6 month follow up mammo: necessary or not

[mum24g]

6 months ago I had my first mammogram.  I got the call that something was showing up funny and I had a diagnostic mammo done.  Something was still showing up.  After that they tried a core needle biopsy and snipped some tissue.  This, thankfully, came back negative.  

Today I received a call from my OB's office that they wanted to do a 6 month follow up and schedule another mammogram.  Is this really necessary?  I mean negative is negative, right?  The biopsy came back negative so what is the point of repeating the mammogram.  The entire situation was so frightening that I hate to put myself through it again.   Also,  isn't the radiation from 3 mammograms in one year dangerous?

Opinions?

[katarina777]

I would call the doctor, especially since your pain and other symptoms are getting worse. Kat

[chubbard1102]

Hi,
I recently went through a needle biopsy. 1st I had my first mamogram and 23years of age.... and for those of us who have family history and or watched a love one fight breast cancer the thought that you may have to fight can be over whelming! And at 1st I think the whole process can be frightening to most women. I got my results and they were benign :) I was also recommended for a check up in 6 months. I will be having an ultra sound and would recommend that over a mammogram anyday!!! What I learned about it besides the fact it hurts less:) is with dense breast tissue it is easier to see and measure ( for any changes). I would recommend the check!!! As others have said you never know and early detection is key in fighting! So better to go back in 6months check it out and know!

Now for any one els on here the reason i got on was to find out if I am developing a hematome?
I had my biopsy on monday ( with little pain until the lidocane wore off-then wow). Every thing seemed normal I woke up tuesday feeling alot better than monday and continued to have less and less pain until thursday night.( I went to work thursday after 3 days off but I work in an office and did not do heavy lifting there) The pain is getting worse and I have "twinges" of pain that ibeprofin does not control. I also am developing a deeper and darker bruise and have a dime sized bruise that is starting to look more like a blood blister( not really blistering though). I did not have this previously. Does any one know if I should call my Dr?? Is this a normal hematoma I have heard about and I need to be patient for weeks to months???

[katarina777]

I am surprised an ultrasound has not been recommended as an alternative means of scanning, and also one that is less scary? I don't know how old you are, mum, as US is particularly  helpful and accurate with women 40 and less of age.

I personally am not scared of mammograms but I totally understand those who do feel like you do.  It's OK and some technicians are better at it than others. Take care, Katrin

I think they are recommending, and want as mammogram because now they have a baseline one to compare it to, and they will compare every future mammogram to that first one, and all the others since.

When I had my last MRI interpreted, the radiologist compare it to all and every other test I have had in the past...Ultrasound, CT scans, PET scan and previous MRI.

[iam1butterfly]

... both of my biopsies returned with benign findings; and I was advised to have 6 month follow-up diagnostic mammos each time. It seems like a reasonable and safe approach to me.

[jb444]

Hello.  There are studies that talk about the issues with the radiation you receive during a mammo but at this point it is the best tool we have.  Look into and organization called Breast cancer action- they are a good tool for more research.  I would agree with the abve that if it is being recommended then it might not be a bad idea, but you need to make that call.  The entire process is frightening and there are times-however not the norm- that negitive does not mean negitive.  It might be a good idea to see if after 6 months there has been any change...best of luck to you and keep asking questions.  So often we just blindly listen because we are scared...I have done that so many times!!!

[japdip]

First the amount of Radiation is minimal and if a 6 month follow-up is recommended then I would certainly not question it. Even though the biopsy came back negative a follow-up Mammogram would indicate if there has been any change in the finding. I don't quite see that a Mammogram is a frightening procedure .... we normally have them yearly and many women are required to have more frequent investigation. If there is no change with the next films you will no doubt go back to the yearly check-ups. It is in the end your decision but I would give it careful consideration before refusing to follow the recommendation.    Regards ...