The waiting is so hard
I'm scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound tomorrow morning, followed by a meeting with the radiologist. The waiting is absolute torture! I'm not sleeping well. I keep thinking worst case scenario and I need to stop doing that.
The nurse said that if I need a biopsy, it will take a week or more to get an appointment. Should I need a biopsy, can I call around and try and get seen somewhere else sooner? I've already had to wait for the diagnostic mammogram, and everyday that goes by my anxiety gets worse.
I'm feeling pretty miserable right now. I just want this over with so I know what I'm dealing with.
ETA: I had a screening 3d mammogram a few days ago and this is a call back appointment.
Comments
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Becca, yes...the waiting is the hardest part. Whether it's your first mammo or your 10th, getting the callback is scary. And then you have to wait some more. Do you have any indication of why you got the callback? When the waiting started to drive me mad, I just decided to get as familiar as possible with all the terminology, testing, and treatments surrounding breast issues, both benign and not so benign. It's at least given me a sense control. After all, knowledge is power. Hopefully your tests tomorrow will go smoothly and you can put your anxiety back to bed for awhile. Take care.
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I think on the initial call the nurse said the radiologist was concerned about a spot and requested more images. I called the nurse back a couple of days later and she said it could just be that a couple of nodules or ducts had lined up on top of each other. She said the diagnostic mammogram would use more compression and take more views. And honestly, I can’t remember exactly the words that were used. I do remember thinking during the screening mammogram that it wasn’t as uncomfortable as my previous 5 mammograms. So maybe there wasn’t enough compression? I have small breasts with dense tissue. I can’t feel any lumps. I’ve given myself about 30 self exams in the last week. I do have a tendency toward sore breasts but that is nothing new
The mammogram report isn’t available yet. I should have requested a copy. I looked at my last 5 reports. All were negative but one. That one showed benign calcification in the left breast. The concern now is in my right breast.
I fully expect tomorrow will bring bad news. I’ll get through it. I just can’t stand not knowing.
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Conventional wisdom is to try to distract yourself while waiting. We've all been there. Stay busy at work, binge Netflix, go out to a movie. Time does march on and you will get your answers.
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Becca471, welcome to our Community, although we're sorry for what you're going through... The waiting is so hard! Just wanted to wish you luck and let you know that we're thinking of you. Please, let us know how it all goes.
Sincerely,
The Mods
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Becca471 I feel your pain! I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I just had an excisional biopsy on Friday and I have to wait until this coming weekend for my results. I guess I was fortunate in that when I had my mammogram they saw something they didn't like and did the biopsy that day. But since then it's been a lot of hurry up and wait between procedures/appointments. I got my biopsy results about 24 hours after they did it in the office so this waiting for a week is very hard. You're not alone. Feel free to PM me if you need to talk.
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You guys are the best! I was definitely waving the white flag yesterday when I posted. Waiting is absolute torture.
I have 2 cysts in the right breasts. No need for biopsy. I’m so relieved, although I’m still sick to my stomach. I think it’s filled with stomach acid from worry. I didn’t sleep at all last night. I’m taking the day off to snuggle in bed with my dog and try and get some rest.
You are all so strong. I’m in awe of the way in which you face this fight.Thanks, again.
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