Options and Just Wait?

[Ann1953]

I had Stage 2 breast cancer and last January had surgery, February through April had chemotherapy and May through July had radiation.  Last week I went for my first mammogram since my radiation and got a letter from the hospital saying that there was a "suspicious" area on my left breast (where I had the cancer before).  I talked to my doctor and was told just to wait for six months and get another mammogram and see how and if the area has changed.  This makes my stomach twist - having to wait 6 months to see if I am facing cancer again.  Is there nothing pro-active that could be done now?

[japdip]

I'm sure you Physician has more information than you were given in the letter from the hospital and whatever was found isn't enough to warrant immediate action. There must have been a BIRADS score assigned to your film ... you might ask for a copy of the report and get more information regarding the finding. If you don't trust your Physician completely then why not have the report sent to your Oncologist and let that be your 2nd opinion. You haven't been out of treatment that long so I'm sure he/she would be willing to offer more in the way of information. Areas of scarring can show up on films quite easily. Get some more detailed information before going into panic mode over this, OK ???  Regards ..

[katarina777]

Oh, I can so well understand just how you feel. I feel my stomach twisting for you. I am not sure what is best to do, but I surely cannot imagine your having to live with this, and sitting on this for six month. You should ask the doctor, (and I am thinking this in my mind, only) if he would recommend this to his wife if she was in the same boat.

I really, really think you need to go with your gut and heart on this one, and get a second opinion, or whatever it is you need.

I wouldn't be able to live with this conclusion. As if you have not been through enough already.