Waiting for 2nd Appointment Again

flower70

Hello. I received a call back from my regular screening appointment (3d mammogram) that I needed to schedule ultrasound in both breasts, diagnostic mammogram in both with spot compression in right breast.

This is the 3rd time I have been called back after regular screenings. I'm tired of this. I had my1st mammogram in my late thirties, which came back normal. My second and 3rd both came back abnormal. Had additional tests with end results both times being cyst in right breast. They never did the needle confirmation (even tho I wanted it).

Now I am getting called back again (4th mammogram). It's been 3years instead of my normal annual because I didn't have insurance for a few years. I insisted on the 3D this time because I have dense breasts and thought it would avoid an unnecessary call back. Still got a call back.

Right breast - Asymmetry 4millimeters with “associated punctate calcifications" anterior outer region, 2 centimeters from nipple.

Left breast - Focal asymmetry - posterior region 3 o'clock 6 centimeters from nipple.

I have to wait 2weeks for my ultrasounds and diagnostics. This waiting is really nerve wrecking and I was wondering if anyone has had this type or similar findings on here. It worries me most because I have dense breasts and have always had conventional mammograms until now. Could something have been missed in previous ones?

Sorry to ramble, just worried. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

flowergal

I wish I could offer more than I hope for the best for you. I understand the anxiety of waiting and my anxiety was so over the top I had my PCP call in some xanax. It really helped me stay in control .

Good luck .I do hope you get a good report!

flower70

Thank you. I wish so could take some Xanax lol. Unfortunately I can’t because of having to work. At least while at work, helps takes my mind off of it. I’m trying to stay busy.

mustlovepoodles

I sympathize with you. I started getting mammos at age 35 and I would estimate that I got callbacks about 40-50% of the time over the course of 24 years. Dense breasts. Had a few biopsies over the years, all negative until the last one in 2015. Totally nerve wracking.

I was fortunate that Xanax was able to help me. I couldn't take it during the day (I'm a nurse), but it at least helped me sleep at night. What helped me most during the day was to keep my hands busy: painting, cleaning, sewing, gardening, etc. Anything that required concentration, to keep my mind from persevarating on my worries.

Best of luck while you wait. Its maddening and we've all been through it.

Egads007

Flower70, I’m going in on a call back tomorrow for focal asymmetry on the bad breast. This was found on my 4th mammogram. The 3rd showed a cyst in the good breast and they confirmed it right then and there, no waiting, but 20 minuets of mind numbing fear before they spoke to me...almost wet my pants! This time I had to wait the AGONIZING two weeks for my appt tomorrow. From what I read here on the boards and other sources call backs are very common. I assume even more so for survivors. Can they miss stuff? I’m sure it does happen, especially if the stuff is hard to see through dense breasts. I like to think that the rad people scrutinize my images like crazy and am grateful if they do. I know my center is pretty darn meticulous...perhaps that’s why you have call backs?I just wish the waiting wasn’t so rough!

Egads007

Mustlovepoodles- I did the ‘keep the hands busy’ thing today by making bread. Forgot about it in the oven, no timer set. Disaster? No, we have an awesome shiny new black doorstop! I’ve done this so many times in the last two weeks that I’m thinking of starting an online doorstop business!

Rondeezee

I so love your humor Egads007 😊. I’m saying an extra prayer for you tonight and I hope all goes well for you ontomorrow. Hugs!!!

flower70

Im so sorry to hear you went through this aweful nightmare, mustlovepoodles and Egads007. I hope all goes well for you tomorrow Egads007 🙏🏻. mustlovepoodles, how are you doing now?

Thanks so much for the encouragement. And yes, I do believe I'm going to a better Dr and facility. I have better insurance now too. I didn't like the place I went to last time. Bc doesn't really run in my family, other than my grandmother.

Egads007

RhondaJ & Flower70 - thank you for the support & prayers....2.5 hours to go, hopefully the wait will be over with good results...if not, I know I can do this, not a doubt. I’m a seasoned veteran let’s just hope they put me on the bench for the final quarter lol

Egads007

Hey Flower70....hope you’re hanging in there...hugs

flower70

Egads007 Thank you 😊 I’m trying lol. Work helps me keep my mind off of it. How did your appointment go?

Egads007

Hi Flower, thanks for asking...I was one of the lucky many 80% and it turned out to be a skin fold on the original mammo. I’m counting on and praying for you to join me in those numbers!Work is good for coping so I’m happy you found something to keep your mind from wandering to the wait. When is your diagnostic happening?

flower70

Glad to hear! What a relief. Thank you for your concern and prayers. My appointment is scheduled for April 4th. Ugh lol. So glad yours turned out to be great news.

Egads007

April 4th...ugh indeed. In my humble opinion the waiting is absolutely the worst part. Once I was diagnosed a strange calm acceptance set in and I decided to move be forward with treatment. 4 years later I dont give much thought to it most days....until DUH DA DAAAA...I got the call back. It catapulted me back to the early days and I was reduced to the anxiety, maybe even worse. Difference is this time I had experience and was able to cope a wee bit better....a wee bit. This community is what kept me sane, gave me such a comfortable outlet. I wish I had it the first time around. We’re all going to get you through, that I promise! Always here when you feel the need to reach out. Keep those numbers in mind and hang in. Hugs

flower70

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I know waiting is the worst. One thing that eases my mind a little is that the report said “within 60 days”. And these findings are kind of common.Hoping and praying. 🙏🏻. Hugs.

KatfshhRN

Hi,

I just found this forum. I got a call back as well for the first time ever. Same thing "Focal Asymmetry 7 mm left inferior breast. Right breast no suspicious findings." I am also a nurse. Hard to focus at work right now. They didn't have any call back appointments available until April 10th. I hope everyone here is getting relieving news!! I am 54 fyi.. first time ever having a call back. But, my last mammogram was 9/2014... so I missed 3.

flower70

Welcome KatfshhRN

I know it’s scary—especially the1st time getting called back. I was extra scared because I hadn’t had my last one in 3 years.

I just had my ultrasounds and diagnostic this morning-after the agonizing 2week wait lol. They said it doesn’t appear suspicious-no biopsy recommended (now). Appear to be cysts. Said to follow up with my Dr.

So relieved! Although I am tired of getting these callbacks every time and want to have a 100% confirmation on this. I’m bothered by not knowing for sure. My husband wants me to demand needle biopsy or some kind of test guaranteeing no cancer. I already called my Dr office and they said she will call me when results are sent over to discuss more.

Hang in there. Most come back benign 🙏🏻 😊

KatfshhRN

Yay!! Your news makes me happy!! What a relief, but I don't blame you one bit for wanting a definitive answer!!

As far as I go, I would rather just know the bad news than wait a week. I haven't been able to focus at work or to eat. It is just so stressful. They called me back Monday without much information. So, I emailed my PCP today. She called me and also send the radiology report to me.

"Mammogram Findings:

There are scattered fibroglandular densities

There is a focal asymmetry measuring 7 millimeters seen in the inferior region of the left breast.

In the right breast there are no suspicious findings.

Conclusion:

Focal asymmetry in the left breast requires additional evaluation. We will recall the patient for additional imaging."