so confused ........

[momcyn]

i had a mammo 5 weeks ago told first about abnormailty a mass seen and tissue density that changed from previous mammo.....,,,my mother had breast cancer at 44 mastectomy and im 45 gone to surgeon for what was supposed to be a sono then turned into what was suppsoed to be a sono guided biop went back 3 weeks later (first avail appt) couldnt detect on sono so didnt do the biop still showed on mammo that day but he said he didnt think i needed the biop im very confused worried y wait y from one extreme to another it did shrink but like a fraction of an inch and also what aabout an MRI y dont they order them?? what do u suggest> i cant see waiting another 6 months i know ill be crazed by then thanks for any help

[prbhurst]

Totally agree that most experience the other side of the equation, those who go home, we'll call you, etc.  My friend, who has a strong distaste for doctors, medical stuff in general has an interesting outlook.  How do you think doctors, nurses, etc. would feel when put in our shoes?  Would they want someone saying go home, we'll call in a week?  No, they wouldn't.  They would understand the fear, uncertainty, and helplessness.  Yet, when you bring in the beauracy, rules, regs, etc.  it is easy to say this is how it as, and you will have to deal with it.  I suppose it's when you walk in someone's shoes, and truly get to feel the feelings, that you get a glimpse of understanding.  I will always have the approach that you must be proactive in your own health, do not blindly follow someones advice, do your own research, and go with your gut.  Yes, you may have to still rely on those who have the knowledge, but having some feeling of control is better than having none.  Good luck!

[mjb250]

You are very lucky to have had a radiologist read your tests who would speak to you.  I asked repeatedly for feedback from the radiologist, but he refused.  I was in tears because it was clear that he had seen something on the spot compression mammogram.  All I wanted to know was what the level of suspicion was.  (my doctor later told me that what they are seeing doesn't have any suspicious features and may be a lymph node but they can't see it well enough to say)  I'm so glad for you that your experience was different--truly, that is how it should be.  But, unfortunately, it's not every woman's experience.  I do not plan to have future mammograms (or any other testing) done at this hospital and hope that in future I will have a more positive experience.  And I hope that my visit with the surgeon tomorrow will be a positive experience and not lead to more waiting and more testing.  I hope everything turns out fine for you!

[prbhurst]

I recently have been reading the board, and wanted to comment.  I had a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound yesterday because of microcalcifications and a spot on my right breast.  The woman who did the mammo said I'd have to wait till the next day for my doctor to give me the results.  When I was done with the ultrasound, the radiologist spoke to me in person about the results!  I was very pleased as the waiting can be awful.  He told me the spot was a something? lymph node, and not a concern, and we would watch it.  They want to biopsy the calcifications just to be sure, but he said his guess was it's not cancer.  For now, till the biopsy, I'm going to hold on the his guess that it's not anything.  I just wanted you to know that I was FORTUNATE to be able to speak with him the same day.  It's how it should be!  

[mjb250]

I really understand how you feel!  My mammogram (also five weeks ago) showed a density change from previous year, so they did a spot compression (two weeks later), which again showed the density.  This was followed by an ultrasound that didn't show anything.  That was followed by an MRI (a week later--more waiting) which also didn't show the density/nodule.  I am seeing a surgeon tomorrow to evaluate the conflicting/inconclusive results.  I suspect she will want to do a biopsy (probably that means I'll have to wait for another appointment).  So to make a long story short, the MRI wouldn't necessarily show something that the ultrasound couldn't find.  Also, the waiting is horrible.  None of the radiologists talk to you after tests are done, and waiting for results makes you crazy.  This just goes on and on.  My screening mammogram was Oct 5, and I have no idea when I will find out what is going on.  Please know you are not alone--this seems to be a common thread in these discussions--waiting and confusion.  You could always ask for a second opinion from another surgeon--preferably a breast surgeon.  Of course this means more waiting for another appointment, etc--but it would be preferable to worrying like crazy for 6 months.