Help me prepare for my first mammo post treatment?

ByFaith

Later this month I'll be having my first mammogram (bilateral) after ending treatment.  I've had followups and bloodwork, but this will be my first mammogram, a digital mammogram as before.

For those of you who have gone through this, how common is it for the doctor to bring you straight back for an ultrasound after the mammogram?  I like the idea of the radiologist being thorough with an ultrasound, but it would be stress producing.  

Just curious if any of you have had first mammo followup experiences to share?  Thanks. 

susan_02143

Dawn,

I had several post treatment mammograms. I go to a research/teaching hospital, so follow up mammograms were not that different than the one I had after feeling a lump.

I was taken into the special room where they keep the latest and best machine, with the most well-trained technician. My "affected" breast was given special attention with additional shots at a higher resolution. The next step varies from place to place, but my hospital doesn't let anyone leave until their scans have been reviewed by the radiologist.

If they see something, you get more pictures. If they still have concerns, you move right to the ultrasound, and if they are still concerned, a biopsy.

My hospital doesn't believe in sending anyone home without a full report.

The chances that you will need an ultrasound is fairly small, but it is a remote possibility, and I, for one, would prefer to get it over with as opposed to going home to worry.

Good luck! 

sgreenarch

I just had my first mammogram post dx. It was 6 mos after since my dx and mastectomy. I didn't have chemo or radiation and am on tamoxifen and Zometa. I insisted on this mammogram over the recommendations of my onc who was fine with waiting out the first yr with no scans.

Why? Because I have ILC and the recommendation is to follow up with an MRI and a mammogram/ultrasound staggered every six months. So they wanted me to have the first MRI in July (a year after dx.) This meant waiting until December, 6 mos later, for a mammogram. I was concerned about letting 18 mos go by without a mammogram. I know they did this partly to humor me, but I didn't care. But for a small cyst and some calcifications that have been in all scans, everything looked ok. It was traumatic to be back in that room for the first time, but I'm somewhat reassured. Even though mammograms often miss lobular cancers, my mammographer did catch it last summer on a mammogram, followed by an US, then an MRI. MRI found a second smaller tumor in same breast. Right breast was squeaky clean.

This was the first time I went to this mammographer and I have wondered if the cx was already there on my last few years' mammograms. She says no (I had her review them) but she may be simply trying to make me feel better as what difference would it make?I'm trying not to look backwards in general as you can drive yourself crazy.

Sorry for rambling. In answer to your question, I've never had a mammogram without an US. I think I've always had dense breasts and they've always needed those extra views. Good luck.