Greetings Ladies! I need to vent and just lean on someone for a little while...

a little about me: I am 51, menopausal, on Vivelle Dot patch, Ativan, Lisinopril for hypertention, have had anxiety and palpitations as my worst meno symptom, but otherwise, basically in good health...

Well just when I thought I really had nothing to worry about but my anxiety over my pretty much non-existent health problems, now I really have something to worry about. I had a mammogram (my first digital one) last Friday and just got a call back today with my test results-- they want me to come back for a second mammogram plus an ultrasound, due to findings of a nodule plus calcifications. Needless to say, the phone call just blew me away and I haven't been able to do a thing all day (I got the call at my work, which is good, because I have lots of supportive co-workers). I am trying not to become too alarmed just yet, but boy is that going to be difficult, since my appointment to go back is not until June 19-- two whole weeks from now! I don't really have a right to complain about the two-week wait-- after all, my last mammogram was in 1998!!!

I am really trying to think positively and how chances and statistics are, this is likely nothing very serious and possibly totally benign. But while trying to focus on my work today, in the tone of thinking "what if something is wrong and I have cancer and I die", I have done a lot of thinking about life, the fragility of it, and how vulnerable we all are, no matter what race, color, orientation, or religion. I have thought of all the things I have yet to do in my life and wonder why I have put off doing so many things. I wish I had taken better care of my health and exercised more, but those are the trivial things. I have thought of my precious loving husband and how I would so hate to leave him with things undone, unsaid, and unexperienced. I have thought about my son and daughter, both married just a short while, and how I would love to witness them having their first babies and to be able to experience grandchildren, should they do come. And I have thought about my parents, who are both in their 70s but in great health and how often I have wondered how I would get through the pain of losing them and if my death came first, how I would not have to lose them. I hope I am not sounding too depressing, but there have been a lot of thoughts go through my mind about how a lot of people don't get the chance to think about before they pass from this world. Should I have cancer, then I have bought a little more time than some who have suffered a sudden death.

I know several ladies who have had breast cancer and survived, and just a few who haven't, and I just think, "what would make me not get it" and "who am I to think that I could not get breast cancer, because I am no better than anyone else, than those who have had it". I pray for those who have this dreaded disease, and totally admire the ones who have suffered because of it and fought it and carried on with their lives.

I would welcome thoughts and prayers, and I am so hoping I am not faced with a serious illness soon, but if I am, I will not be alone. Thank you for reading and listening!

God bless you all!

Mary Jo

I am sure if they thought it was something to be OVERLY concerned about, they wouldn't wait two weeks. You will be fine.

Thank you, Sybille Ruth! I was hoping that was their thinking too... my doctor's office is always really on the ball on most everything and she is very thorough, thankfully. Thanks so much for your encouragement!!! You're a sweetie!!!

I agree, Bluewillow - I've gone back for follow-up mammos and ultrasounds many times! These days doctors are super-cautious, which is good, I suppose, but scary for us while we await testing.

Remember that chances are VERY good that the nodule could be a cyst, or a benign growth, and calcifications are quite common - at a women's health conference recently, I was told just about everyone has them.

Of course this should be checked out, but please try not to be too frightened. These experiences, as you point out, do give us the opportunity to review how much in life we cherish...

Please let us know what you find out, okay?

(((HUGS)))

JJ

Bluewillow,

There is a good likelihood that this will turn out to be nothing. I have been called back twice, and both times, really uneventful and nothing to come of it but a clean bill of health. They are super cautious and you would not believe how many women go through what you are going through now. I know how easy it is for us to assume the worst, especially at this time of life when we are going through so much that one cannot help but worry. But try and take your mind off of it, get back to your life, and just think of this as another doctor's appointment. I know you will be fine!!!

This sounds like standard procedure to me. As others have indicated, they want to be thorough.

I live in the UK and have also been through this. I discovered a lump so had a breast examination and mammogram. As a result they did an ultrasound and needle biopsy where they took a tissue sample. Everything was fine. Whatever was there was benign - a cyst I think. I was taking HRT at the time and apparently that makes the breast tissue more dense than for women who are not taking HRT. As I had a suspected ovarian cyst a little time later and was then discovered to have uterine fibroids, my GP thought that the Estrogen in the HRT might be stimulating breast, ovaries and uterus so I stopped taking HRT. Now I don't supplement with estrogen at all, only natural progesterone and phytoestrogens.

Mary Jo,

I am very new on this message board, but oh what a blessing it is....a place where all of us can go through this "journey" together.I read your post and feel so much of what you feel that I feel compelled to respond. I am 50, have been 10 months without a period and then had bleeding about two weeks ago. I called my doctor and was told to come in immediately; this was not "normal" is what I was told. I went in, had an immediate endometrial biopsy and, thank the good Lord, it came back benign today. However....in the meantime, I, too, have had the same thoughts you expressed in your post over the past two weeks. Tonight, I sit here and ponder why...

We wait until something like this happens to think and be thankful for the wonderful things we have in our life. That wonderful husband, whom even though the lightening and thunder have long gone, is there for you always and such a comfortable joy every day in our life; those wonderful children and their significant others that bring you such pride and joy and the future that you will have with them, the future grandchildren looming on the horizon and the life that you will have with them; the parents that you share life with on an every-day basis (which I get from your post).....

You see....as I sit here and thank God for my positive outcome, I read your post and want you to see that you, too, have way too much left to accomplish and be a part of in the life that you have and that you, from what I read, realize the blessings that you have in your life; therefore, need to have faith in the path that God has chosen for all of us and know that this will all turn out in a positive way for you. In your post, you never mention how this might effect you, personally, but rather how it would affect all of those around you....rest assured, you are a special person and are part of a special plan that will turn out positively for you, but more so for those people whom you are such an intricate part of life.

I have spent the last two weeks as you will spend your next two; I wish you much comfort and want you to know that, from what you wrote, you are a special lady and life will take good care of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you....

Jackja

Mary Jo,

My mom had breast cancer and when they determined something was going on they did additional testing the very next day after her mammogram to see exactly what it was. I think if they were concerned that this was something very serious they would move quickly. I believe they are just being cautious by doing the extra testing in your case. Try to keep a positive outlook..I know it's hard.

I also want to share that they have made such good strides in the area of breast health and treatment. My mom relied on her faith during the hardest times in her journey and now by Gods grace and the blessing of good medical treatment she is doing really great.

God bless,

TeeJay

Hi JJ and thanks so much for your reassuring words. I didn't realize that this was such a common occurrence among so many ladies! Oh thank goodness for this Board!! I will indeed let you all know what I find out. Hugs back to you!

Hi Pixie and thank you so much for your reply! Just like I told JJ, I didn't realize so many women have had this same experience with being called back. I'm doing better today and am trying to keep everything in perspective. Now, if I can just stay off the BC websites and quit scaring myself, I'll be fine!! I'll just stick to PS and all your great support! THanks again-- will keep everyone informed!

love and hugs to you!

Hi Interactive and thanks for your reply! It is interesting that this seems to be standard procedure everywhere. I'm really glad to hear yours turned out fine. Since I am on ERT, I wonder if this is having an effect on my mammo results. I don't like having to take it, although I feel the patch might be a little less "invasive" to my body, I am so looking forward to getting off of it as soon as I can. How are your meno symptoms with the naturals? Again thanks, and I wish you well!

Hi Jackja and thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement! Your post literally brought tears to my eyes last night as I read it! And, I am SO GLAD your biopsy turned out well!!! I know you are so relieved! I can tell that you are a very special lady!!! I am sure I will read your post and the posts of the other wonderful ladies who responded over and over again during the next two weeks, and I will continue to be thankful for my friends here at PS and for all my family, who I love dearly and am very close to. I really dreaded telling my husband last night, but he was calm and encouraging, and I am pondering whether to share this with my son and daughter and my parents-- I don't want to worry them needlessly! Do you have any thoughts on this?

Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers and I will continue to think of you and pray for your continued good health!

Hi Mary Jo! Please don't worry yourself into the ground with the mammo thing. I have had one call back many years ago and it was due to the fact that calcifications first appeared on my mammo when I was around 48. All the ladies who have told you that your scheduled appointment is an indication that they are not that concerned, are right. When I got my call, I was not hustled right back in. A couple of my friends told me to chill; that they were just taking precautions and I would have been in the next day if there seemed to be an urgency. BTW, I have never been on HRT nor ERT and I have calcifications.

SusanC

Hi Susan dear! Thank you for being so reassuring and for reminding me how many of you have had this same thing happen. I am grateful they are being careful, that is for sure, and since the urgency appears not to be the case, that eases my mind and my husband's also. It also sounds like the hormones might not have anything to do with the calcifications too, and that's a bit of a relief! You are so sweet to respond! I promise not to worry and I will let you know what I find out! I just need to go visit and squeeze and hug my grandcats and granddogs!!

Hugs from
Mary Jo

Mary Jo,

Sounds like your spirits are great as they should be; like I said, you have life and the important things in it pretty well figured out, so I am quite certain this will all be just a little bump in the road for you and will all soon be over with a happy, positive outcome.

As far as letting your kids and parents know, that's a tough call. I have two children; a son, 25, who is married and lives quite some distance from us, but with whom I talk on the phone every day (thank goodness for cell phones). Our daughter is 22 and recently graduated from college, and she was home for break when this all came about for me and actually went with me to the initial doctor visit. Our family is very close and it sounds like yours is as well. My son knew immediately that something was not quite right with my voice over the phone and so kept probing me, asking what was wrong and so I did tell him. My parents knew also as they can also read me like a book. So....the whole family knew and were a huge support to me during the "wait." Now that its all over, I don't know what I would have done without all of them, starting with my husband who was my rock, and then my kids, their significant others and my parents and sisters. I know they were all worried over the two-week period, but they kept my spirits up and I think they may have felt somewhat left out had I not told them what I was going through, but I certainly understand your thought of protecting them from all of it until later. Totally a personal decision on your part, but do remember that they will be there for you as you undoubtedly have been there for them on many occasion.

Best wishes and hugs in your days to come. I think of you every day and look forward to the day you get on here and post your good news that all is well. I am convinced of it!!

Jackja

Hi Jackja, Wow, you are one awesome lady!! I could sit and read your postings all day! Your family sounds just like mine! My son is 25 also, married 8 months to a wonderful lady, and they live right here in the same town, and my daughter is 27, married 3 years, but although she lives two hours away, we talk every day (yes, thank goodness for cell phones!). My parents live 10 minutes away, and we're all very tightknit. And my husband is my rock also, and has been a wonderful stepdad to my children and he adores my parents and they adore him. So, we definitely both have the most important things in life, don't we?

I have thought about this all day and I have decided I'd better spill the beans because, like you said, they might feel left out, and I imagine my daughter feeling that the most since she lives further away. Keeping it from my son will be very difficult, since he is a building contractor and my husband works for him (it's just the neatest thing-- when I talk to my hubby during the day, I tell him to tell his boss that I love him) -- he's bound to know something's up with his mom and stepdad! And yes, my parents read me like a book too!!

Well you've helped me once again so much, and I have made my decision. Thank you, precious lady, for thinking of me and I will certainly let you know of the outcome-- and I feel as though God will guide me through all of this!

Love and Hugs!

Mary Jo

Mary Jo, Until this year, I've gotten a callback EVERY single time I've had a mammogram (since I was 40!), sometimes for more films, sometimes for one ultrasound, sometimes for ultrasounds of both breasts. In fact, when they didn't give me a callback this year, I was on the edge of suspicious! haha Please try not to worry...in spite of all the tests, there's never been anything more than a cyst. I know it's hard not to envision "the worst", but the truth is that it is statistically unlikely. So, pamper yourself till then and think happy thoughts! I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers. IrishLass

Hi Irish Lass and thank you for your kind words!! I am really trying not to worry, and sweet ladies like yourself who have shared their similar experiences are making me feel SO much better! I guess my concern comes mainly from the finding of both a nodule and calcifications-- not sure if that is very common or not to have both show up... My husband isn't overly worried (or he isn't showing it) and that is a relief for me-- he is my best friend and is so very supportive, no matter what happens, and that makes a big difference!

Gee, were you worried all the times you were called back? I know it is good that our doctors are being thorough, but it sure is causing excessive worry among us ladies! I hope you always continue to have good tests!

I will try not to worry and I do plan to pamper myself a bit this weekend! I have even taken Monday off from work, mostly to do housework to keep me busy so I don't worry! Again, I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and prayers...

Love and hugs from Mary Jo

bluewillow
I was called back last month to have more pictures taken. It was my first digital mammogram also. I am 51 and had a biopsy back in 1991 and it was fine. I know how you feel about the phone call. I got home from work and had the message on the phone to call them back. I knew then there was a problem. I actually went in the following day for another round of pictures. The radiologist looked at them right while I was there and said they were fine. They are just extra careful and even if they think it is a shadow they will call you back in. I was like you and it was a question of a mass and calcifications. It turned out to be a lymph node. I have been called back so many times I don't remember them all. Just remember that they have to question everything and be extra careful. I know it is stressful but if they thought it was serious, you would have already been back to have them done. I also had to have the ultrasound too. It is easy to say not to worry but if you are then I would call and try to get in sooner. Just explain you are very anxious and would like to know if they could get you in. Sometimes they understand and will make room. I wish you luck and again, they have to be cautious since they don't want to miss something.
Kim

Hey there Seahorse and thank you so much for your response! And I am so glad to hear you got in quickly to have your repeat tests and that they were all clear!! I do think I will follow your advice and call my doctor first thing Monday morning to see if they have a sooner appointment-- won't hurt to ask! Thank you again for explaining your experience and I wish you best of luck. By the way, I visited your profile page and read about your bout with Lyme-- are you feeling better now? I certainly hope so-- you are a courageous lady to fight for your good health! Take care and I wish you well!!

Mary Jo

Mary Jo
I would definately give the doctor a call. I have been going to the same hospital for my mammogram for at least 15 years so they have all my previous films. When they called and asked when I could come back I said the first time you have open. I told them on the phone I was nervous and so I think they squeezed me in the following day. Lyme has certainly changed my life. If only my first doctor had believed me instead of trying to send me to a shrink I would never have become this sick. I am getting better but I also have the adrenal insufficiency which just makes it harder. I have a wonderful doctor though and he said he would get me well. I hope you can get in quickly to get the new films taken just so you don't have to worry. I am in NC on vacation so I will post when I get back on Monday and hopefully you have a quicker appointment!
Kim

Hi Kim,
Well I decided not to try to get a sooner appointment, which may sound crazy, but this week has been so busy at work that thankfully, I have been very distracted and haven't had time to dwell on my worries! And I feel so much better knowing a call-back is common. I am still nervous about it, but as my husband has told me repeatedly, worrying will not change anything, and thank goodness I have that sweet man to support me whatever the outcome!

You are so fortunate to finally have a great doctor now, but what a shame that you had to suffer so much first before being taken seriously. Several months ago, I mentioned Lyme disease to my family doctor, and he quickly and firmly said "North Carolina is not a Lyme state" and refused to even do a test. He may be totally right, but I just got the feeling of being "blown off" by my request for a test. Needless to say, I have lost all faith in him and plan to find another fam. dr. very soon. Thankfully I have a wonderful gynecologist.

Did you have a nice vacation in NC? What part did you visit? I bet it was the beach, which is where I wish I was right now!! I'm in the mountains, near Asheville (actually in sight of the Cold Mountain range), and it is so hot and dry here! We desperately need rain to prevent more forest fires.

I will keep everyone posted on next week's events! Thanks again so much for your support!

Hugs from Mary Jo

Mary Jo
Please let me know how it all works out for you next week. Call backs are very common according to the mammogram technican I had. Plus if it was something serious they wouldn't wait. We were in Raleigh where my son lives and goes to college. We also went to Chapel Hill where my other son is a grad student at UNC. It was very hot and humid in the mid 90's but we had a great time. NC is one of the highest risk Lyme states. I actually believe it is in the top 5. There is a clinic down there that only deals with Lyme disease. I am not sure where it is but it is run by a Dr. Jemske. I think he is moving his practice to Maryland. I don't understand why doctors won't do a Lyme test. It is a simple blood test. I think I know more about Lyme than most of the doctors up here in NH and we are a high risk state also. When I get well, I am going to look into trying to get awareness out there of this disease and how it devastates your life. Anyway, I will be thinking of you next week and I am sure it will all be fine.
Kim

Hi Kim,
I'm glad you and your family had a great time in NC! I have cousins in Raleigh and my daughter-in-law and her twin sister graduated from UNC-CH two years ago -- D-I-L is now an elementary teacher and her sister is a critical care nurse-- two brave young women!!

I really appreciate the info about NC being a high risk Lyme state. I haven't been able to find much info about it specifically in NC and I am glad to know that, and will see if I can find more about Lyme clinics here. I do know our local hospital Urgent Care department does the lyme test because I called and talked to the UC doctor myself, but never went for the test. I have strongly considered it because at one time I was plagued with so many of the symptoms on the "lyme checklist" that it was scary. Most of the symptoms are still there, but I just sort of gave up after my bad dr. experience. How wonderful it would be for you to be instrumental in creating awareness of Lyme, because it obviously is a great need for education and information about it! Please keep me posted on how that goes for you. I wish you well and hope you are healed very soon. And thank you again for your kind words of encouragement!

Mary Jo

I can understand how upset you must be. Last year, I had a mammogram that didn't look right. I was sent to a larger hospital for an ultrasound followed by a mammogram with what they described as "a more thorough machine." I was certain that I had cancer and that my life was over. I got myself worked up into quite a tizzy only to learn, after my appointment, that it was nothing. I had another mammo about six weeks ago and once again I was asked to go to the hospital for the same procedures as before. This time, I'm staying calm and treating the entire thing as routine. Chances are that they will find nothing serious in your second mammogram or mine. Try to remain positive and stress-free. From what I've read on this site and in books, stress is something to be avoided during perimenopause and menopause (like there's a good time for stress ). Think happy thoughts and keep busy if possible. Good luck at your appointment!

I"m on the governor's board for Lyme disease here in RI,and EVERY state in the US , plus CANADA and EUROPE Now have LYme disease....sounds like this guy knows nothing about lyme..don't hang around him too long, or if you do have it , and he doesn't test or treat it you could get very sick or even die , worse case scenerio. We've had three lyme related deaths in RI this year from misdiagnosis...nothing to fool around with. find a competent LYme doctor in your state, or if there isn't one travel..I had to go to NY to find one (none in RI)..but I got treated and am feeling wonderful after 3 years fo treatment, and 16 years of misdiagnosis....I am partially blind from it, and have migraines and some neurological damage that is permanent as well because of it....don't waste time...

about the mammagram..I've had a hundred call backs..all fine...I think it's a cya thing..just to make sure everything is ok..you'll do great!

Lisa

Hi O2BSane! (I love your name!!)

Thanks so much for sharing! Yes it is pretty upsetting but at least I know I am not in a minority. I had some bad moments last night because my husband was stressed out about his job- he works in my son's construction business and he was talking how hard manual labor hurts him now that he's in his 50s and he is going to have to slow down-- then I get to thinking what if something happened to me and I couldn't work, then that would mean my husband would have to work even longer hours... whew it is stressful to me just worrying about him!!! But, I will try to think happy positive thoughts and yes, keeping busy helps a lot. I have just started a new quilt and that's helping. I wish you the best too for yours and good luck to you also!

Mary Jo

Hi Lisa,
Thanks so much for your reply. I didn't realize the extent of Lyme, and yes, my doctor is a pure idiot and I do not plan to go back to him ever. I just haven't found a replacement yet that I can trust. I am so sorry to hear you have suffered needlessly! I am glad there are voices like yours to be advocates for proper Lyme education and treatment for everyone across the US. It is indeed very scary!

Thank you for your reassurance about the mammogram-- I think you are right about the cya, which is a good thing, I suppose.

Again, thanks and best wishes to you!

Mary Jo

Hi Mary Jo,

Please try not to worry... And believe me, this is coming from a complete worrier!!! I, too, had a call back for an ultra sound and a 2nd mam... I was sick to my stomach and they made the appt for 3 weeks later and of course i took it. well my worrying almost made me ill so i called back and actually cried from being so scared that they took me in two days. i'm so glad they did since i went and had the tests done and actually got the results before i left. i had two large cysts that ended up being fluid filled cysts that didn't show that completely in the first mam. so please try to relax because i'm sure if they thought it was "horrible" they would have brought you in immediately.

Take care.
Tina

Hi Tina,
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I am so glad yours turned out fine! And how lucky you are that they gave you the test results before you left!

Gee, I cannot believe how common it is to be called back! That does really make me feel much better, although I know that there is a tiny chance of it being something bad, I worry more about my family and my job and all the other things that would be affected if it were! I've been trying to stay busy quilting, but my patience is wearing thin and now I do really wish I'd begged for a sooner appointment. But, like you said, I do believe if it was very serious, they would have gotten me in sooner. If I can just make it until Tuesday morning, and then await the test results! But then, I think of folks that are in a lot worse shape than I-- those that are dreading treatments or those of their loved ones... Thank goodness I have a busy day tomorrow-- I'm working a half-day then taking off and going to lunch and shopping with my daughter, who is in town for a couple of days. I will keep everyone posted on how the tests and results go...

Thanks again and take care!

I've been called back a couple of times for ultrasounds, and both times they were simple cysts, something that happens very frequently during peri. They told me the results right away, and hopefully they'll do the same for you so you won't have to go home and worry. It really is very, very common!

Hi Tiger and thanks so much for sharing your experience! And I'm glad your results brought good news to you!

I guess I'm a bit more concerned about the calcifications than I am the nodule, for some odd reason. Maybe it's the "s" on the end of the word-- meaning there's evidently more than one. I read where deodorant could cause these to show up, but although I wore deodorant to the mammogram appointment (wasn't told not to), the technician gave me some baby wipes to remove it, but maybe there was some residue that remained. As much as I don't want to, I definitely plan to do without my deodorant, at least until the tests are over with Tuesday morning!

Yes - where I have it done they always remind you: "no deodorant, no perfume". When it's over I race home and apply both!
At any rate, let us know how the visit turns out.

I already have my deodorant in my purse... plus I just posted a sign in my bathroom: "no deo!" for tomorrow morning! That's how forgetful I am-- I need reminders for everything!! Thankfully my appointment is early-- at 7 a.m., and I always freeze when I get nervous, rather than sweat! I will definitely let everyone know of the outcome...

Thanks again and have a great evening!

Mary Jo

Good luck tomorrow Mary Jo--------------Shelley

Thank you Shelley, Tiger, Tina, Lisa, o2bsane, and everyone else who has had encouraging words for me!!! I survived the ultrasound and my second mammogram this morning, but I won't know the definite results until "Thursday around lunchtime". The lady who did my mammogram did tell me that the calcifications that showed up the first time were not there today, and that could mean it was possibly deodorant residue, etc. That was a bit of good news. But I still don't know what the ultrasound revealed. I asked the ultrasound tech if she could tell me anything today and she replied in a rather curt manner, "absolutely not! the radiologist is specially trained and highly paid and he is the one I will be receiving the results from"-- meaning, that the tech probably knew if there was or was not something wrong, but she wasn't getting paid enough to tell me! I can't say that I blame her in a way, but I couldn't help but be a bit upset at that part of the experience. The mammogram tech was excellent, explaining to me what everything was and made sure that I saw the results and understood what was going on. So, the wait continues until Thursday. I'm going to remain optimistic though. There was another lady at the breast center who was also there for a call-back and she was extremely worried. I hope she's ok too.

I will let everyone know when I find out the results. Again, thanks ladies, for your wonderful support-- it has meant SO MUCH to me!!!!!!! Love and big hugs to all!!!

Mary Jo

hi
i was wondering how it all went. i am 42 a mother of a 5 yr old, stepmom to a 23yr old and grandma to a 2 yr old. I have been having pain in my left breast for a few months now, and decided to go to the gyno to get it checked out. She found what she calls a ropy lump. ugh. my heart sank. I am going to get a mammogram this thursday the 21st. (and an ultrasound) I am terrified. I have been crying. I don't want to leave my precious 5 yr old boywithout his mommy. I am praying for you that all is well, though. Please let me know how everything turns out.
becky

Please let us know how everything turns out Blue, I have a very good feeling that it's going to be nothing!

I was called back yesterday, had more images done, then they did an ultrasound, then the doctors came in and said I would be needing a biopsy. Terrified....that could be an understatement!

Becky, I k now you upset you must be right now, the unknown is very frightening. From what I have heard, cancer is not painful. In other words, if you're feeling pain that could be from a calcified cyst or something of the sort. I've been told those can be uncomfortable, but N OT cancer. Fibercyctic cysts (spelling?) can be felt. I would be a hypocrite to say don't worry, as I'm sitting here worrying about my biopsy. That said, what you have described does not sound like something serious. Obviously I'm not a doctor, I just retain a lot of information from what I've heard and been told.

(((((HUGS))))) to all~
Karen

Hi Becky! The waiting is the worst part of it all, I do believe, and I will know about my ultrasound tomorrow. I am so sorry you are going through this too! It is hard to be positive, but do try hard. I have cried too, and it's ok if you do too. You have a precious family to think about and try to focus on them in a positive way! I have certainly done lots of deep thinking during these last several days about a lot of things and how to make my life better from now on and how precious my family is to me. I do wish you well, and I will be praying for you that you are ok. I have read many times that breast pain rarely means cancer. Please let us know how tomorrow goes... prayers and hugs to you!!

Mary Jo

Hi Karen and thanks for your encouragement, and I wish the same for you too!! I'm so sorry to hear you have to go through the biopsy, but from what I have heard, they are very common too! I wouldn't be surprised if I heard biopsy to tomorrow, and that is certainly scary, but so often it too turns out to be nothing! So, did you get your ultrasound results right then, at the same time as your test? I was told I would definitely have to wait on mine... not fun!!!

Let us both be positive and I will be praying for you and thinking about you, so please stay in touch! Try to stay focused on something else-- that has sure helped me, though it is hard. I look forward to hearing from you about your biopsy!

Love and hugs to you!
Mary Jo

Hi Blue~

Okay, so it sounds as though you are going in today for more images and ultrasound, is that right? Yes, I did get the results right away (on both the mammograma and ultrasound). There were three doctors in Radiology yesterday, I suppose that was a good thing. That is why they told me immediately that they wanted me to have a biopsy. If you do have to wait, I would take that as a good sign. It probably means they didn't see anything at all. After reading and talking to many, callbacks and ultrasounds are so common and often nothing at all. I suppose we should all thank God that doctors are being more aware and cautious now, in hopes of lowing the cancer rates.

Yes, let us both stay positive and BUSY!!! Thank goodness we got a puppy when we did, I barely have time to take my eye off of him Please let us know how everything went today, I have a good feeling that you won't be hearing the word biopsy.

I'll be thinking of you and praying for the best.
((((((HUGS))))))
Karen

Hi Karen! I actually had my ultrasound and second mammogram yesterday on Tuesday, (my first mammogram was June 1), and they told me I had to wait until Thursday around lunch for a phone call. You are very fortunate that you got your results immediately! That is the way it should be, in my opinion. I am going to a Breast Center, and I don't understand the reason for the wait process. Possibly they are understaffed, which doesn't make me feel too good My gynecologist's office is actually upstairs in the same building, so it's not like the information has to travel very far! But, like you said, maybe the wait is a good sign! I guess I will know for sure in a few hours.

What kind of puppy do you have and what is his name? I bet he has helped you tremendously through all this!

Take care and let's be strong!

Love,
Mary Jo

hi karen.
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement. I am praying also for all on this site and wishing everyone the best as well. I really am glad I found this site. it is so encouraging. I will let everyone know how it all turns out.
Praying for you too.
Becky

Hi mary jo
Thank you for the reply and your encouragement. I have been really good at focusing on my family and keeping busy, which really isnt hard to do (cuz i am so busy alllll the time) It really helps take my mind off myself. I am believing God that all will be well and as Karen says it will just be something like a cyst or fibrocystic. I actually saw my family doc today for follow up on unrelated issue (asthma) and I told him about the lump and upcoming mammo. He said he would pray for me, which was great, and he was extremely encouraging as well, saying that most of the time cancer doesn't come with pain (in the breast) and he thinks I am fibrocystic. So I am feeling much more optimistic than I had been. I am praying for you as well, and just wanted to express my gratitude at your kind words and encouragement.
Praying for you
Becky

You are very welcome, Becky! How comforting it is to know that there are doctors out there that do pray for their patients, and admit that they do! I wish I could find a family doc that was that compassionate. I am glad you are feeling more optimistic now-- keep it up!

I am still trying to stay positive also, but I am quite a bit frustrated right now. I have been waiting all day for a call from the breast center, so I gave up and called them about an hour ago. They told me my results weren't back yet and might be tomorrow, or it might be Monday before they receive them!! The receptionist said that someone should not have told me that I'd get the results today, just two days after the test. I asked her why someone would tell me that and she replied "we've been having trouble with that lately". Not sure what that means!! I will be calling them back tomorrow, needless to say!

Well thanks for letting me vent some more!

Hugs!
from Mary Jo

Okay MJ (can I call you that, I just love the way it sounds;)......I would be so frustrated at this point, to make you wait like this! Why is it taking them so darn long to get back to you!? Obviously, they have never been through this themselves, otherwise; they would get on it! That said, I think it's a very good sign that you haven't heard anything yet. The nurse told me that they will tell me at the time of the biopsy, whether it's malignant or not. She said they don't like to wait on that. The fact that you haven't heard anything, leads me to believe that there's no urgency in getting back to you. Being that tomorrow is Friday, I would be very surprised if you haven't heard from them. They can't make you wait over the weekend. Though like I just said, I would take this as a very good sign

I'm here thinking about you, and I'll be checking the boards, waiting to hear from you.

((((((((HUGS))))))))
Karen

Hi Karen, Yes, please do call me MJ!! That has been my 'nickname' for all my life! I am very frustrated and am going to make some waves when this is all said and done, not just for myself but for all the other ladies in the same boat with me. The waiting is ridiculous, but like you said, hopefully a good sign-- I have been trying to think that way! I will let you know asap when I hear something! Have a great day and thanks for being so sweet!!

And oh, when is your biopsy? I will certainly be praying for you and hoping that goes well too!

MJ

Hi MJ and KAREN and all of the other post-ers...
I went yesterday as you all know for my mammogram. They did mammo and ultrasound. The lady in the ultra sound couldnt find anything, just fibrocystic tissue. She looked everywhere. She said the mammogram probably showed the lump, so she left to go talk to the radiologist who was reading my mammo. She came back and said he couldnt find anything either. They sent me for a deep compression mammo, took two more xrays and sent me to sit in the waiting room. They came back and told me its all normal, they can't find anything. My pain has gone away almost completely and I can't find the lump(or ropy lump, as my gyno called it)anymore. I am suspecting that I am fibrocystic. I was so relieved I cried. And so I am praying still for everyone on here. I am thankful that God was with me and am believing for the best for everyone else as well. God has a way of putting things into perspective. When I got home, I got a call from a friend that I haven't heard from in over a year. She has a rare bone disease, and she has to talk slowly because she struggles now with breathing. She has been in her apartment almost a year just surviving. She used to weigh 115 (5'2) but now becuz of steroids weighs 165. She is on chemo and lost all her hair. But she heard about my mammo and called to see how i was! I was so humbled. She was so thrilled to hear I was ok that she cried too. And I am so amazed that someone who dreams of being healthy was so happy to hear I was ok.
Well, I'm done for now. I am sincerely praying for you, MJ that you will get good news. Please let me know!
Love /hugs to all
Becky

Hi Becky! YAY!!! What AWESOME news! I am so glad for you!! And it is amazing that you could have the results right there, with no more waiting! And like you said, God has a way of putting things into perspective, for sure. Wow, your friend is SO remarkable, and when I read of ladies such as her, I feel so small in a world where there are people suffering so much. God sends those people to us as inspirations, I do believe. I work with two ladies who have both had advanced breast cancer and subsequent mastectomies, and they are so courageous! They both returned to work and are survivors in the true sense of the word.

I did receive my results yesterday and it was both good and bad news. Some of the calcifications that were there before were gone, meaning those were probably from my deodorant. Also, the nodule was benign and nothing to be concerned about. But there are other calcifications that are suspicious looking and I am to be scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy sometime in the next week or so. The bad news really isn't that bad, of course, and I really expected something bad from the nodule, but it apparently is ok. So, at least now I know what I am facing, and Karen is going through the same thing-- we are in this together and we'll both be fine, I'm sure of it!! My husband is being so sweet and supportive and has told me whatever happens, he will be with me every step of the way. So, I am so lucky and I am so thankful to God for my life. I am praying for Karen too.

Again, Becky, congratulations on your great news!!! Thanks for your prayers and sweet words of encouragement!

Hugs to you!
Mary Jo

Well, I have to ditto everything MJ said, that's FANTASTIC news!!! What an incredible friend you have, it really does put things into perspective. I couldn't imagine ever being that strong. Now you know for certain, if you're ever called back, the chances are, it's absolutely NOTHING!

Thank you MJ for thinking of me and for your prayers. You've been on my mind as well, and of course I'm praying that everything turns out to be absolutely fine! I have to admit, I'm bringing my Klonopin with me (as well as my husband, parents, and best friend.....am I baby or what!?!).

I've been having bad thoughts today, playing all different kinds of scenarios in my head. I keep asking myself, will I be one of the lucky ones, or will I be posting something else. Will my next post be, how to survive breast cancer? I hate to have these negative thoughts, I don't know how to avoid them. I ask myself, who gets dealt these horrible cards (in regards to facing terminal illnesses)!? Why do some have to endure such pain and loss, while others do not? Have I had it too good for too long? Why do so many other people around me have to suffer so much? I have to tell you, if this turns out to be nothing, I sure won't complain as often about my other peri symptoms!

I'm going to try and get some sleep......
(((((((HUGS)))))))
Karen