Mammo callback for two areas on right breast - terrified

GoldenGirls

I had my yearly mammogram a few days ago and have been called back because of two areas on my right breast that were not there last year. I have no details other than the radiologist wants a contrast-enhanced digital mammogram and ultrasound of the right breast. I called my doctor's office about the report and was just told by an overly cheery "results coordinator" not to worry because it's just fibrous tissue because breasts go through changes and it's probably nothing. Not very helpful. So I asked if the report had a bi-rads rating. She had a vague idea of what that was and said no and told me the report just says I was being called back for more views. So not helpful!

I am terrified. My mother died from breast cancer two years ago so naturally my mind is already thinking the most horrible thoughts.

I don't know what areas of the breast they are concerned about. I don't feel any unusual lumps (I'm lumpy to begin with). The fact that there are two areas of concern is really scaring me.

Just venting and hoping for some insight I suppose. Scared sh*tless right now.

keepthefaith

GG, No insight here really. I just want to give you a pat on the back for getting your annual mammos and being pro-active. It's easier to put our check-ups off and move on, than to do what we know we need to do! Try to remember, that worrying won't change a thing; it only steals todays' joy. I have to remind myself of that, often. My Mom was DX'd at 60 and again at 83. I am lucky that she is doing fine, but it does make it harder, I think. Stay busy doing things that you love, while you wait. Best wishes for benign findings!

Natasha007

Golden,

So sorry you are going through this. I went through a nearly identical ordeal last month. I did not have he added stress of my mom having BC, however.

I'm age 45. I had normal mammogram and was called back as I had two spots on right breast. Last years mammo as 2D and this years was 3 D. Nurse navigator said lots of stuff shows up on 3 D that was possibly there for years but just didn't show on 2D. She said they have tons of call backs Now that they are using 3D and previous year everyone had 2D.

Did your report say anything about CAD? Computer aided detection? You will get your Bi-Rad rating after you go for the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.

I didn't feel anything and I thought I would just get the letter that all was well so I was devastated when I got the call back.

Went back for color doppler ultrasound andmore imaging. Advised I needed biopsy. Had ultrasound guided biopsy. During this time I was failing at work and could not concentrate on anything because it was always in the back of my head that I was getting ready to battle BC. I was physically sick and weaping all the time. I was an actual wreck.

They took several samples of both spots during the biopsy. Was given Bi-Rad 4C. Doctors would not give me any hope or encouragement.

Both areas turned out to be benign. I'm praying the exact same for you.

Keep the faith is exactly right, don't let the fear steal your joy. Try to have some hope. There are posts all the time of women with Bi-Rad 4C having benign findings. Please have hope. I'm praying for you. When do you go back?

GoldenGirls

Thanks for replying ladies. I go in on Friday for a contrast-enhanced digital mammogram and an ultrasound. The screening mammogram was digital. That's all I really know. I didn't see the report -- was just given a very vague answer from my doctor's office as to why I was being sent for other tests. How quickly I was called back also concerns me. My mammo was late Tuesday night and they called me less than 48 hours later. This contrast-enhanced mammogram is set up based on my menstrual cycle which is why I'm getting it on Friday. They wanted it during a specific part of my cycle.

Trying to keep busy and not think about it, but you all know how easy that is. lol

Natasha007

the call back so fast does not supriseme at all. In fact, I think the computer probably read your mammogram. Another lady on this site had her mammogram at 8:00 and by 8:30 the report was done. It was read by computer. My nurse navigator said the doctor will always agree with the computer if the computer suggests more imaging.

The vague answer from the doctor was exactly what I received too and I felt that was because they really didn’t even look at my scans much since the computer wanted additional images.

How old are you?

There is a benign category called “fibrocystic change”. That was what mine turned out to be and it is cause by hormonal changes and such.

I’m not an expert by any means so hopefully some of the knowledge ladies will chime in to offer some insight. I can and will pray for you though. I understand how hard this is😞. It is terrible.

GoldenGirls

Of course now that I've been feeling around my right breast I have found some lumpy, firm areas that I don't recall being there before. Freaking myself out even more! Going to keep my hands off my breasts and immerse myself in work until Friday. I'm driving myself crazy and I know it won't change the outcome. Just wish I hadn't noticed these lumps now!

Natasha007

I did the same thing and made mine sore and then worried myself even more. How old are you

GoldenGirls

I'm 46. My mother's lump was found around the age of 49.

whitelight-

My mother died of breast cancer too. I am now waiting for biop results and not expecting them to be clear BUT two of my maternal aunts had breast cancer years ago. One is quite ancient now and still with us. The other died of something else. My sister had breast cancer too and has been clear for 20 years now, proving that even where it seems to be 'in the family' many do survive it and well.

I hope that you do get good news soon. I am so sorry that you lost your Ma but your experience, if the news isn't good, will not be hers as my sisters was not my Ma's.

GoldenGirls

Thanks so much. I hope you get the all clear with your results.

I'm trying to hold it together and I just when I think I'm okay a wave of dread will wash over me. I thought I was just a few months late on my annual mammogram and then was horrified when i realized that my last mammo 14 months ago was just a followup on my left breast. My right breast -- which has the concerning areas -- hasn't been imaged for almost 2 years! A whole new level of panic has set in now.

I called my doctor's office on Monday morning and left a message for the person in charge of the results hoping to have the report read to me so I know if it's two masses or two areas of density or whatever they saw on the mammogram, but she hasn't called me back. She seemed fairly clueless to begin with when I spoke to her last week and brushed off my request for more details. Now I'm more concerned than ever.

And of course, after having a good feel around I have found a couple of lumpy areas that I hadn't noticed during my last few self-exams. More panic.

I'm sorry about all the cancer you've dealt with in your family. My mom was the only case of BC in the family that we know of, but she had an aunt with ovarian cancer, my dad died of brain cancer, both his siblings have since been diagnosed with prostate and colon cancer, and just a few months ago my brother (47) was diagnosed with early stage kidney cancer that was found after a horrific accident in which he lot his leg. It's been a sh*t-show to say the least.

Trying to keep busy with work, but working from home means way too much time spent thinking and worrying.

Sorry for the rant.

Hoping for benign results for you. Hugs

MsRukia

It is so hard to wait. I had a lot of trouble not getting too worked up after my last biopsy. Hang in there and I hope you get good results

GoldenGirls

Thank you. I hope your waiting ends with good news soon.

Natasha007

Golden,

Just praying for you and am happy today is finally here for you to get your US and mammogram. Please keep us posted.

GoldenGirls

Thanks! It's this afternoon. Will let you know how it goes.

keepthefaith

GG,

Good luck with your testing today! Remember, you only have to show up!:))

GoldenGirls

After a very long day at the hospital and 3 spot compression views, a contrast-enhanced digital mammogram of both breasts, and an ultrasound - the radiologist was kind enough to go against protocol here and tell me it's all good! Whew! The fact that I had worked myself up into a sobbing mess by the time they called me in probably had something to do with it. Normally the report goes to the family doctor and you don't get to know the radiologist's findings until you see your doctor.

She said she didn't see anything resembling cancer. I don't know what she did see, but it's not cancer so I'm happy!

Thank you all for being so kind and helping to calm my fears.

Natasha007

Golden,

Yay!! So happy for you! PTL! Thrilled for you.

Fairydragonfly

Great news!

Sjacobs146

Thanks so much for sharing your great news!