OK...So I got this letter in the mail about my mammogram

[mum4jenn]

Part of the letter says: "There is an area on your mammogram that requires further evaluation. The radiologist recommends that you return for special views of the left breast."



How concerned should I be about this??? I know I go back to my Dr on April 6th and I am sure we will talk about this then but should I call before then??? We are going to Orlando on this Friday and will be gone until Thursday. Then the following week I have my blood work drawn again on the 3rd of April and get the results on the 6th.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

If it were me I would be calling first thing in the morning.I would not be waiting till April 6th.

 

[golfgal]

I wouldn't be too concerned at all, it is common to need to do additional pictures and it doesn't mean there is something wrong, most likely the xray wasn't clear for that part of your breast.

 

[Chuck S]

They do this often to my Mom. Nothing like worrying a patient. It has always been determined to be a cyst, and nothing to be concerned about...but it sure is stressful for her, given a history of breat cancer in our family.

 

[Christine]

They may *think* they see something and want further clarification. This happened to me. I actually got a call and a letter. I ended up having a lump in my breast but it was benign.

 

[Alice Sr.]

What is the blood work for, just routine physical stuff? I had the same thing, had to have a ultrasound and meet with a surgeon but she said there was only a 3% chance that they would be cancerous. She wanted me to have them asperated(?) but I decided to wait until my next mammogram (next month) to decide on what to do. I hope everything works out ok for you.

 

[lindalinda]

I got that letter. They will take a different type picture..(a more detailed...even more squished one) Then I got a letter that said they needed to "watch it" In other words, theres maybe something there, but are checking for changes. Is this your first mammogram? I had to have another taken 6 months later....then again 6 months later. No change.

They probably had a number to call to schedule another mammogram on the letter. I would call right away just to ease your mind. I can tell you not to worry all day long but youre gonna anyway, so get it done now.

 

[Sleepy]

If they feel it is important for something to be investigated further, why send this in the mail? Wouldn't it be more personal and considerate to call the person? WHat if this arrived on a Friday evening? I couldn't imagine my state of mind all weekend waiting for the dr's office to open on Monday morning.

 

[Freyja]

I wouldn´t be too worried but I still would try to hurry my apointment. Hope everything goes well.

 

[mum4jenn]

The letter went on to say the results have been sent to my doctor and for me to contact him to discuss to results or to call the breast center to schedule an appointment. It also just said that if I have another exam done somewhere else I need to inform them of the exam I have already had.

I had a mammogram when I was 28(just a part of a routine physical) and I am 44 now. Oh..and the blood work is just a re-do of some from a few weeks ago. Something was showing up a little low and the Dr wanted me to have blood drawn again since several patients had the same levels showing low so he thought it could just be the hospital lab.

 

[Laurajean1014]

It maybe nothing - and if it is, you worrying is not going to make it better.

Relax, go on vacation and when you get back, go to your appointment. The technician will know what to do.

R E L A X and enjoy your vacation