Something else to worry about...

AZANNIE
AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

I had routine mammogram and breast ultrasound today. The ultrasound was fine, but the mammogram showed something. Had to had more mammogram images taken (squeezed harder).  I knew it wasn't good news when radiologist came in the room. There are calcifications and she's recommending a breast biopsy (sterotactic) to make sure they are just calcifications. Results will be sent to my oncologist who ordered the tests and have to wait for orders.

It states on the mammogram results that "all images will be reviewed a second time during the final dictation. This may lead, in rare occasions, to discrepancies with this preliminary document". The radiologist mentioned that the calcifications are in a difficult place (story of my life - nothing simple) and if biopsy can't be obtained, I'll be monitored every six months. I should have asked where they were, but was kind of stunned by the news. She did mention the chest wall.

Apparently CT scans don't  show calcifications. I asked the radiologist and she said no.

My sister had breast cancer a number of years ago and so did two aunts, so guess they're being cautious. 

My digestive issues are better and have been tempted to cancel colonoscopy, but know it will have to be done sooner or later down the road so will get it over with. It's either one end or the other. Too bad I can't have colonoscopy and breast biopsy done at the same time - just roll me over - Lol!

One would think with all we've been though that enough is enough.

 

Ann

 

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    Ann

    As Gilda said "It's always something."  I am so sorry you have another thing to worry about.  I hope that the biopsy can be done soon, as waiting is the worst.  And when those results come back, may they show just calcifications and nothing more.  I do hope that your mammogram was a digital one, which as I undertand, are supposed to be better than the standard ones.  We should all be getting the digital ones now. 

    Please keep us posted on when you get this procedure scheduled.  I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  I think everything is going to be okay.  Hugs!

    Martha

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #3
    Ann.....

    Hi,

    I too am sorry you have yet another health concern and will pray that results leave you with no worries!  I have tried to look at the idea of if its not one thing its another as just a way of life and not always bad.  If we were not followed so closely for the anal cancer and other early detection procedures, things that are more easily treated would not be found until too late, so in a way, welcome some of those tests.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward.

    katheryn

     

  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #4
    mp327 said:

    Ann

    As Gilda said "It's always something."  I am so sorry you have another thing to worry about.  I hope that the biopsy can be done soon, as waiting is the worst.  And when those results come back, may they show just calcifications and nothing more.  I do hope that your mammogram was a digital one, which as I undertand, are supposed to be better than the standard ones.  We should all be getting the digital ones now. 

    Please keep us posted on when you get this procedure scheduled.  I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  I think everything is going to be okay.  Hugs!

    Martha

    Martha

    Thanks so much for your well wishes! Yes, the mammogram was digital, but not 3D which a couple of the other facilities have. I haven't heard anything yet. As soon as I get the colonoscopy out of the way (Monday), I'll work on the other end. Of course, I've googled breast calcifications and found out there are different kinds. Hoping for the best.

    Ann

  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #5
    eihtak said:

    Ann.....

    Hi,

    I too am sorry you have yet another health concern and will pray that results leave you with no worries!  I have tried to look at the idea of if its not one thing its another as just a way of life and not always bad.  If we were not followed so closely for the anal cancer and other early detection procedures, things that are more easily treated would not be found until too late, so in a way, welcome some of those tests.

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward.

    katheryn

     

    Kathryn

    Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! Yes, it's good that we're followed closely with tests. 

     

    Ann

     

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #6
    AZANNIE said:

    Martha

    Thanks so much for your well wishes! Yes, the mammogram was digital, but not 3D which a couple of the other facilities have. I haven't heard anything yet. As soon as I get the colonoscopy out of the way (Monday), I'll work on the other end. Of course, I've googled breast calcifications and found out there are different kinds. Hoping for the best.

    Ann

    Ann

    I read your post and realized what I meant to say was 3D mammogram, not digital.  3D is highly recommended by my friend, who is a radiologist, however, as you said, only some facilities offer it.  Also, some insurances will not yet pay for 3D.  My insurance company did not pay the differene between the cost of a digital and a 3D mammogram. 

    Good luck with the colonoscopy--I hope you get the all clear on that.  As you are finding out, the calcifications in your breasts could be caused by numerous things, not only cancer.  I will keep my fingers crossed for you and hope you'll get good news on that end too!  Hugs!

    Martha

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