Terrified!!

selena04

Hi there -

This is my first time posting and I’m terrified. I have severe anxiety and I was so stressed leading up to my mammogram. I’m 45 and had one at 41 which was fine (I had it because I felt something that turned out to be a fibroid). So I finally had the mammogram this week and then got called back as the results showed a focal asymmetry.

After not sleeping all night and having a panic attack this morning, I went back this morning for my u/s and cried the entire time. The tech really wouldn’t say anything except at the end she said she didn’t know why I was so upset.

I’m so mad at myself for not doing this test sooner. Anyone have any thoughts on focal asymmetry? I can’t find much information on it.

Thanks

Selena

Fairydragonfly

Hi selena04. I wanted to reach out to you as someone who also struggles with high anxiety. And by far, the waiting game is the absolute worst. Do you have any information about the mammogram or ultrasound that you are comfortable sharing?

When I went for my return diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, I was immediately referred for a biopsy. A biopsy is recommended if you have a Birads score of 4 or higher. My score was 4C at the time.

I'm sure others will chime in soon as well.

Hugs

selena04

Thank you so much for your reply! No additional information, just that the first mammogram showed focal asymmetry which they wanted to look at again. They didn’t see anything else. Everyone is telling me to calm down and relax... not an easy thing to do with my anxiety in high gear.

I’m currently waiting for results of the second mammogram and u/s. They said they’ll get them to my doctor quickly so at least the wait will be short.

Really appreciate you reaching out. It’s hard to talk to my friends & family who think I’m overreacting

Fairydragonfly

Obviously I am not a medical professional. I'm hoping that the fact they didn't indicate the need for a biopsy means the ultrasound helped the radiologist see what the focal asymmetry was. I'm sure you will hear from your doctor's office soon.

Are there any techniques you use to help with your anxiety? Meditation, journalling, challenging your negative thoughts?

By the way, my sister went for her first ultrasound after I got diagnosed. She was called back for an ultrasound which freaked her out. Turned out one of her lymph nodes was in an unusual place. She's fine.

selena04

thank you again! It’s incredibly kind of you to offer me reassurance. I imagine that if the u/s and mammogram are suggestive, they’ll send me for a biopsy as a next step. The techs only said - don’t worry, it doesn’t look serious. Although I was so upset I don’t know what if they actually said that or if I’m imagining it

I just went back to CBT a few weeks ago and so I find the strategies aren’t helping me right now. I get a few minutes of calm and then my brain takes off again! My doctor also prescribed some anti anxiety meds which I think I’m going to take tonight. Haven’t slept in 2 days!

What works for you?

Fairydragonfly

I'm like you. When I am in the depths of my anxiety I forget about all the tools and techniques. To help with sleep, I listen to a sleep meditation every night. I play them on YouTube (phone upside down so I only hear it, not see it). Here are some I like:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UUCqWB6EseWbMKnzun...

https://www.youtube.com/user/ILoveJuicyShow

https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelSealey

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys

I also use Melatonin or sleeping pills depending on the severity of my sleep issues.

I find that journalling also helps me get the thoughts out of my head. Once it is written down, it's like I have released it and know I can go back to review it at a later time.

Deep belly breathing/Square breathing exercises help as well.

And talking. I hit a pretty low place a couple weeks ago and talking about it with my health care providers, support group, and family/friends pulled me out of it. Keeping things bottled in (for me) makes it worse

bevemar

Dear Selena......I do not know about the focal assymetry, but I have and do have bad anxiety with the diagnosis I received of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was stunned when I learned from the biopsy I had this type of breast cancer. Had a mastectomy, 4 treatments of Chemotherapy with 3 weeks off in between and as soon as I receive my aromotise medication I will be taking this each day for 5 years. I am prescribed anxiety medication and I pray often. I have no family for support other than my husband. I have reached out for a therapist at our cancer center and have yet to be called that a therapist is available. I will pray for you and others who are going through any breast cancer diagnosis and I am sorry I am not able to help with your focal assymetry.

Jons_girl

hello Selena:

I think all of us here have some form of anxiety we go through with the waiting game after a mammo or ultrasound that isn’t normal. That is a very normal response I believe.

I’m surprised that you were not given a Bi-Rad score. I would ask for a copy of yr mammo and ultrasound report. Those are good to have so you have all the jargon written down. We have a radiologist who’s part of this forum. He is a huge help in explaining certain words on a report. His user name is djmammo.

We do understand what yr going through. It’s horrible waiting. My bi-rad score was 4 as well and it was cancer. Although it’s my understanding that not all bi-rad 4 are positive for cancer.

Sending a hug yr way....keep us posted please and we are here for you if your wanting to chat!

🌹💐

selena04

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate everyone's input and all the responses. I was extremely relieved to find out everything is ok after the second round of tests. Reading your stories and experiences were extremely helpful. I wish you all the very very best and am sending hugs your way as well!!!!

Thank you very much & I wish you only the best.

Jons_girl

oh I’m so glad to hear yr update! So glad all is ok!! Thank you for your kind words. We all appreciate support in our journeys going forward. Hugs. Have a great wk!

Fairydragonfly

Great news! So glad it turned out okay.