do additional views first-it can be scarey getting the letter but it is very common!! Hugs Ann

 

[Breezy_Carol]

This has also happened to me. I had to go back for additional views and then had the ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a fluid filled cyst. I had to have this biopsied. Luckily, no cancer. If you want the indepth description of the procedures, PM me.

Ask your doctor to write the prescription for the mammogram with ultrasound if necessary, so that if they need to do the ultrasound, they can do it in the same visit. The waiting inbetween is horrible.

Good luck to you. I know how nerve racking this is. I just went through it in October and again in January.

 

[JasonLyons]

after a blood test one time the Doctor office called me back and said my blood wasnt right, I freaked, even called the Doctor at home real late, as it turns out I just ate a whopper before the test and i wasnt suppose to eat , it will be fine





long post, I know

 

[CarolA]

I get this every time! I have a dense spot on my left breast that the Mammo can't read so I have to have an ultrasound! I have also had two cysts that have to be ultrasounded so we could drain them (they get painful.) Don't panic. However, Monday I would call your MD and complain! A LETTER! They should have called you and explained all this to you. I got a phone call on a Friday afternoon from my MD the first time (Of course his office was closed Friday afternoon) and I called him MOnday and let him have it for leaving that message with no way to get back in touch with him. Even his staff agreed with me.

 

[Krisu]

Is this your first one or do you have others they can use for comparison. BTW, I'm glad you posted this, I just realized I haven't heard about mine from 1/24

 

[JohnTBap]

{{{HUGS}}} for you, my friend.

 

[DebbieB]

This happened to me the past 2 years. In 2001, I called the results line and they told me to call the center for a followup. Last year, the hospital called me first and explained. I have fibrocystic disease (lots of fluid filled cysts), so they do ultrasound to be sure. They also saw some calcium spots on one of the views, so they did more views and they did not show up. This year when I go to my GYN, I'm going to request a diagnostic prescription up front, so that there will be a doctor there to view the results right away and I don't have to wait 2 or 3 weeks to go back.

 

[Dan Murphy]

My very best for you, bumcat, looks like some very good thoughts here. Almost all the time, from what I have read on these boards over the years, as well as what I have learned through Marie's illness, is that they generally are just looking for more in depth study to be sure (very good) and almost always proves negative. Though we do know how very worrisome it can be with these letters/phone calls for followups. A hug and a prayer all goes well, please let us know how it goes.

Dan

 

[Boots]

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} Don't know enough to give any advice.

 

[CarolA]

The biggest problem is insurance. Even though I KNOW that I will have to go back for the ultrasound we have to do the diagnostic mammo first! Insurance won't pay for the ultrasound w/out the mammo results stating it is needed!

 

[Poohbear123]

Surgery at age 21 to have a lump removed, so yes I take this as serious. I have Cystic Mastitus in BOTH breasts, so I have to have an exam EVERY year. Last year I had the Mammo and than later had to have the Ultra sound I think this year I will just ask for the Ultra sound UP FRONT!!

 

[Disney Ella]

Very scary, I know, but at least if it is something, it did turn up on the mammogram, as everything doesn't. I had a mass turn up on a mammogram a few years ago, had extra views right then, and ultrasound right then. The surgeon recommended a needle biopsy, and tests showed the mass wasn't cancerous.

The extra views could very well show it is nothing and put your mind at ease. Good luck.

 

[MerryPoppins]

They'll probably want to do additional views and/or ultrasound. If they are still concerned they might do a biopsy. In my case it was a "core" biopsy.

Try not to freak out. Most of the time it isn't something to be concerned about. Maybe just something they need to watch carefully. In my case, it was cancer, but a year and 1/2 later I am doing great. I'm just lucky that they called me back with their concern so that we caught it early.

If you need someone to talk to, send me a PM. I'll say a prayer that yours is nothing to worry about.

 

[bumcat]

Thanks for all the replies. At least I have a better idea of what happens next.
I too think it stinks to get a letter like that. The letter also states that it was sent to my dr. Of course I rec. on sat!!
I'm in good hands with my dr. She's wonderful and I know she will do everything that needs to be done.
I also have a PPO so that's better too.
I have been going to the same place for the last 3 yrs and it's the same machine.
I also did some reading on the internet about how a biopsy is done (just incase).
Unfortunately I'm a worrier but trying real hard not to!
Thanks again.

 

[Serena]

{{{{hugs}}}} Just take it one step at a time. And don't get upset about the possibilities. Try not to worry until you have something concrete to worry about.

 

[Kitty 34]

{{{{{HUGS}}}} to you. I sure hope the more extensive testing will find nothing but it certainly can be a worry 'til then!!

 

[browneyes]

My mom went through this. She got the letter to come back for additional views. She freaked. She just knew they found something. Luckily for her, there was a smudge or something on the results that interferred with an accurate result. I hope that's the case for you too. {{hugs}}

 

[snoopy]

Thinking of you, bumcat, and saying a prayer that it turns out to be nothing.