Had the mammies grammed...

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Artsy_Wife
Artsy_Wife Member Posts: 7
edited June 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

I had a 3-D mammogram, followed by an ultrasound of my “questionable mass.” I mean that is such a fun, non-threatening title for a clump of dense tissue!

I have all of my exams/physicals through the VA. For those of you who are in the same boat, you know what a COMPLETE nightmare it is to get anything approved.

My mother had several benign masses and all of her sisters (4) have had BC... my maternal aunt and one of my cousins both tested positive for the BRCA-mutation. I’m unsure of which (1 or 2), though. I’ll have to ask more questions when we talk next.

The breast center radiologist didn’t seem worried by mammo or the ultrasound but my PCP is insistent that I have a fine-needle aspiration. This was in March.

They have submitted to the VA 3 different ways and haven’t been able to get it approved yet.

I work for a Hem/Onc Doctor; in the lab. I draw the labs, prepare and send out pathology, track patients meds and adjust accordingly as needed after consulting with the doctor, etc. I asked the NP if she wouldn’t mind giving me her opinion on the urgency of the biopsy.

She asked my history and treated it like a mini-physical.

She did a breast exam and as soon as she started the exam, she felt one of the borders of my "questionable mass" — she said, this is what they're nervous about... (down tone) this mass has palpable uneven measurable borders. It's dense, irregular tissue. You need the biopsy sooner rather than later"

I really don’t get a gut feeling that I need to worry about this but she said with my history, I really shouldn’t waste time.

So, how can I get the testing I need through the VA in a timely manner? Should I just go outside the VA and attempt to pay on my own?

I’m feeling kind of lost and childish.

Thanks for any help



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Comments

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

    Artsy - first and foremost I have to take my hat off to your post title..awesomeness! Humour is definitely going to get you through the lost childish phase, apply it regularly! I named my mass 'rebecca' (a red headed bully that would pinch the back of my arms when I was 6 years old) I'm sorry, but I can't help on your VA woes, I'm Canadian and health care is done very differently here. If it's any help, I would do as you suggested by offering to pay....if that works? I'd probably make a pest out of myself by peppering them with inperson visits, phone calls, or sending the staff pizza lunches with my picture on it (looking sad of course). Seriously though, all I can offer is support and wishes for a quick appointment! Keep us posted

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited June 2018

    Artsy, I hope they are getting BRCA testing for you. Are they taking family history and genetics into account in planning how and when to investigate the mass? Obtain and read the actual mammogram and ultrasound reports from the radiologist. What is the Bi-RADs number?

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  • Artsy_Wife
    Artsy_Wife Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2018

    I like to consider myself a comedian - much to my husband's chagrin! :)

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

    You could always visit the VA and do a stand up routine...have your husband there to heckle... they might take pity and send you straight to the front of the line. ;

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  • Artsy_Wife
    Artsy_Wife Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2018

    I had posted in the High Risk thread, but was told it's easier to just stick to the thread I started :)

    Everything I have heard from our BC patients, with the exception of the 2 who have IDC with necrosis, and read online - pain is not really a symptom of BC. I will get this weird, almost bruise-like feeling sometimes; other times it's more like a quick, hot twinge -- both in the area of my "suspect mass."

    I guess this leads me to believe that it is, perhaps, just a benign thing?

    Also, my left breast, where the area is, appears as though it is swelling/growing bigger? I don't know. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar symptoms and/or knows more about it?

    Thanks for any advice and/or answers :)

    ETA: Mom's sister beat BC, Ovarian and Uterine - ended up succumbing to Malignant Melanoma just this past January.

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  • Artsy_Wife
    Artsy_Wife Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2018

    Just found the thread about my exact question. Apologies, ladies. I am still trying to learn how to navigate this site :) I'll look around more before asking questions that may have answers already!!

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  • Recap
    Recap Member Posts: 120
    edited June 2018

    VA Healthcare is under the gun lately for delays so they are ultrasensitive right now. Contact your best Washington politician via his/her websites. If there is a title or subject line be sure to use the right bait: 'Breast health scare-VA waitlisted x3mos-please help.'  Then paste this thread into your message, along with which VA location and your contact information. My guess is the VA will contact you soon. 

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  • nonomimi5
    nonomimi5 Member Posts: 434
    edited June 2018

    Artsy Wife,

    I don't know where you are located but I went to a breast center to get a biopsy done not because they are free (I have insurance) but because I wanted to get the biopsy ASAP after my Dx and they could take me. I am sure there are places you can go for free. This was in Los Angeles. Maybe they know a place you can go where you live.

    From Valley Breast Care

    Don't let the lack of insurance keep you from having this life-saving exam!
    If you are over 40 and lack insurance or can't afford a mammogram, you may be qualified for the EVERY WOMAN COUNTS PROGRAM.
    The program provides a yearly mammogram screening with diagnostic and treatment services if needed, FREE OF COST.
    Call to schedule an appointment today.
    818-782-4232

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  • Artsy_Wife
    Artsy_Wife Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2018

    So, I called the VA only to hear that they still have not been able to get my fine needle aspiration approved.

    I work in a medical building, so on my lunch break I went to the OB/GYN next door. She is going to get me in next Wednesday at 7:30am and give me a referral to the Breast Specialist in Knoxville. I am so thrilled and thankful! I've been to the lab in their office to help their LPN with tough sticks - since she's alone most times.

    So, this facility dose the mammo/US and then biopsies any/all suspicious areas right then and there! They are about an hour and fifteen minutes away but I think it is well worth it. I just have to call and make sure this is all ok through my insurance.

    Thank you for being a sounding board for me. I am so thankful for all of you!

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  • nonomimi5
    nonomimi5 Member Posts: 434
    edited June 2018

    Artsy Wife,

    That's awesom! I am glad you found a place you can go. Good luck

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