Radiologist wants another Mammography

[VAT]

I had a mammography this week.  The radiologist wants me to have another mammorgraphy and a sonogram done on my left breast.  I have never felt any lumps or changes.  Why would he want to do this, especially both?  They made the appointment for two weeks from now, is there a rush??  Thanks.

[japdip]

The Radiologist has no doubt seen something on your first mammogram that needs further viewing for proper evaluation. This is not at all unusual. Many patients are called back for additional views and also for an Ultrasound.This is GOOD practice on the part of the Dr.and you should definitely have these additional tests. It could very likely be nothing other than some tissue folding over on itself causing a shadow or possibly a harmless cyst. This will give a complete set of films for comparison in the future. Let me say again ... this is NOT uncommon.

[VAT]

You have no idea how much you have put my mind at ease.  I just so happen to have an appt. on Tuesday with my gynecologist who also has the films, so I'm sure he'll give me some insight as well.  I have just started to the very early stages of menopause, could this cause changes as well?  I realize I'll need to find out exactly what's up from the doctor and radiologist, but just curious.  Thanks.  

[Dani904]

try not to worry, It happened to me, was called back twice, almost had a nervous breakdown and everything was fine.  I know exactly how you are feeling though, mine turned out to be a fluid cyst and some dense breast tissue.

I know it's hard but try not to worry, best of luck
Barb

[VAT]

Thank you Barb.  I just get aggravated with this:  well we can't tell you anything, mentality.  I understand it, but the "old days" where you went to a doctor and he let you know what was up right away didn't take years off your life worrying!  Recently a friend of mine's mother was told that she had cancer in her one kidney and on her liver.  Turned out to be scar tissue.  The fear factor can't be healthy!  I've been dealing with my husband's cancer for almost two years now, and I'm just about worn out.  I really appreciate your support.  Thank you.

[mamaboulet]

While all the great advances in medical screening have saved lives by catching diseases early, they have also caused a huge upswing in medical anxiety, because all the things that couldn't be seen before (including all those benign lumps) suddenly appear on mammos and MRI's and PET scans. Women who reach baseline mammogram age are particularly susceptible to this anxiety. With the new digital mammography, that first baseline mammo is suddenly going to show all kinds of things, most of which fall into the "normal" category. That results in the callbacks, which generate more anxiety.The whole thing is  aggravated by the slowness of results and the seeming obliviousness of doctors, nurses, receptionists, etc., many of whom don't seem to have a set protocol for dealing with biopsy results in a timely manner.
I went through this whole thing last summer after putting off my regular mammo for a couple of years (bad bad me, mom had breast cancer). The big ugly BIRAD5 fat necrosis mass scared everybody half to death, but did nothing to improve my doctor's response to the whole thing. Nor did she order the fairly standard 6 month follow up mammo after a BIRAD5 and biopsy. So I've been left with a raging case of breast cancer anxiety that I cannot shake, and I'm counting the months to my next mammo. I also switched doctors and will have a talk with him about this when I see him.

[Dani904]

Will you come back Tuesday and let me know how you make out at the Dr's?  and I felt the same way about the Dr.  my Doctor didn't even call me some teenage night recpetionist did.  It's very frustrating when you can't even ask questions and have to wait, the waiting is the worst.

I am so sorry your husband is battling cancer also.  Please let me know how you are doing.  And you are going to feel better and you are going to get through this worrying.  For me it would come and go, thanks goodness for the times it went!  and coming here helped me a lot.

Just try not to read too much online, I did that and it can confuse you more.  I just tried to come here with any questions and got amazing support from another poster here who btw owes me an e-mail :)

Keep in touch

Barb

[VAT]

Mamboulet:  You are SO right.  I talked to a coworker today who went through this for several years.  FINALLY she doesn't require yearly sonograms anymore.  For a few years though, she lived in constant fear.  Suddenly I feel "sick" and that can't be a good place to go from visit to visit.

Barb:  Again, thank you for your kindness.  I am going to call my gyno on Monday when he has hours and see what he says since he has the films.  The LEAST they could do is distinguish between this is probably nothing and this is probably something.  I think my biggest fear is people KNOWING it's something but following protocol and not informing me immediately.

[VAT]

Okay, so I haven't seen anyone yet, but I talked to the secretary at my gynocologist's office today and she said the radiologist said he saw a density that is nonsuspicious.  What does THAT mean??? Anyone know?  Thanks.

[japdip]

This could very well be something as simple as some tissue that has folded over on itself. This can be better seen with the additional views. It happens to a friend of mine every year when she has her mammogram. Whatever it is ... it's good to ck. it out especially for comparison when you have future mammograms. Take care ..

[Dani904]

that is exactly what mine was!  I would still speak with your Dr. because if you are like me you will need peace of mind.  Non Suspicious means they are not concerned..I am so relieved and happy for you and I don't think the secretary would give you that info if it wasn't for sure.  And make sure you go for your follow up mammo,

Please check in again after you see your Doctor..

Barb

[VAT]

Thank you...wow, you are incredible people who know how to ease a troubled mind!

I go to the gynecologist today and have the second mamo and the sonogram done next week. I absolutely will follow up.  And I'll make sure I go yearly from now on.  I was very fortunate to have people who actually would talk to me.  The system the way it is, is crazy, where they let you worry yourself into craziness.  I hope it all is fine, and will let you know when I know!  Thank you again.

[VAT]

K...so my doctor said it is a nodule in the upper quadrant.  He didn't feel it at all, and he said it's not cancer, but to go through the tests anyway.  He said that every single one of his patients tonight who had a recent mammo had to get something checked and it's a side effect of fears of malpractice.  He and I then ranted for a good fifteen minutes about what is happening to health care in America.  He also said he believes half of the tests they do today aren't necessary, but are done out of fear of malpractice.  Anyway, next week I'll get the other tests and then see my doctor a week after that.  I'm not sure I can go through this every single year, but then you leave in fear if you don't.  It's just crazy. Thank you for letting me rant.

[Dani904]

Oh Vat, I am so glad to hear your good news, and its always good to have a baseline done.  I was the first patient to use the digital mammo, so my Dr. said that could be why I was called back two times.

As much fear and anxiety as I went through, I do have moments where I realize they were doing what is best for me, even after I got good news it took me quite some time to shake the bad feelings.  I know I will now be more nervous at my yearly mammos.

Keep in touch okay?

And to everyone here I think of you all, all the time and keep you all in my prayers, that is why I come back everyday, to see how everyone is doing.  I'll never ever forget the support I found here.  Lisa was my angel through it all!

[VAT]

You're terrific and I REALLY appreciate your support and comfort.  I go for my mammo/sonogram next Thurs., and then I will meet with my doctor the Tues. after that.  I am not feeling crazy like before!  I'll keep you posted and thank you for caring.