topic Re: Need your help in Community Chat

Need your help

KKJ — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:10:45 GMT

I am very anxious as had a mammogram last week and got letter that I need more images taken of an area, however my dr. office hasn't called me back yet. Am very nervous. Have any of you had this experience and what can it mean? Of course am thinking the worst! TIA.

Re: Need your help

m0rgan — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:19:53 GMT

t happened to me several times. Somerimes it's just the angle. I worried too but try not to and make your next appt. and get it overwith.

Re: Need your help

CLHS68 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:32:54 GMT

Yes I have had to go back. Mine was just a bit of deoderant that was not completely off. It can be anything that they just need a clearer picture.

Re: Need your help

gizmogal — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:41:17 GMT

I have had call backs for a mammogram that needed clarification. They used a different machine that takes more detailed pictures and all turned out just fine.
You can choose to drive yourself crazy and stay terrified, or control your imagination and go back to see it through.

Your doctor isn't calling you until there is something to discuss. Don't read everything as a sign of doom. Choose to be realistic: until you are told bad news there is no news. Just a repeat mammogram.

Re: Need your help

Roscoe the Rascal — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:44:17 GMT

I have twice but very dense breast tissue. I was fine but I do worry because history of breast cancer in family.

I always pray for the best but you never know. I worry about it and hard not to but better to find sooner than later.

Try not to worry and I know not easy. You will do what you need to.

Re: Need your help

FranandZoe — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:50:22 GMT

Very common - it's happened to me several times. Once I had to have an ultrasound and was even referred to a surgeon. It was nothing. I have scattered dense breast tissue. And like others said - sometimes it's the angle and other reasons. Try not to worry - I know it's easy to say. Good luck!

And IF you would have breast cancer worry doesn't help anyway - you'll do what you have to do to deal with it.

Re: Need your help

VaBelle35 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:49:26 GMT

I've gotten that letter before, so I understand your anxiety.

My doctor didn't call me about the letter, I just had to make a new appt at the radiology place for new pictures. After the pictures they took me to a room to do an ultrasound.

I agree with the advice to stay off google and just get the next appt that you can to get new pictures.

Re: Need your help

VaBelle35 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:50:45 GMT

I got my letter the Friday afternoon of a 3 day weekend, so it was a very long weekend for me.

Re: Need your help

Trinity11 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:51:04 GMT

Yes, I had the same thing happen back in the 80's. Since then I have always found a center that does mammograms with results before you leave the facility. Once about 10 or so years ago I needed a fine needle biopsy which was all done before I went home..same day.

I have countless numbers of friends who do the same as I do now because of call back calls from facilities that don't read their mammograms until hours later, so it is common to get a call back. Please let us know how things turn out and saying a little prayer for you that all goes well @KKJ .

Re: Need your help

lizzys — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:54:07 GMT

I have been called back a couple times because they needed more views. Of course I worried each time for nothing. I now go to a place where I sit and wait until a my scans are viewed by radiology to see if they need any other pics before I get dressed. Saves me the extra worry.

Re: Need your help

Still Raining — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:53:42 GMT

This seems to be common and your doctor might be waiting for better information too.

Just go and see what they say about the better imaging.

After several years of this dance, I was listed as persistently imperfect (there is a category for this) and now they are aware and just report changes. Harmless.

Re: Need your help

KKJ — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:54:26 GMT

@VaBelle35 Did your ultrasound turn out ok? Mine was done in one of those mobile units that comes here each month, so will have to schedule it in neighboring hospital as hospital in my town doesn't do it anymore.

Re: Need your help

Silver Lining — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:01:15 GMT

I think they would have called you if something like cancer was suspected. They would not waste time mailing letters and not knowing if you received them or if/when you would respond.

Re: Need your help

violann — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:04:05 GMT

Many times, and I feel terrible for you.

I no longer leave the Women's Clinic until I have the results given to me. I usually don't have to wait long but the time is well worth the peace of mi d.

Re: Need your help

VaBelle35 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:19:46 GMT

@KKJ wrote:
@VaBelle35 Did your ultrasound turn out ok? Mine was done in one of those mobile units that comes here each month, so will have to schedule it in neighboring hospital as hospital in my town doesn't do it anymore.

Yes it was fibrous tissue.

Re: Need your help

reiki604 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:23:17 GMT

Callbacks are very common and don't necessarily mean anything. It could be the densiity of your breasts, a bad angle or picture or just about anything else. Try to stay as calm as you can although I know it's not easy. Did you schedule the followup images? Get that over as soon as you can so you can ease your mind. Sending you best wishes.

Re: Need your help

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 17:29:27 GMT

@KKJ I have been called back several times, had a biopsy twice as well as a lumpectomy....all negative. Don't worry until you have to.

Re: Need your help

vsm — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:10:57 GMT

@KKJ This has happened to me a number of times. Dense breast tissue is often the cause. I stopped worrying about the retakes long ago. Did you have a 3D mammogram? If not, ask for one -- it might cost more, but the pictures are more accurate and the need for retakes is reduced.

Re: Need your help

KarenQVC — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:11:50 GMT

My hospital says it calls back 15% of mammos. That is a lot.

I have had 2 call backs and nothing came of either one.

My best.

Re: Need your help

meem120 — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:37:01 GMT

Me too. Compression wasnt good enough on first test. And a little bit of comfort for you and everyone. The general rule is, they usually would not send a letter if there was a major problem. Theyd give you a call or not even let you leave!