Mammogram scare

 I have been thinking about this for a few days now so I am sharing as there is someone that needs to make their appointment ASAP! 

I have been getting regular mammograms since I was 40.  Every visit, same positive results.  My last mammo was in 2019.  I had one scheduled for 2020 and then Covid hit and I canceled.  I rescheduled and canceled again.  I don't remember the reason.  I would say to myself, it's ok, your results are always good.  I will get to it when I get to it.  

I finally had my appointment a few weeks ago.  When I was checking in and they asked when was my last mammo, I said 2019, and I immediately felt like a little girl confessing something to a parent.  At least I was there now, right?

There is such fear around getting a mammogram.  The technician and I were talking about that as she was positioning my breast on the machine. I don't know if the subject came up because it had been a while since I was there but that was the topic of discussion.  For me it is uncomfortable for the fact that someone is pulling and maneuvering your breasts in ways that are not normal.  Uncomfortable, yes, painful, no.  As we age our breasts and other areas tend to shift and move.  So the directions of lean forward, move to the side, stand a bit taller is all because that breast is trying to do it's own thing and doesn't sit up at attention like they did when we were 20.  I am that person who tries to read expressions as you are having a procedure done and then over analyze when it is over because of course they can't tell you anything.  

The mammo is done, I get in the car and feel relieved that I FINALLY had it done.  A day or two later I get an alert that I have a test result in My Chart.  I don't know how I feel about seeing the results before I speak with a Dr. I appreciate the efficiency but I think some things need to be explained by a Dr.  

Results:  There is an asymmetry on the right CC tomosynthesis images localizing to the upper inner breast and mid depth.  Further evaluation diagnostic right mammogram with spot tomosynthesis and targeted right breast ultrasound is recommended. Patient will be recalled for diagnostic right mammogram and targeted right breast ultrasound for further evalutaion of an asymmety.

Say what? What is the first thing I do? Google it! Of course that made it worse so I called my friend who is a nurse for some information.  She reassured me, explained a few things and I called the office that did the original mammo to schedule my next appointment.  Luckily I saw that My Chart result because my family Dr. received the results as well and her office called to tell me that I had to go back.  The office staff who called me was not very comforting so I am glad I knew what was going on and I had already scheduled an appointment for follow-up.

I return to the office the following week on December 22, 2022.  This was the day before we started break at my job for Christmas.  I felt calm and told myself that God is in control and whatever the outcome is, I will be ok. First up is the ultrasound.  Again, the girls are being unruly.  I am laying down for this procedure.  They both immediately run towards my armpits like they are competing in a race. The ultrasound was quick and the person performing the test was so super sweet. The topic came up again about getting regular mammograms.  I got it!  Next up they performed another more detailed mammogram from the one I had a week prior.  After it was over they take me into the room that I changed in and told me to stay in my smock gown just in case they need more images.  They said that I will speak to the Dr. before I leave with the results. I am still feeling at peace.

After about 20 minutes they tell me to get dressed and someone would come get me.  I go into a dark lit room and the energy felt off.  I started to feel anxious. I reminded myself that no matter what the results are, I would get through it. God had my back. The lady tells me that the Dr. wasn't there and that they were having trouble connecting to her via Zoom so if it was alright with me we would have a phone conference.  Yes, call her up!  She starts off by reviewing why I had to come back and I could feel my face getting hot. She says now I would like to tell you what we saw with these new tests.  Spill it!  The area was benign and the tissue had changed since my last mammogram in 2019.  She tells me that tends to happen as we age.  WHEW!!!  So many women are called back for more tests because the equipment they have now sees more things and it is precautionary.  I was relieved!  Only a handful of people knew about this so I texted and called to celebrate the good news.  Some of us don't get to hear the good news so I just felt so blessed!  My son Jacob really had a hard time with this.  He was so happy when I called him with the results. He is 20 and doesn't show a lot of emotions so it was sweet to see how much he cares for his momma.      

This experience reminded me of the importance of making the time for self-care.  Things change with our bodies as we age and early detection is the key.  Do you need to schedule your appointment?  Please don't put it off any longer. Be BOLD and put you first!