Had first Mammo ...maybe not good news

ShirleyCurls

Had my first Mammo last Wed, since all this began two years ago. They found a suspicious area, a shadow. They asked a lot of questions about what type of cancer I had. I sat in my car and cried. Now they want to do a needle biospy. They, the radiologist, said they would send an order to my oncologist. I probably should have called my oncologist, but I was in shock for days, and I thought the order would go up immediatley, they are in the same buliding!

My oncologist's office calls today. She wanted me to see the surgeon who did the masectomy to be sure it was not scar tissue. I told them the "shadow area" was in my left breast, NOT the one the had the masectomy and then was reconstructed. Duh! The nurse said "Oh, sorry". They also don't seem to know what the radiologist said and seem confused about scheduling the needle biospy later. The nurse also suggested that maybe the surgeon should do it, not the radiology department. I am confused.

I think I need a new oncologist, but I live in a small town, there are three - in the same hospitial. I would have to drive a fair distance and if I have to start chemo again that would be hard. My hubby works out of state and my kids don't drive yet. No family here.

Sigh, I am so tired of this

skipper54

Sending prayers
Hope that all this gets resolved for you. My surgeon did my needle biopsy but he used ultrasound so radiology could too I guess. The important thing is to get it over with so you can move forward. We all have to be like sand dollars, they can't go in backwards when they come across an object in the path, they can change direction to go around it but they can't back up. We're here for you no matter what but we'll be praying for benign!

Ritzy

skipper54 said:

Sending prayers
Hope that all this gets resolved for you. My surgeon did my needle biopsy but he used ultrasound so radiology could too I guess. The important thing is to get it over with so you can move forward. We all have to be like sand dollars, they can't go in backwards when they come across an object in the path, they can change direction to go around it but they can't back up. We're here for you no matter what but we'll be praying for benign!

I pray that you get this
I pray that you get this resolved too and soon. I know how worried and frustrated you must be. I will be praying for benign on your biopsy. Please let us know.


Sue

LoveBabyJesus

Hi Shirley - I am sorry to
Hi Shirley - I am sorry to read this. And I am more sorry that you cried.

Ok, you just need to process this and try, please try not to worry too much until you know what it is for sure. I think it is important you get the biopsy done soon so that you will know for sure what is going on - I pray it is benign. Whatever it may be, we will be here to support you. But first, let's try to focus and stay positive. You will be OK.

Please let us know what they say, who is going to do the biopsy, when, etc...

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

mamolady

biopsy
If they oncologist didn't even know about the biopsy, they may not know who would be the right person to do the biopsy.

1. Biopsies in radiology typically can be scheduled faster than in the OR.
2. The radiologist would not suggest he do a biopsy if it would be better done in the OR.
3. Some things are easier to locate with a stereotactic or ultrasound guided biopsy.

Ask the Radiologist to explain in more detail.
Keep in mind that only one in four biopsies is even cancer. So there's a good chance this will all be for a benign finding!

Cindy

survivorbc09

LoveBabyJesus said:

Hi Shirley - I am sorry to
Hi Shirley - I am sorry to read this. And I am more sorry that you cried.

Ok, you just need to process this and try, please try not to worry too much until you know what it is for sure. I think it is important you get the biopsy done soon so that you will know for sure what is going on - I pray it is benign. Whatever it may be, we will be here to support you. But first, let's try to focus and stay positive. You will be OK.

Please let us know what they say, who is going to do the biopsy, when, etc...

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Keeping you in my prayers
Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.


Hugs, Jan

ShirleyCurls

LoveBabyJesus said:

Hi Shirley - I am sorry to
Hi Shirley - I am sorry to read this. And I am more sorry that you cried.

Ok, you just need to process this and try, please try not to worry too much until you know what it is for sure. I think it is important you get the biopsy done soon so that you will know for sure what is going on - I pray it is benign. Whatever it may be, we will be here to support you. But first, let's try to focus and stay positive. You will be OK.

Please let us know what they say, who is going to do the biopsy, when, etc...

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Don't call me Shirley...
from Airplane!

Actually my name is Ellen, ShirleyCurls is just my screen name, my hair came back super curly so thats my new name. Also, I used to watch Shirley Temple movies with my Mom.


Ellen

ShirleyCurls

mamolady said:

biopsy
If they oncologist didn't even know about the biopsy, they may not know who would be the right person to do the biopsy.

1. Biopsies in radiology typically can be scheduled faster than in the OR.
2. The radiologist would not suggest he do a biopsy if it would be better done in the OR.
3. Some things are easier to locate with a stereotactic or ultrasound guided biopsy.

Ask the Radiologist to explain in more detail.
Keep in mind that only one in four biopsies is even cancer. So there's a good chance this will all be for a benign finding!

Cindy

Another odd thing...
The oncologist nurse said sometimes the Radioogy Dept will go ahead and do an immediate biospy after the mammogram if they feel its necessary. ??? This is a new nurse at the oc office so I don't know her. I wish it had been one of the ones that I know.

My surgeon is the doctor who originally ordered the mammogram. I had an appt with my oncologist a week later who agreed it should be done. I go in for the mammogram, then they call in the ultrsound tech who does an ultrasoud with the mammo lady, the ultra tech and the radiologist. I knew that was not good.

They said I need the biospy done, the onc office called me after they got the paperwork. I wonder if the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

This has thrown me for a loop.

ellen (remembering to type my name.)

cahjah75

ShirleyCurls said:

Another odd thing...
The oncologist nurse said sometimes the Radioogy Dept will go ahead and do an immediate biospy after the mammogram if they feel its necessary. ??? This is a new nurse at the oc office so I don't know her. I wish it had been one of the ones that I know.

My surgeon is the doctor who originally ordered the mammogram. I had an appt with my oncologist a week later who agreed it should be done. I go in for the mammogram, then they call in the ultrsound tech who does an ultrasoud with the mammo lady, the ultra tech and the radiologist. I knew that was not good.

They said I need the biospy done, the onc office called me after they got the paperwork. I wonder if the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

This has thrown me for a loop.

ellen (remembering to type my name.)

Ellen
hope they get their act together. When my gyn felt a lump he knew I was going for my mammo the next day. I had a mammo, then an ultrasound and the radiologist came in to talk with me. I already had an appt with breast surgeon scheduled or else they would have done the biopsy. I hope you have results soon from biopsy so you can put this behind you.
{{hugs}} Char

VickiSam

ShirleyCurls said:

Another odd thing...
The oncologist nurse said sometimes the Radioogy Dept will go ahead and do an immediate biospy after the mammogram if they feel its necessary. ??? This is a new nurse at the oc office so I don't know her. I wish it had been one of the ones that I know.

My surgeon is the doctor who originally ordered the mammogram. I had an appt with my oncologist a week later who agreed it should be done. I go in for the mammogram, then they call in the ultrsound tech who does an ultrasoud with the mammo lady, the ultra tech and the radiologist. I knew that was not good.

They said I need the biospy done, the onc office called me after they got the paperwork. I wonder if the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

This has thrown me for a loop.

ellen (remembering to type my name.)

Ellen .. it sounds like you may need to take the
bull by the horn ..this sounds so confusing to me. A second opinion is needed, in my mind, no question about it.

Write down in a notebook ..what has been done thus far. Procedures, get copy of mammo and get on the internet and locate a 'Breast Cancer Specialist' affiliated with a main stream hospital -- or call the new hospital and get several referrals.

Also, please ask your doctor/surgeon, radiologist what type of breast cancer you may have .. what size is your tumor or tumors, what is the dark area on your mamo --

This is your body, take charge. I understand that your husband works, and your children are not old enough to drive .. please enlist the services of a friend, family member or church member to accompany you to all visits, until a diagnosis is given -- and outline of treatment has been agreed to.

Let us know how you are doing ..

Strength, Courage and Hope.

Vicki Sam

Gabe N Abby Mom

ShirleyCurls said:

Another odd thing...
The oncologist nurse said sometimes the Radioogy Dept will go ahead and do an immediate biospy after the mammogram if they feel its necessary. ??? This is a new nurse at the oc office so I don't know her. I wish it had been one of the ones that I know.

My surgeon is the doctor who originally ordered the mammogram. I had an appt with my oncologist a week later who agreed it should be done. I go in for the mammogram, then they call in the ultrsound tech who does an ultrasoud with the mammo lady, the ultra tech and the radiologist. I knew that was not good.

They said I need the biospy done, the onc office called me after they got the paperwork. I wonder if the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

This has thrown me for a loop.

ellen (remembering to type my name.)

Ellen, I agree with
Ellen, I agree with VickiSam...take the bull by the horns. If you're more comfortable talking with one of the nurses you know in the Onc dept. then call that nurse. It seems like you need to get that biopsy done! Maybe it would be worth a longer drive if you can get results sooner.

Hugs,

Linda

Megan M

VickiSam said:

Ellen .. it sounds like you may need to take the
bull by the horn ..this sounds so confusing to me. A second opinion is needed, in my mind, no question about it.

Write down in a notebook ..what has been done thus far. Procedures, get copy of mammo and get on the internet and locate a 'Breast Cancer Specialist' affiliated with a main stream hospital -- or call the new hospital and get several referrals.

Also, please ask your doctor/surgeon, radiologist what type of breast cancer you may have .. what size is your tumor or tumors, what is the dark area on your mamo --

This is your body, take charge. I understand that your husband works, and your children are not old enough to drive .. please enlist the services of a friend, family member or church member to accompany you to all visits, until a diagnosis is given -- and outline of treatment has been agreed to.

Let us know how you are doing ..

Strength, Courage and Hope.

Vicki Sam

Perhaps you should get the
Perhaps you should get the needle biopsy done as soon as you can, so, you won't have to worry and wait much longer.


Praying for you,

Megan

ShirleyCurls

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

Ellen, I agree with
Ellen, I agree with VickiSam...take the bull by the horns. If you're more comfortable talking with one of the nurses you know in the Onc dept. then call that nurse. It seems like you need to get that biopsy done! Maybe it would be worth a longer drive if you can get results sooner.

Hugs,

Linda

Thanks
The nurse I know the best is on maternity leave, she has a baby girl! Also, my oncologist left her practice and joined the group in the hospitials cancer center. Since she moved things seem to run less smoothly, more departments and paperwork. Right now its scheduled for Wed morning. The oncologist recommending the surgeon over the radiologist confused me, also mixing up my breasts. It would be quicker to use the radiologist. Better, I don't know.

ellen

ShirleyCurls

VickiSam said:

Ellen .. it sounds like you may need to take the
bull by the horn ..this sounds so confusing to me. A second opinion is needed, in my mind, no question about it.

Write down in a notebook ..what has been done thus far. Procedures, get copy of mammo and get on the internet and locate a 'Breast Cancer Specialist' affiliated with a main stream hospital -- or call the new hospital and get several referrals.

Also, please ask your doctor/surgeon, radiologist what type of breast cancer you may have .. what size is your tumor or tumors, what is the dark area on your mamo --

This is your body, take charge. I understand that your husband works, and your children are not old enough to drive .. please enlist the services of a friend, family member or church member to accompany you to all visits, until a diagnosis is given -- and outline of treatment has been agreed to.

Let us know how you are doing ..

Strength, Courage and Hope.

Vicki Sam

My husband offered to drive
My husband offered to drive back, he was here the week of the fourth. Thankfully his job is somewhat flexible. During chemo and my surgeries, he was here a lot. Also, my sister came twice as did another brother. My other sister, big family, had a stroke in December. She is unmarried and my siblings have been taking care of her.

I had cleared my August calender of appts so I could travel home and I'll be really mad if I don't get to make the trip.

I do have awesome friends, for almost a year they brought me food and drove me to appts when my hubby had to return to work. Its been a year since chemo ended, and I finally feel somewhat normal, and now this. The "shadow area" is really small at least so hopefully its not serious.

I'm calling the onc tomorrow to get some more answers.

ellen

New Flower

ShirleyCurls said:

Thanks
The nurse I know the best is on maternity leave, she has a baby girl! Also, my oncologist left her practice and joined the group in the hospitials cancer center. Since she moved things seem to run less smoothly, more departments and paperwork. Right now its scheduled for Wed morning. The oncologist recommending the surgeon over the radiologist confused me, also mixing up my breasts. It would be quicker to use the radiologist. Better, I don't know.

ellen

yes, take charge
I think you are the one who should coordinate your own care. It is tough and I am sorry you have to go through this, but taking charge and being in control will make you feel better. It you trust your breast surgeon try to see your doc. They saw the shadow and since you have had cancer they try being proactive and overprotective. Please take a charge you are survivor, you know more than medical personnel, because you have experienced it.
Good luck

Angie2U

ShirleyCurls said:

Another odd thing...
The oncologist nurse said sometimes the Radioogy Dept will go ahead and do an immediate biospy after the mammogram if they feel its necessary. ??? This is a new nurse at the oc office so I don't know her. I wish it had been one of the ones that I know.

My surgeon is the doctor who originally ordered the mammogram. I had an appt with my oncologist a week later who agreed it should be done. I go in for the mammogram, then they call in the ultrsound tech who does an ultrasoud with the mammo lady, the ultra tech and the radiologist. I knew that was not good.

They said I need the biospy done, the onc office called me after they got the paperwork. I wonder if the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

This has thrown me for a loop.

ellen (remembering to type my name.)

Praying for you Ellen!
Hugs,
Praying for you Ellen!


Hugs, Angie

DebbyM

mamolady said:

biopsy
If they oncologist didn't even know about the biopsy, they may not know who would be the right person to do the biopsy.

1. Biopsies in radiology typically can be scheduled faster than in the OR.
2. The radiologist would not suggest he do a biopsy if it would be better done in the OR.
3. Some things are easier to locate with a stereotactic or ultrasound guided biopsy.

Ask the Radiologist to explain in more detail.
Keep in mind that only one in four biopsies is even cancer. So there's a good chance this will all be for a benign finding!

Cindy

I agree with Cindy. Maybe
I agree with Cindy. Maybe they aren't even talking about you since they already messed up before. Drill that radiologist to make sure. I wish you good luck!

jamiegww

The word "shadow" confuses me.
I was wondering if they did an ultrasound following the mammo? In December I had my first mammo since my mastectomy. There was something on the mammo that needed further investigation so they did an ultrasound and it turned out to be a fluid sac which formed where my port used to be. Like you, I imagined the worst but it turned out okay so maybe it will be something like that for you. Try not to get too worked up over it and hopefully they will come to their senses soon so they can do whatever needs to be done.

HUGS!!!
Jamie

Noel

ShirleyCurls said:

Thanks
The nurse I know the best is on maternity leave, she has a baby girl! Also, my oncologist left her practice and joined the group in the hospitials cancer center. Since she moved things seem to run less smoothly, more departments and paperwork. Right now its scheduled for Wed morning. The oncologist recommending the surgeon over the radiologist confused me, also mixing up my breasts. It would be quicker to use the radiologist. Better, I don't know.

ellen

How did today go for you
How did today go for you Ellen? Praying for you!

Ritzy

ShirleyCurls said:

Thanks
The nurse I know the best is on maternity leave, she has a baby girl! Also, my oncologist left her practice and joined the group in the hospitials cancer center. Since she moved things seem to run less smoothly, more departments and paperwork. Right now its scheduled for Wed morning. The oncologist recommending the surgeon over the radiologist confused me, also mixing up my breasts. It would be quicker to use the radiologist. Better, I don't know.

ellen

Ellen, how did yesterday go
Ellen, how did yesterday go for you? We are concerned for you...


Sue

ShirleyCurls

Ritzy said:

Ellen, how did yesterday go
Ellen, how did yesterday go for you? We are concerned for you...


Sue

Well
It went as well as possible. A little uncomfortable but not too bad.

Was late to appointment due to a lot of rain and some street flooding. After procedure had to go to billing to try to fix a billing problem. Ugh. Went home and put on my jammies and went to bed early.

Results will be available Monday.

I had already planned to go out of town to visit friends, so I went ahead and did that. So, my son and I had a great weeekend hanging out with them.

ellen