I Need Additional Imaging With A Radiologist Present

Options
deeperroots
deeperroots Member Posts: 2
edited October 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi, everyone. So I went in for my yearly mammogram this Monday. I was worried because I had pain in my right breast ...but not extremely worried because its a pain I've had most of my adult life and it's never amounted to anything at all. Well, I received a call at work today. I was asked to come back in tomorrow at 12:15(so oddly specific) to be re-examined with a radiologist present. Now, Ive been called back in before. I have dense breasts. But the specifity of time and the presence of radiologist makes it feel so ominous. I came straight home and searched the web. I know, I know. That's the worst thing you can do. But it couldn't be helped. I saw that one of the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer is bone pain and now I'm really freaked out because I've had intense pain in my left leg and right arm recently. Again, Im no stranger to that pain- I have osteoarthritis. And even though the pain is much more intense than ever before I attributed it to a car accident that I had in early August. Now, I'm just thinking the worst. Do I have reason to be concerned? Am I blowing it out of proportion? Has anyone gone from a completely normal mammogram one year to being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer the next year?

Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2019

    I think you are getting way ahead of yourself. You may just need an ultrasound for a different look at something that is unclear on the mammogram, or want additional views on the mammogram, in which case they usually have a radiologist to go over the diagnostic results with you. Try not to go to worst-case when there is no basis for it at this point. I’ve never been for diagnostic (as opposed to screening) when there wasn’t a radiologist there

  • deeperroots
    deeperroots Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2019

    Thank you, Melissa. Your words really have helped. I think I just needed a voice of reason to walk me back off the ledge. My husband just had a liver transplant less than a year ago after a 7 year battle. So far so good. All his screenings have been negative. The thought of having to face another emotionally traumatic experience sent me into a tailspin.

  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited October 2019

    Yeah, that sounds pretty basic. The specific time might have to do with the radiologist's availability. My one-year mammogram was read by a radiologist while I waited, and I had to get a few more views done (and read) before they'd let me leave.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited October 2019

    I am always so grateful when there is a radiologist there. In fact when I make the appointment I confirm that the doc will be participating and come in to talk to me. Good luck

  • emilynn
    emilynn Member Posts: 28
    edited October 2019

    I hope all goes well for you.

    I am new to this world myself so I don't have any sage advice, but several of my appointments have been really quickly scheduled from one appointment to the next. They have also said to come at a 15 minute increment of time...but they did say it is to make sure I am there, signed in, paid whatever I have to pay, and in the room waiting for when the actual appointment was scheduled for. Even my surgery (to remove a radial scar) was scheduled for arrival at 7:04am which seemed so bizarre to me. I asked about it and they said that the doctors' estimates for how long something should take are pretty specific. I guess the offices are like well oiled machines and they know what they are doing down to the minute.

    And I agree that a radiologist being there does mean that someone can talk to you and answer questions...which is nice. I didn't know what to ask...but even just saying "I don't know what I should be asking" will allow them to reassure you and talk things through.





  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2019

    deeperroots, how was your appointment?

Categories