OK- here goes....

[CAMary]

I leave for Environmental camp tomorrow. I'm doing laundry as we speak, and I have some grocery shopping to do this evening (I spoke to the director about my dietary needs, and that I felt most comfortable bringing my own food..) - the weather is crappy, but I bought rain gear at the outdoor store, so we are prepared! I suspect I will need a glass of wine when we get back Friday after 3 days supervising the girls' dorm!

I need the diversion over the next few days. On Monday I have to go back for a repeat mammogram. Apparently they need a better look at a specific area. I found out 2 weeks ago and have made myself *sick* with worry. The letter said they needed another look, but things were "probably okay". "Probably" isn't good enough for me. Next Monday is the earliest I could be seen, as it was not categorized as "urgent". I plan to tell them it is inhumane to tell someone that, and not be able to schedule them for 3 weeks! I have experienced insomnia, and my gut is in a knot. Honestly, this health issue has been my greatest fear since I was a teenager. There is significant family history - though not supposedly close enough to officially label me at-risk. Doesn't matter anyways. I am at the point where I need to know *something*, so I can move on, mentally. I have read too much on the net - but I know what they are looking for - it would be a "best case scenario" as far as bad diagnoses go. I've thought about options and what I would choose to do. I don't *wait* well during times of uncertainty. I have read 4 trashy novels into the wee hours of the night the past 2 weeks because my mind can't rest. I need Monday to get here, just to end the uncertainty. (Of course it could lead to more uncertainty if the images are inconclusive, I would need a biopsy- and if that is the case, I will demand they do it ASAP!) I am asking for everyone's good thoughts in my quest to resolve this so I can move on and not have it consume my every waking thought!

Thanks!

Mary

[Mars]

Hi Mary,

This is a common issue with mammograms. Yearly, I go through the same thing. At times I have been sent to a surgeon immediately after the reading. Each time it has been fibroid cysts. Scary I know.

I have talked to many women who have received the same letter and it scared each and every one of them the same. It IS inhumane to make us wait for the "next available" to see us and carry on the testing process. However, looking at it in a different manner, it is good that they are having you come back for "questionable" area(s) than to let it go until the next mammogram!

I will keep you in my prayers. Keep us updated.

Enjoy your weekend and try to relax. I know - easier said than done.

for you!

Love,
Mars

[annie oakley]

I agree with mars! And go and enjoy your weekend. You will also be in my prayers Love Oma

[barbaranoela]

MARY~~~~
Gads---this has to be scarring the bejezzers outta ya---
This being your FIRST mammo??? Right??

This is the second time around for me----bout 2 years back same issue---*something spotted--dont worry--same words PROBABLY nothing--
And as U--PROBABLY wasnt good enuf and I went had another---and all was ok!!! YES, it is INHUMANE to let any one sit and worry--

Now I am going thru the issues again-----got a notice---am here in AZ--got all my records FED-X'd and went for another mammo--
Once again---PROBABLY nothing----but *we* see something????

I had been operated,in 75, left breast again, so I am assuming that it is either cystic or as told me then---dried milk ducts!!!

But I understand the feeling-----do try to relax!!!! read another sleezy book--

And as Margie said--easier said than done--relax--TRY!!!


Luve Barbara

[Dee]

Hi!
I have been in the same position too. I have always been told, which is very notmal at my age, that I have fibrocystic breasts.. Meaning lumpy! So, I have found that if they notify me to do more screening, maybe another mammogram or an ultrasound, they are being on their toes, so to speak.. I know it can cause alot of anxiety.... More than likely, it is nothing....
Thinking of You!!
Love
Dee~~~~~

[CAMary]

Thanks for your encouraging words! I've heard mixed things about call backs - that they are common, and that only 10% of people get recalled - not sure what to believe, but obviously most recalls end up being nothing. Yes Barbara, it was my *first* mammo - I'm wondering if that is cause for recall, as well - no prior pics to compare to?? Anyways the scheduler on the phone was *very* nice - she said they recall LOTS of people for this reason - and if there was specific concern, I would be seen sooner. Apparently they saw some calcifications on one side. They are more than likely harmless calcium deposits, but occasionally, if they occur in a specific pattern, they are a pre-cancerous indication. This repeat will involve a magnified view of the area in question, and I will get to talk to the radiologist that day about what he sees...

Dee - I've been told I have fibrocystic breasts as well - perhaps it is more challenging to get a clear view?? I get very tender when I am PMSing, and that is when I had the mammo...

I am glad to be recalled if there is any question - just wish I didn't have to wait!! Hey Barb -it is my left, as well

Thanks for your encouraging words, everyone!

Love,

Mary

[MaggieRedwings]

Morning Mary,

Seems that most of us have been in your shoes with the callbacks. I agree with you that when they call you back, it should be scheduled immediately due to the worrying factor. I also am not a good "medical visit waiter". Just churns the gut and the more research I do the more I worry.

My prayers are with you and if the percentages rule, everything will be A-OK.

Love, Maggie

[JJ]

Have fun at camp! JJ

[jenilake]

Mary,

I had a recall once, and it was nothing. I can understand your concern, I think every woman is concerned about mamograms and how they will turn out.

My daughter is 39 and is due for her first one, and I am a wreck, and she hasn't even had it yet!

I hope you have some fun at camp, and it takes your mind off the waiting.

Kathyp