Paranoid, Scared to Death

I had to have a biopsy about 5 years ago and pretty much all of my friends have had biopsies down through the years. So far everyone has been cleared. Don't panic if they call you back for a biopsy - it doesn't automatically mean anything.

Best wishes.

When you have fibrous tissue it can be common for areas to be hard to see on a mammo, try not to get too stressed until you know something is actually wrong. I also have fibrous breasts and have had to have lumps looked at, and even removed, but they have all come back as just being a side effect of having fibrous breast tissue. From what the Doctors have told me lumps are common in women like us.

When I got my first mammo they told me it was common that about 50% of the time you would be called back for an "area of concern." Usually it's nothing, just something that is unclear the first time.
Try not to worry until/if there is something to worry about!

Same thing happened to me. All was well. Luckily enough where I go the doc reads results immediately and confers with patient. Good luck. I would call tomorrow. No reason for such a long wait.

I understand your fear. It's paranoid - paranoia is irrational fear; but yours is normal and understandable.

I have fibrocystic breast disease and I understand the pain/tenderness. I also understand how often a mammogram comes out "suspicious" (or any other word they use). I understand that monthly self exams are pointless because you are already so lumpy, so it's ridiculous to check for lumps which, by definition, are already there.

I also have had a number of biopsies of different types. That's more waiting. It's agonizing. But ordering a biopsy doesn't mean you have cancer - it means it's another tool to let you know there's nothing there. That's so much better than "wait 6 months and come back and we'll see."

But almost all of the time, it's nothing. Yes, they have to be careful. They also, frankly, have to order a bunch of tests because, if they miss something in a very small percentage of cases, it's a lawsuit.

The diagnostic techniques are very good. Having options is a good thing.

I got rid of my cysts 5 years ago and I am starting to get used to not having those call-backs and worries. All I can tell you is, the worry accomplishes nothing except make you stressed out. Please try to go easy on yourself.

Yes...every year. My doctor now just always sends me for a mammo and ultrasound together because I have cystic breast too. FYI...my ultrasound tech always tells me right then and there the lumps are fluid filled cyst though so I only have to wait for the mammogram results but they typically call me the same day with the results.

I have dense tissue and have to go for repeats every time. There is always some area that they didn't get a good image of that they need to check again. It has always turned out to be nothing, so now I just expect the call backs as standard for me, and I do not worry.

Eta: if you have a choice of radiology centers, you might choose somewhere else next time because like many below, at my hospital, all call backs are read by the radiologist before you leave. Much less stressful.

I just went through this. Got a call back after my screening mammogram. Made an spot for the next week.
Had diagnostic mammogram, then an ultrasound same day. Radiologist read results before I left the imaging center.
It was nothing.
8/10 times it's nothing.
Relax!

I have heard this is very common when you have cystic breast tissue. If they checked it last year, and it was ok, then it probably is still. But, keep calling and bugging your doctor. I wish you the best!

It'll be okay. That is not uncommon. It is crazy that it's taking this long. I would call tomorrow and get an answer. Try not to worry. I've been called by twice myself and it was nothing.

This happens often. Something like 90% of the time, it turns out not to be anything cancer related. A routine mammo is a screening, additional screening or tests are needed often. There can be many things in breast tissue and a mammo can't necessarily show them clearly enough to know what they are.

Good luck.

Take deep breaths, call doc again. If no result yet, keep busy.
-write down your worries to validate your feelings/acknowledge it, but put it away(burn the paper, throw it away, or put it in a drawer somewhere)
- anxiety goes down when we focus on what we can control.
Big hug,
P

I have had to be rechecked twice. I have fibrous tissue as well. It is scary to wait but try to stay calm. I know that's easier said than done. The last time I had to have a do over was because the tech didn't have my breast taunt enough in the machine so there was a crease. It looked like a problem but after getting the second mammo it was fine. Good luck and I hope you will hear soon.