Doc wants Mammogram why so soon

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mari65
mari65 Member Posts: 131
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I had my lumpectomy in February and my Med Onco wants me to have a mammo tomorrow to get a new baseline why?? I'm thinking it's going to hurt. I shouldn't be worried they wouldn't find anything this early would they???

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited July 2010

    If you had a lumpectomy, then you probably had rads. in that case, I wouldn't have a mammo without consulting your rad onc. They usually want to wait at least 6 months from the end of rads to do a mammo due to pain & skin issues.

    Leah

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  • mari65
    mari65 Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2010

    Yes, Sorry it was my rads onco that ordered it.

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited July 2010

    My BC wants me to have a mammo after 6 months too. I think it is what the Dr. feels he needs  to keep tabs on what is going on. I don't think it will hurt, I hope I'll be healed enough by then.

    Karen

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited July 2010

    After I had lumpectomies for pre-cancer (no rads) my doctor had me on a schedule of mammos every 6 months for close monitoring. He said that if they did it before 6 months after the surgery, the scar tissue may show up suspicious and require another biopsy.

    Sheila

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2010

    They had me do a mammo every 6 months on the 'bad' side for the first two years, (even with radiation). Take some advil beforehand. After everything else, I didn't find it too painful!

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  • mari65
    mari65 Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2010

    So, I shouldn't worry about them finding anything new?? Sorry, I like to whine...

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  • NatureGrrl
    NatureGrrl Member Posts: 1,367
    edited July 2010

    I had my first dx mammogram 3 months after rads ended -- I had chemo, then lumpectomy, then rads.  It didn't hurt any more than any other mammo. but Ruth's advice is good. Every 6 months is pretty standard for awhile after treatment.

    If I understand correctly, chances of reoccurance are greater earlier on after treatment so it's a precaution. It's very nerve-wracking, I know, but do your best to take deep breaths and relax and don't let your mind get carried away. (Not that I was able to follow my own advice!).  It's not you in particular that they think will have a problem -- it's just a current best-practice to be safe -- so no, don't expect them to find anything.  Good luck & a hug!

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2010

    No, don't worry (ha, ha), it's just standard procedure.

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited July 2010

    I had a mammogram 7 months after my lump...it didn't hurt all all (it was just 3 weeks after rads)...

    The report was about the surgical changes to my breast from the lumpectomy..made note of the surgical clip etc... I had to have another one in 6 months and the report stated again about the surgical changes.

    Yes..I would think that it is standard procedure but the thought of it sure isn't fun!   But they were very gentle....I think they understand how nervous and freaked out we are.

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