OT- mammogram scare

[angiejg]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping for a little support/advice if any of you have been in a similar situation. I know it's OT, so I hope it's ok to post it here. Yesterday I received a call that my yearly mammogram came back with changes from the last one. Apparently they see microcalcifications and want me to come back for a 2-3 hour diagnotic mammogram. The next available appointment was June 18th when we are in Disney. I begged and pleaded for earlier. They finally said I could come on Friday, June 15th. The person I talked to was not very nice or helpful, very matter of fact instead. I called back and asked to speak to a nurse. I was crying and told her I needed some support and as much information as she could give me to help ease my mind. She said that 80% of these are benign, but she didn't explain anything. She was cold and almost rude. I called my gyn office, but they had closed for the day. I guess I should go ahead with the June 15th appointment and hope that everything is ok? If it isn't I guess I'll deal with it after our trip? Can you give me your opinions? I'm very scared and this is totally ruining my trip planning. Please tell me you've been there and it's nothing!

Thanks for your help and support!
Angie

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Very sorry about the office staff you've encountered. You know, sometimes when you work in that field, you become a little anesthetized to it all. To the staff it is probably just that-routine. (Unless of course it is them). I would definitely go on the 15th. The staff may be unsupportive jerks, but they know what they are doing as far as the diagnostic work is concerned.

I have had abnormal mammograms and had biopsy twice. Both times it was benign. I was paranoid too because my mother had breast cancer 3 times and the last time she did not catch it early enough. The best thing is to take a positive and proactive approach. I know it is hard-I spent many nights in tears and thinking in terms of impending doom. Try not to dwell on it. (I know-easier said than done). Most times it is nothing. If it is something, you are getting it at a time when you can still do something about it. Please feel free to vent here for all the support you need!

 

[angiejg]

Thanks for your response. I'm very sorry to hear about your mom, but glad that you are fine. I'm in tears as I type this actually. I'm trying to get it off my mind, but it's tough! Thanks again for your support. I appreciate it.

Angie

 

[LJRJR]

First of all . I am just like you, and I get very upset at times such as what you are going thru. I had the calcifications as well a few years ago. When I went in for my first ever base line exam when I was about 38, there were two techs in the room and they just kept looking at these little white dots that I could see on the films. They let me go that day and the next day I was called by the office and told I needed to come back in. I was terrified I had to wait one week for an appointment , it felt like I was in the exam room forever while the tech isolated each spot (by using some sort of sticker or even a pen mark on my skin) and each one came back as just being a calcification, I was fine. However I understand you being so upset, please take the appointment on the 15th or if the office is close to you would you be able to go and see by just walking into the office, just to ease your mind? You deserve to be able to enjoy your trip and the fun of preparing for it.

 

[linda0706]

I also had the calcifications a couple years ago. I was a nervous wreck also. So sorry the staff was so uncaring! You'd think they'd understand the thoughts running through your head right now.

They did a stereotactic biopsy on me where I had to lay face down on a table, absolutely still, with the breast sticking through a hole in the table. They raised the table & did their work from below. It was absolutely painless, and the calcifications they removed were benign. The worst part of the whole ordeal was after it was over the nurse had to put pressure on the site of the needle stick to prevent any bleeding... ummm, excuse me, Nurse, PLEASE not QUITE so much pressure there!

 

[Del]

Hang in there...I've been there. Get through this crisis now, however, consider a new diagnositic facility for the next time. This is a crisis for you and they should be sympathetic to that fact.

Del

 

[Feralpeg]

I've had four different biopsies due to califications. They have always turned out to be nothing. I also had breast cancer when I was 31 and it was totally different. While you need to find out, please don't let this ruin your vacation. Odds are it will turn out to be nothing.

 

[angiejg]

Gosh, you guys. Thanks so much for your support. My gyn just called me and told me that it would turn out to be nothing. They haven't even faxed the info to him yet, so he's getting that today. I am so very grateful for your words of wisdom today. You don't even know what it means to me.

Angie

PS Anyone going to be in Disney June 17th-22nd? I'd love to give you a giant hug!

 

[LJRJR]

I am happy to hear that you were able to get thru to your Dr., and that you found some comfort and support here. I am sure you will be fine, as I said before I had the calcification issue a few years ago, and now I make sure I go for my mammogram each year, and I dont let any time lapse in between because there is a strong history of it in my family. Sorry, I wont be in Disney in June, we just got back from our vacation the first week in May. Enjoy yourself and relax and have a magical time

 

[PamNC]

but I wanted to say that more than likely everything will be fine. Try to relax and enjoy your trip. I've had friends and family with this exact same thing, and it turned out to be nothing.

I've had a pap smear to come back suspicious before and I felt freaked out. They had me come in for a second one and it was fine. I know how you feel. It's hard not to assume the wrost.

I make sure to have my mammogram every year and so far so good (I'm 45). I'm glad you're getting yours so just know even if there is a little something - it's early enough to take care of. That's the good news.

But, I'm sure it's nothing!

Enjoy your trip.

PamNC

 

[angiejg]

Again, thank you for your advice and words of wisdom. I've been up since 6:30 this morning stressing about it again. I'm going shopping for the day with a friend to try to get my mind off of it, but how can I do that until Friday!!!? I'm so scared.

Angie

 

[jenrein]

I am 29 years old and found a lump I was really upset and called to make an appt with my primary care. She did and exam and didnt even feel the lump- then I showed her and she agreed, and actually found a second. So I got to go for a mammogram- they decided to biopsy it that day! I was all alone and freaking out. My mother never has had breast cancer but has had lumps removed. Well the biopsy came back ok- the down side is every 3 months I get to have the mammogram and biopsy redone until there is no change for a year.

 

[Eeyore's Tiara]

I'm truly sorry you are going through this right now. I have a trip to MD Anderson in July to be told whether or not I'm okay. I've been making the 6 hour trip several times a month since last October.

Don't panic. The waiting is the absolute worst. I know its hard right now, but so many things can be going on that will turn out to be alright. I know about the insensitivity that you recieve from some of the people involved. It can be really terrible. The first place I was sent to was bad for me. They misplaced my first biopsy, and gave me someone else's medication which I found out I was allergic to. So I asked for a second opinion and was redirected to MD Anderson. I wanted to get as far away from the first people as I could get. At this point they have done over 5 biopsies and I still have all the signs, but they can't figure out why I'm okay. I keep telling them it's my positive outlook. So keep thinking your alright until they tell you otherwise. Hang in there-we'll be praying for you.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Hi Angie,
I hope you are feeling more confident with all the support here and from your doctor too!

I truly FEEL for you as I have been in your shoes. You can't change what will be.....stressing about it really does not help you.
Stay positive. Ask questions and be sure to get the answers so that YOU understand them. If you can, take a friend with you so they can be there to hear what the doctors say.
As a breast cancer survivor, 2 years this summer , I CAN tell you that life threw me a curve, slowed me down and made me a stronger fighter then I ever thought possible.
Stay strong and I will keep you in my prayers! So MANY MANY times Calcif. is NOTHING!!!! Please let us know how everything goes.

 

[mmeads4]

My prayers are with you!
Mirna

 

[Lives4Disney]

Angie....hugs to you. First, I am so sorry about the way you were treated at first. This is scary and they should "get" that. I had a mammogram scare a couple months ago. I was so proud of myself for going and went on a little shopping spree as a reward. I thought all was fine .... The next morning the hospital called and decided they wanted me back for more views. They wouldn't say much, but my gynie office was wonderful and supportive and very positive and said this happens all the time and turns out to be nothing.

I just told myself, if it was not good news, it's not the end of the world. I would do what I have to do. That got me thru the wait until the second mammo. I was so relieved it was fine.

My mom had breast cancer fairly young, but she is fine now (about 10 yrs later).

I hope everything goes well for you.

Lives4Disney

 

[angiejg]

Thanks again for your stories and support everyone. I've tried to stay positive, shopping all day yesterday!

I called my gyn this morning to see if I could talk to the nurse about the information that was sent to their office. She's supposed to call me back. Also, I called the breast care clinic to see if possibly there was a cancellation so I could go in sooner than Friday. I left a message. We'll see. It's the waiting and worrying that's making me crazy!

I did get to the Disney store yesterday and pick up some fun stuff for my kids for the plane ride and a few t-shirts on sale! I'm trying to stay in "Disney mode" instead of getting down!

Thanks again for all your help!
Angie

 

[tadamom]

My prayers are with you!!!!