First Mammogram and Now a Call Back

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karmen8998
karmen8998 Member Posts: 3
edited January 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi Everyone --

I had my first mammogram (I'm 43) on 12/18. I've waited until 43 because I've been either pregnant or breastfeeding continuously for the past 6 years. I stopped breastfeeding my 3rd baby about one year ago.

Yesterday, I got a call back and the nurse's words were "there was some asymmetry and we want additional images of both breasts. We don't know if the asymmetry is normal or if something is causing it. And since you don't have a baseline, we need additional images of both sides." She didn't mention a mass or a specific suspicious item (but, I'm not sure if she would she mention that on the phone?). Also, I'm a bit concerned that they waited 2 weeks to call with these results when after the initial test, I was told that they would contact me within 3 days if there were any issues. So, I went through the holidays assuming all was OK. I was pretty shocked when I got that phone call.

They scheduled me for a week from today for a diagnostic mammogram. I'm so scared and nervous. We've just spent this year dealing with my husband's pancreatic cancer diagnosis. I don't know how I'm going to get through an entire week with this bundle of nerves. Anyone else had findings like the above? I unfortunately don't have the report itself to look at.

Thank you!

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  • Mamags
    Mamags Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2020

    Yes, I received a call back for asymmetry after my first mammogram also. (I was almost 41) So did 3 of my close friends after their first mammogram. All turned out to be nothing. It is very common from what I understand because they have no previous images to compare to. I was also very nervous. I am not sure how your imaging center operates, but at the one I go to, when you are scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram, rather than a screening mammogram, they give you the results before you leave, which was very reassuring. And also, just to let you know, when I went in they first did the mammogram again, had me wait for the radiologist to look at the images, and then they did an ultrasound for additional images. The ultrasound technician was extremely reassuring and told me it is very common for the first mammogram.

    I hope this gives you some peace of mind!




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  • karmen8998
    karmen8998 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2020

    Yes!! Thank you so much for that...You have no idea how much you've eased my mind!

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited January 2020

    Callbacks are always scary, but most callbacks turn out to be nothing. This is particularly true of callbacks after a first mammogram, when the Radiologist doesn't know what is 'normal' for your breast tissue.

    Overall only about 25% of callbacks end up requiring a biopsy, and then of those sent for a biopsy, only about 20% end up with a diagnosis of breast cancer. So the odds are very much in your favor.

    image

    Good luck with the diagnostic mammo. I hope you get the "all clear" on the spot. You've had enough to worry about with your husband's diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is scary; I hope that he is doing well and has a positive prognosis.


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  • karmen8998
    karmen8998 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2020

    Thank you so much @Beesie for that information! It's good to know that the numbers are on my side. I'll keep everyone posted!

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