Cancel Mammogram: Worry vs COVID

lola12

Hi All,

I am due for a mammogram in a few weeks and the image center just called to schedule.

It will be my 10th year since my diagnosis.

Of course, part of me just wants to get the scananxiety over with and know all is ok/not ok and the other part of me ( and my family) is telling me to postphone until this Coronavirus seriousness is over with. I know medical offices are taking precautions but it certainly isn't stopping medical workers from being diagnosed.

What are you doing? Going or cancelling?

Lola

Ingerp

Lola--this is a great question and my answer is I haven't decided yet. I'm scheduled for mammo/bone density scan/check in with MO and RO next month and I'm gonna wait and see what my treatment center is recommending. I'm two years out and was really looking forward to getting this round of testing behind me, but I get that it might be better to wait. I'm almost hoping they cancel so the decision will be out of my hands.

marijen

I have one next week, I’m planning on canceling. The same place has changed two other appointments to phone calls.

SATresident

I went for a mammo and ultrasound on cancer side last week, so glad I got it over with! The place was just about empty, people have canceled. I didn't have the high amt of anxiety I usually do, that is until I stepped into their building! Then I realized I still have lots more fear of cancer returning than I do the virus. Radiologist was caught up and looked at the results before I left, all ok. Where I go is a separate building and has its own entrance. I have other appointments coming up in the next three weeks, surgeon, primary, and labs the primary orders. I expect some of these apps might be canceled by the doctors, but I will go if they aren't.

Beesie

So this is a routine annual mammogram, and you have no issues or concerns? And since you had a MX (I think I have that right - I checked your previous posts) this is not related to your previous diagnosis but is standard screening for your other breast?

If you read this board you will see that cancer surgeries and biopsies are in some cases being delayed because of the COVID19 pandemic. 1.5% of COVID19 patients die within days of acquiring the disease. Exposing yourself to COVID19 not only puts you at risk, but puts anyone you live with or visit with or stand next to in the grocery store at risk.

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is rarely urgent. In most cases, a diagnosis today versus a diagnosis in two months is not likely to change the prognosis or outcome. And if I understand correctly, you have no reason to believe you have breast cancer, this is just a routine mammogram.

Personally, in that situation, I wouldn't go anywhere near a healthcare facility. I don't have any breast screening coming up, but last week my PCP advised that my colonoscopy which is due can easily wait until this crisis has passed. I was relieved and couldn't agree with her more.

Tmh0921

I was scheduled for a colonoscopy Monday and kept my appointment. It was at a facility separate from the hospital and they had a nurse in the receiving area taking patient's temperatures, and asking abut travel and exposure. All drivers/guests had to wait in their cars, only the actual patient was allowed in.

I also kept my monthly follow up with my oncologist yesterday, they were taking the same precautions.

My exchange surgery, which has just been approved and is being scheduled will be delayed. I'm not going to a hospital and having surgery given the situation.

Georgia1

I just had a mammogram yesterday and it went great. The receptionist wore a mask, asked me several questions, and took my temperature by holding a sensor up to my forehead. Then she gave me a mask. I was six feet away from everyone at all times; the rad tech of course wore a mask; and I got a clean bill of health! So my advice would be to schedule it, then call in advance to see what their protocol is. Hope that helps but I know everyone's situation is different.

marijen

Thanks for your comment Beesie, better just to stay away if possible.

gb2115

I would reschedule since it's routine, and avoid going out in public unless extremely necessary. I expect my upcoming dentist appointment to be rescheduled. It can wait!

lola12

Thank you all. Yes,Bessie, unilateral mastectomy 10 years ago, just my yearly mammogram. I think I will give it a few months. Thanks everyone.

Stay Safe.

Lola.

kksmom3

If it's only a couple of months, I would wait......just be vigilant on self-checking.

marijen

My MO said OK to postpone the mammobut she still wants a phone appt on the prior office visit date.