Someone tell me to chill out, I'm overreacting!

Sierra1123
Sierra1123 Member Posts: 6
edited March 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi guys,

So I am anxiously awaiting my screening mammogram results from last wednesday. Although I totally realize I should be happy that I haven't received a callback for more images or an ultrasound, I am not. I fully expected to be called back the following day, and now I'm stressing out. And I feel so silly saying that.

Last year, a large abnormal area (3x5 cm) was identified on my annual mammogram. Nothing could be felt on exam. I had additional images and an ultrasound, which could not identify any clear masses. They did a stereotactic biopsy and all was found to be benign (yay!). So fast forward to this year, and about a week prior to my annual mammogram I found a fairly large, firm area with hard nodules in one area of my breast. I did not call my doctor, since I was going in for a mammogram anyway. I told the technician what I was feeling and that it was new. She then showed me the images (I am a vet and was interested in seeing them), and I could see the marker they placed at the time of the biopsy. I also saw a very obvious round white area that was not on my old films. (And I promise, I am not trying to interpret my mammogram myself....I am sure no human radiologist!) So given the fact that I feel a change, and there may be a new area on the mammogram, I just assumed I'd get a call back to look at it other images. But no, not yet.

I'm assuming I would have heard back by now if they need additional images. I was really not all that worried immediately after the mammogram, as I just assumed we'd be looking into it further asap. But now I'm stuck in the waiting game that you all know too well. I really do feel silly (and guilty) saying that I wanted a callback, when most women dread those calls. I just want to investigate this further without jumping through hoops.

I'm jumping ahead of myself I know...but if they call this mammogram normal, I'm not off base pushing for additional evaluation, right?? I know mammograms aren't perfect, and I really think it warrants an ultrasound at least. In my heart I feel like it is all totally fine, but my brain tells me not to assume that and we should look into it further. My plan is to call my doctor in the AM and see if she's received the official report. If so, and it says everything looks OK, I'm going to make an appointment with her to do an exam. And maybe she can push for further testing?? Am I overreacting?

Thanks for being there. I have no-one to really talk to about this, and it's really eating me up.

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Comments

  • Shellsatthebeach
    Shellsatthebeach Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2018

    Hi Sierra, I think if an ultrasound gives you piece of mind, ask for one. You are correct that mammgrams don't pick up everything especially for women with dense breast. Hope all goes well for you and this is nothing.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2018

    You may want to call your PCP, because a screening mammogram, which may have been ordered had they known about the lump has more images (I think...not certain there) and likely an ultrasound would have been done too. So perhaps you could call and request an ultrasound. You can always call the mammogram place tomorrow and ask for your results, and if there is no mention of the lump, then pursue things starting over. I would think if you had felt a lump that they would have put a marker on the spot, and would somehow make mention of it to you. Hoping you get answers soon and that all is benign.

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited March 2018

    Hi Sierra1123,

    Your worries are completely normal and understandable after having problems at your mammogram last year. It was an ordeal back then that most likely had you very much on edge until you got your good result (yay!) If we walked out of every screening with a big thumbs up the most we suffer is a bit of tension. Once we get the call back, and especially if it leads to biopsy and the agonizing wait for results, it becomes that much bigger the next time around. I’m convinced it’s PSTD or a form of it. Nothing strikes fear into the heart like the thought of a possible diagnosis. So no, you’re not overreacting in my books. Should you chill? Yes! As hard as it is it’s always best to try not to go too far into the negative possibilities before getting all the results. You’re assuming at this point that you will be called back, that’s the fear speaking. Tell it to shut up. You are going about it the right way by making the call you spoke about....talk to your doctor about your concerns and discuss the changes you feel....changes should always be checked out! Like you I would inquire about further testing/examination of the changes if they do concern you. We all understand where you’re coming from. Deep breaths, we’re here for you...taking one thing at a time. Please keep us posted

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  • Jons_girl
    Jons_girl Member Posts: 696
    edited March 2018

    Hi Sierra:

    I'd do exactly what your going to do. I'd call the doctor. Also you can ask for a copy of the report and they will even send a copy (mine does if I request it) of the images on cd disk. They should do that for free. I'm trying to keep copies of my records. Isn't very a bad idea. Then you can follow what they say from one report to the next report. Sometimes it's helpful to have your own report.

    Keep us posted! Hugs. Hope all is well!

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  • Sierra1123
    Sierra1123 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2018

    thank you guys. I’m much better this morning. It was such a relief to simply get those feelings off my chest with people who get it.

    It really is good that the mammogram showed no majorly worrisome issues, and I totally lost sight of that. Kind of silly to wish for anything other than a clean one. Lol.

    I guess the stress got to me more than I realized. thanks for being there

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  • Sierra1123
    Sierra1123 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2018

    oh you’re right. I didn’t even think of it that way! Thank you so much for the advice :-

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  • Sierra1123
    Sierra1123 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2018

    “You may want to call your PCP, because a screening mammogram, which may have been ordered had they known about the lump has more images (I think...not certain there) and likely an ultrasound would have been done too. So perhaps you could call and request an ultrasound.“

    KBee...you’re right, I didn’t think of it this way Thanks for the advice!

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  • Jons_girl
    Jons_girl Member Posts: 696
    edited March 2018

    Hope all goes well Sierra!

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