I’m new to this forum and want to express my heartfelt feelings and blessings on everyone in here who is suffering or worried. I’m 58, and have done everything to keep myself in good health, exercise, martial arts, and I watch what I eat. All blood levels are fine, but you just know that something has to be wrong. And now the left breast is acting up. There is no history of breast cancer in the family (and I know that doesn’t matter) but I’m feeling now that breasts are good for just one thing – to take us down sooner or later. I’m just depressed and worried.

I’ve gone for mammos every year. Last year they saw a small “mass” and let it go because it didn’t seem any different than from the year before. The year before that I had to go through a biopsy but when they went in for that they evidentally popped something and there was no further problem.

Now it seems to be a problem again because they want me to come back in for another xray and sonogram. My breasts are already tender, but I figured that’s just the way they are, and mammograms are pretty darn painful for me. I don’t like rushing to a doctor for every little ache and pain. They didn’t indicate this is an emergency so I scheduled it for May 12 since I have to go to another state for it. We moved between last year and now, and there are no Kaiser HMOs here. Here are the questions going through my mind. What are they going to find? Then what, then what, then what?

The bad part is that I am on cobra now, which is over in October. I hope they find nothing, or if they find something they can take care of it before then. I can afford an internet connection but I cannot afford thousands and thousands of dollars if something is wrong. What a wonderful pre-existing condition to have now. I bet it’ll be pretty difficult to get insurance now, after October. But for now I’m just hoping to get through this.

I wonder how many ‘second looks’ turn out to be perfectly alright? I am a fighter at heart but this is slowly working on my mind. It’s a real emotional thing especially when you try so hard to live a healthy life. Thanks for letting me get it off my chest so to speak. Has anybody ever gone in for a second look and sonogram, and come out ok? Does that ever happen? I also wear magnetic bracelets, think that has anything to do with it? They didn’t tell me to remove any jewelry. Thanks for any help.

Sorry for your worries and it is very scary having to be called back.

From another breast cancer site I visit, it is VERY common to be called back for additional mammograms/ultrasounds and still be nothing. Remember, 80% of suspected lumps are beneign. Also, many ladies have had to do multiple biopsys but again, they find nothing.

Good luck to you. Let us know how it turns out.
Leea

Dear She A, I just got a letter in the mail today saying that I have been called back in for another view of my left breast. They want to do an ultra sound. I am 43 and have been getting my mammograms for about 3 or 4 years now. I get called in twice every single time. They tell me I have fibrocystic breasts. Just dense breast tissue that is hard to see through. I get scared every time. I am again now and have my appt. on May 8th. However...they say it is common and as we get older that tissue changes and won't be as dense. It is still nerve racking. I hate it! Most likely you have a cyst. The are usually benign. I wish they would have us stay longer the day we have the visit but for insurance purposes they make us come back after the first screening so it is covered for a further exam. I don't get it, whatever! But I do it the way the want so insurance picks up the cost. Try not to worry and I will try not to too! Let me know how it goes!! Thoughts and prayers your way!!:angel: