Should I wait the recommended 6 months for another Mammogram

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TeresaMarie
TeresaMarie Member Posts: 4
edited October 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hello friends, Recently, I decided to get a mammogram because I've had pain in the right breast. After getting a mammo, the same day they called me back because they found something on the left side. After doing the second mammo, she came back into the room to do an ultrasound. I got a call later in the week to do a 6 month mammogram. Do you think I should pay to get an MRI done soon? I feel like I'm going crazy.... I appreciate any advice and feel my stress level going down even just finding this site.

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  • mandih
    mandih Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2018

    This is very similar to how mine started out. I found a lump, my PCP sent me for a mammo and U/S. Radiologist recommended repeat mammo and U/S in 6 months.

    Well that was not going to work for me! Thankfully my PCP had already make a referral to a breast surgeon, just in case. I called them the next day and told them what the imaging center and said and that I cannot wait 6 months for answers. So we proceeded with a surgeon consult.

    The surgeon looked over the report and scans. She said she would be comfortable waiting 6 months just by the looks of the lumps (I have multiple) but would also do fine needle biopsies if I needed some reassurance, which I did, so I had the biopsies the next week.

    They all came back as benign! I will still do the follow up imaging in 6 months and hopefully at least yearly mammos- I'm only 33 but since I have lots of lumps, I want the imaging, just in case.

    I had been beside myself the last few weeks until I heard BENIGN. I can't imagine waiting 6 months. You should do what you feel will ease your mind!

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited October 2018

    What does the doctor who ordered the test think?

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  • TeresaMarie
    TeresaMarie Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2018

    She just said that I need to go get a mammogram in 6 months. She didnt say anything more. I asked if I could get an MRI done and she said sure but it won't be til April unless you pay privately.

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  • TeresaMarie
    TeresaMarie Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2018

    I appreciate the feedback and you sharing your personal story. I completely understand how you feel. 6 months is a long time to wonder/worry. I live in a small town and have to drive 2 hours for tests or other doctors appointments if I want to see anyone different. It makes for a frustrating experience. Its $1700 for an MRI so I'm really on the fence as to whether I should or not.

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  • Grammy2be
    Grammy2be Member Posts: 89
    edited October 2018

    I am 57 and have had dozens of 6 month rechecks, only once did they request a biopsy at the 6 month follow up and it was b9. Have you seen a written report, that may help you decide if you are comfortable waiting?

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  • mandih
    mandih Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2018

    By the time you wait until April, your 6 months is up!

    Do you have insurance? Maybe just a general second opinion would help before electing to have the MRI. You could call other facilities before you made the 2 hour trip and explain your situation.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2018

    They are telling you six months because it appears to be benign and they just want to check for stability in six months. Do you have a copy of your mammogram and ultrasound reports? That would answer some of your questions. If you don't have them you should get copies.

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  • Anton0277
    Anton0277 Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2018

    I had a screening mammogram and ultrasound yesterday and was told I had what looked like an intramammary lymph node in the left breast. I've had some pain and tingling in this breast as well. I was told to get another mammogram in 6 months (Bi-Rads 3 I guess). I don't think I can wait and will ask my obgyn for an alternative course of action.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2018

    Why can't you wait? A Bi-rads 3 is estimated to be a less than 3% chance of being cancer

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  • Anton0277
    Anton0277 Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2018

    Those statistics are based on average risk for people with similar diagnoses. They don’t take your individual history into account. Your individual risk is entirely different.

    Better diagnosis and better treatments. I hope tomorrow’s women get them

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2018

    If you go to a good breast imaging center a Bi-Rads 3 is almost certainly benign

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  • TeresaMarie
    TeresaMarie Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2018

    I appreciate everyone's feedback. I think I've decided to let it be and wait the 6 months. It's not easy to wait, but I will try my best to work on my health until then. At the very least, it's really given me an opportunity to learn about breast cancer and my over all health. I wish each of you well and will continue to read your stories and thank you for sharing your incredible journey.

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