Focal Asymmetry

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KatfshhRN
KatfshhRN Member Posts: 8
edited April 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Total newbie here... Call back is scheduled for 4/10/2018. In the meantime, I am going nuts. I am an RN, so in a lot of ways I know too much and in a lot of ways, I know nothing. I am a way better nurse than I am a patient. I tell my own patients not to google... but what do I do? Anyway 54 years old, never called back before but did miss the last 2 mammograms.. time got away from me. I should have had one late 2015, and late 2016.. and late 2017.. but, I just had one.. so basically calling it 2 missed. I wasn't given much information, except to come back in. So, I spoke with my PCP this am. She also sent me the radiology report...

"Mammogram Findings:

There are scattered fibroglandular densities

There is a focal asymmetry measuring 7 millimeters seen in the inferior region of the left breast.

In the right breast there are no suspicious findings.

Conclusion:

Focal asymmetry in the left breast requires additional evaluation. We will recall the patient for additional imaging."

Anyway.. the anxiety and worry is the worst part. I want to go down to the breast center right now and say, "Hi I am here for my appointment next Tuesday, I know I am early.. but I'll wait."

How often are these focal asymmetry things actually cancer? I did have the 3d mammogram. I don't feel any sort of lump. I guess I really don't know what I want, but I would love some other experiences with this kind of call back. Thanks!!




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

    Hi Kat,

    I’m sorry you’re going thru the anxiety of the dreaded call back, and know exactly what you mean when you say you want to march right down there today. I want to know NOW too. It’s so tough. Just to let you know I’m 54 like you and just two weeks ago had the exact same thing happen. My wait was 11 loooong days. My focal asymmetry turned out to be a simple skin fold...nothing. Whew! Please keep in mind that the stats show 80-85% of findings are benign. Call backs are VERY common. As you probably know as an RN they have to be positive all is good with your breast. The waiting makes most of us bad patients. Keep the stats in mind and try your best to keep busy. My house is sterile when this happens...I even considered waxing the driveway during this last diagnostic mammo. You’ll find this community an awesome support system so make use of it during your wait. I’ll be sending positive vibes your way for good results. Keep us posted please!

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  • KatfshhRN
    KatfshhRN Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    Thank you for your reply!! Egads007! Looks like you have already been through quite a bit with this stuff! Seems like a great community.

    I am sure I will keep reading and learning. Thank you so much for the supportive reply!! I am so happy you got reassuring news!

    Interesting that yours was a simple skin fold. I am hoping for that. In my mind, I was thinking .. since it is the inferior portion of the breast that totally could happen. But, then I just watched some youtube video and that freaked me out again.. :(

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

    Hi again Kat, I’m writing you a ‘script : NO google and NO YouTube. It has an interaction with Waiting Anxiety lol! Sincerely try to stay away from internet searches...they’re killer. Do things you love, a glass (or two) if wine if you partake. Home manicure, facial or pedi. Curl up to a fav movie. Just no Google if you can. Hugs

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited April 2018

    Katfsh, you probably already know that callbacks are very common. It doesn't mean that they think you have cancer, but they're just curious about something they saw and need specific images to determine what should be done. The great majority of these mammos are benign. Only 12% of women will ever have breast cancer. If there is even a 3% chance of it being cancer, they will want to biopsy it. Of those biopsied tumors, 80% will be benign. So, you can see that your risk, while not zero, is still low.

    Try to keep your hands occupied while you wait for more information--busy hands will keep your mind from perseverating. Don't allow your fear to sap your energy and ruin your days & nights. If it turns out to be breast cancer after all, well, there will be plenty of time to grieve then. Don't do your grieving just yet.

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  • KatfshhRN
    KatfshhRN Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    Ok.. and I know you are correct Egads007. My friend, who is also an RN made me go to happy hour. A few appetizers and 2 glasses of wine. Thank you... You know exactly what my mind is doing!! :) I am going to listen. I am going to turn on Hulu and find a show to start binge watching. I am a Case Manager and I have been so distracted all week. I am promising myself to go be a good nurse tomorrow and take care of my people. xo

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  • KatfshhRN
    KatfshhRN Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    Thank you Mustlovepoodles!!! You are obviously a very strong woman. Thank you very much for the pep-talk. I really appreciate it. :) I am going to listen to you!!!


    xo

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited April 2018

    LOL, Katfsh. I'm an old RN of 40 yrs. Nothing much scares me anymore.(Well, that's not completely true--anything that happens to my kids scares me.)

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  • KatfshhRN
    KatfshhRN Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    Hi Ladies,


    First, I just want to thank you for your kindness! You helped me get through the long 9 days of waiting. I went in yesterday for my call back. I initially thought I had a 3d, but apparently it was a 2d. I had a 3d last time, because it was a diagnositc for a small lump that turned out to be nothing. I didn't pay much attention this time, and thought I had another 3 d. So, when I was called back for the focal asymmetry it was after a 2d. I did my call back yesterday and after the tech administered the mammogram, left breast only, the tech went out of the room. She told me not to freak out when she comes back with the radiologist and that with a diagnostic they talk to you no matter what. They came back in about 15 minutes later and told me that everything looks great. It was just some extra normal breast tissue. Thank you again. I do know that I will forever encourage all my friends, family, and my own patients to never miss a mammogram. :) Just wanted to update and make an end to my story for future googlers that look for the subject of focal asymmetry. Also, they highly recommend that if possible to always get the 3d. I was talking to my sister and her OB told her, even if insurance won't cover the full cost, that she really recommends the 3d...I think I will use my HSA account and do the 3d from now on.That wait was worst than anything.... xo

    Kathy

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

    WHOO HOO Kat!!! Atta’girl, so relieved for you! welcome to the skinfold club!Hope you had another happy hour to celebrate, cheers!!

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