1/3/2012 - Just talked to the Dr. She said the radiologist said there were absolutely no abnormalities , which I don't understand because there were 3 dark areas on the ultrasound that I saw myself and that's where they were looking closely at. So I'm glad there are "no abnormalities" but I'm still wondering what does that mean and what if they're wrong? Anyway, she said they want to do the mammogram because of the pain that I've now had for a year and that sometimes it will pick up something an ultrasound doesn't and vice versa. Thanks for all your input ladies. I will keep you posted.
All I can tell you is my past experiences and that is usually a mammo first and then my ultrasound, and usually the untrasound never hurts. I have or had dense breasts and that's the reason for an ultrasound because the breast tissue has less fat and is more tissue and harder to see lumps on a mammo.
So now I guess it's a sit and wait situation for you, which stinks right now. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers, especially you are the age of my children, and I truly feel for you, you shouldn't have to go through this at such a young age. Sit tight and think happy thoughts.
Quoting kcgryhound:All I can tell you is my past experiences and that is usually a mammo first and then my ultrasound, and usually the untrasound never hurts. I have or had dense breasts and that's the reason for an ultrasound because the breast tissue has less fat and is more tissue and harder to see lumps on a mammo.
So now I guess it's a sit and wait situation for you, which stinks right now. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers, especially you are the age of my children, and I truly feel for you, you shouldn't have to go through this at such a young age. Sit tight and think happy thoughts.
Thank you for the response. That's what I thought, that its usually the other way around.
She did say that I had dense breasts. I'm so worried. I absolutely hate this waiting game. I should probably mention there is a history of breast cancer in my family but neither were this young. My paternal grandmother was a surviver and I think was in her late 60s or early 70s. My maternal great aunt (grandmothers sister) lost her battle after 5 yrs of fighting and I'm pretty sure she was in her 40s.
Thanks again.
Good luck with everything.
Kim
Your doctor most likely ordered the ultrasound because of your age. Younger women tend to have much denser breasts, and so mammography is generally not as useful as an ultrasound. It's often harder to see tumors in dense breast tissue. According to Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book it can be like looking for a polarbear in an ice field. After the mammogram your doctor may recommend an MRI and/or a biopsy.
I know the waiting is hard, and it's probably driving you insane. I'll be praying for you, and hoping that you get some answers soon.
The worst part of all this is the waiting and your doctor's vacation makes it even harder. I feel your anxiety.
As everyone stated, its usually the mammogram first but that's not important at this point. Getting the mammogram is fine but you will probably end up with an MRI and/or biopsy. I personally would opt for a biopsy if the mammogram does show any type of lump. This would set your mind at ease. My sister went through the same thing and the biopsy showed that it was just "density" and it was totally benign. Most lumps are NOT breast cancer so that is in your favor. With your family history - you may consider getting a BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic screening done. Its just a blood test but unfortunately it is very expensive. Some insurance companies will pay for it, if your doctor provides the proper information and family history. That will also set your mind at ease. If you do carry the breast cancer gene - your doctors will know that you need to have more screening. Because of your age, don't let your doctors or your insurance brush aside your risk factors. But remember - dense breast tissue does not mean breast cancer.
Good luck and keep us posted. We are all praying for benign results !
It's possible that they want you to have a "diagnostic" mammo. That is what was suggested in my case when we were trying to rule out Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Of course, it was immediately followed by a diagnostic ultrasound. Both reports said that I should have a biopsy/biopsies because I might have IBC, and I did. The diagnostic tests were to specifically look for the nesting or sheeting of the tumors in IBC because they don't show up on a routine mammo.
It's probably a good idea to try and get the appointment set now rather than waiting for your doctor to return from vacation. Surely there's someone covering for him/her while they're gone. I wish you good luck.
Stay on it!! A mammogram nevercaught my lump/Cancer!! Mine was on my rib and the size of a pigeon Egg. And my body.. Knowing me.. It Hurt nonstop!! It was Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Please anyone.. You know your own body best. Get your results!! Be sure. Please don't stop if you feel something isn't right!! I was sure mine wasn't Cancer!! Be safe.. I hope you're well.
Should I be worried???
- prdmama82
on Dec. 28, 2011 at 1:17 PM