Mammo then Stereotactic Biopsy - YIKES

Gerri · 04-23-2009, 05:12 PM

Went for my mammogram today; my last one was six months ago, even though I am supposed to get them annually now. I was also getting breast MRIs every six months, but this has changed to once a year now as well. Since I had both done last September, the plan was to repeat my mammo in six months so I could then alternate the MRI and the mammo and therefore get something done every six months. Boy am I glad I did!

I had my mammo and was waiting for the ‘all clear, get dressed’, but instead got, ‘we want more pictures’. DRAT! Sooo, more pictures....and then more pictures - stretching, pulling, squishing, squashing…..Next, the radiologist came in to tell me that he saw some micro calcifications in my left breast (the ‘good’ one) and was recommending a stereotactic biopsy. He had time right then to do it so I gave the thumbs up. The calcifications were so faint that he had a hard time getting enough of a sample from where he went in, so he had to go in a second time from another angle – in essence I had two biopsies and was on that table well over an hour. I was scheduled to see my surgeon after my mammo but that appointment had to be cancelled.

So, here I sit with two packages of frozen peas, strategically placed, to help the healing. My surgeon has already called me (he is the BEST!) and has it on his ‘work list’ to follow my report. He will call me as soon as the results are in, either tomorrow (unlikely) or Monday. Until then I get to play the waiting game.

I’m thinking about getting up and pouring myself a glass of wine - the best idea I've had all day.

alicem · 04-23-2009, 05:28 PM

Gerri,

I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. I hope you have poured yourself that glass of wine. (Perhaps I might pour one for myself in empathy!). I do find some positive things in what you have said. It seems that it is good that they had a hard time finding the calcifications for the biopsy - small is good, right? My prayer is that it will be nothing. When my calcifications were found, they told me 90% of the time they are nothing, but they do the biopsies because of the other 10%. Here is hoping and praying that you are in the 90%! I will keep you in my prayers, and hopefully you will find something out by tomorrow so that you can have a peaceful weekend.

~Alice

Becky · 04-23-2009, 05:28 PM

Dear Gerri

This is more than just DRAT. Stay calm and have at least one glass of wine. Unfortunately these things have to be waited out and we will wait it out with you.

Thank goodness you did do the every 6 month test (as I just started to do too) - just in case it might be something. I'll be waiting here with you.

Love and a huge hug

Mary Anne in TX · 04-23-2009, 05:39 PM

You were brilliant and I vote yes on the wine!
I'll be prayin' while you're waitin'!
Much love, ma

PinkGirl · 04-23-2009, 06:02 PM

Sorri Gerri, bummer. Doesn't sound like you had a terribly fun day.
Frozen peas and wine sound good to me. I'll be keeping all my fingers
and toes crossed for you .... hang in there with the waiting game.... I
know it's not easy.

Jean · 04-23-2009, 06:17 PM

Hi Gerri,
Wise of you to have the every 6 months alternate check ups...for this very reason....you are on top of the situation. If anything (and more than likely it is nothing) you are catching it early. Will keep you in my prayers
the waiting is so hard, but do try to think of the positive
side....of the situation, you are in control by maintaining a breast health schedule.

Keeping you in my prayers
Jean

sassy · 04-23-2009, 06:36 PM

Gerri,

Waiting is so tough---just know we're all here for you.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

NanaKaren · 04-23-2009, 07:11 PM

Gerri,
How wonderful the radiologist had time to do the stereotactic biopsy today. At least you didn't have to wait for that appointment. Too bad the pathologists aren't faster too. I agree a glass of wine sounds wonderful and keep those peas on your biopsy site to minimize swelling and bruising.
Hugs, Nana Karen

Gerri · 04-23-2009, 07:35 PM

Thanks everyone for the support. I knew you would all understand.

Pink: If you could cross your eyes too that might add a little something extra.

This was the first place I thought of coming after my adventure. I didn't dare call my husband at work, so I waited until he got home to tell him. He took the news a lot better than I expected (maybe the fact that I downplayed the whole thing helped). I'm really not too worried right now - I thought I would save that for if and when the time comes. I had my glass of wine and it smoothed out the edges a bit.

Thanks again everyone! I'll let you all know when I get the news.

PinkGirl · 04-23-2009, 07:55 PM

For my quiz answering fool friend, I will also cross my eyes.
Consider it done.... ouch!

WomanofSteel · 04-23-2009, 08:10 PM

Hope that glass of wine helps. Meanwhile we are all thinking of you. Hoping that things turn out well.

ElaineM · 04-23-2009, 09:00 PM

It is good that your docs are on top of things all the time. I hope you get a good report. Take care. You will be less sore in a day or two.

Paty · 04-23-2009, 09:14 PM

Gerri,

I am also keeping my fingers crossed for you. I will have my three month check up in May and I am already trembling with fear.

Paty

Joan M · 04-23-2009, 09:31 PM

Gerri,

I hate the waiting part. At least you're staying on top of it and the micro calcifications will turn out to be benign.

Hugs,

Joan

PinkGirl · 04-24-2009, 07:49 AM

Hu Gerti .. toduy is anothet day anf miighy calp fur anothyr glasd og
winr ...

Gerri · 04-24-2009, 08:26 AM

Hey Pink,

Wow, I'm kind of worried.....I think I got the entire message....and all I have had this morning is coffee. How about you????

Feeling fine today. I little sore, but I'm here at work.

Waiting.....

Shobha · 04-24-2009, 08:35 AM

Dear Gerri,

Sending lots of prayers for your clear results. You do seem to have a great team of doctors who are staying on top of things. Stay postive...

hugs,
shobha

PinkGirl · 04-24-2009, 09:28 AM

Hey GerriGirl
That was me being silly, again. I've only had coffee this morning.
I was typing with my fingers, toes and eyes crossed ... as promised.

Gerri · 04-24-2009, 09:41 AM

Yep Pink, that occurred to me after I sent my repy. I was just logging on to tell you I "got it" - a little late I see.

Gerri · 04-24-2009, 09:58 AM

Thanks again to everyone who have sent good wishes my way. I really appreciate the support.

All my best,