About 10 days ago, on a sunny Thursday afternoon, I had a mammogram. It had been a while and it was time to get it done. The radiologist’s office did the usual squooshie mooshie thing and I was finished for another year. The technicians were very professional and nice, and it was much easier than I remembered. While they could not legally tell me the results, I left the office feeling lighthearted.
Saturday I received this in the mail:
“Your mammogram showed a finding. Please contact your referring physician. We recommend an ultrasound. Please schedule an appointment for an additional evaluation.”
If you think my heart didn’t immediately drop to my knees then you are sadly mistaken. And it was freaking Saturday so I couldn’t even reach my doctor! I called my friends in a panic. Everyone said over and over, “it’s common in our age group, it’s no big deal, it happens to a lot of women, they are just being careful, don’t worry.”
I was worried.
Terrified actually.
Finally Mom calmed me down. Have I mentioned how much I love my Mother???
I called my doctor first thing Monday morning. He also felt like there was no major cause for concern, but agreed with having the ultrasound to rule out any possible negative results. I called the radiologists office and made another appointment.
Yesterday I went for the ultrasound. I was watching the screen as the technician tried to pinpoint the specific area. The spot was very small but she was still able to find it. I was scared.
This morning I called my doctor’s office to confirm the test results were in. They were, but he was with a patient. The receptionist promised he would call me back very soon.
I sat there and stared at the phone willing it to ring.
My phone finally rang. I saw on the caller ID it was the doctor’s office.
“This is Lisa”
“Hi Lisa, this is Dr. Whooseywhat. Your results are in and everything is FINE. You have a tiny cyst but it is benign.”
I began to breathe again, “Thank heavens.”
The doctor laughed, “I thought that would make you happy. Now stop worrying!”
I thanked him profusely and hung up. Waves of relief rushed through my body. I immediately started calling my family and friends to give them the good news.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”
****************************************************
UPDATED: And Hanukkah! And Kwaanza! And all the holidays thrown in together!
You got that in the mail? That’s totally not cool. I’m glad all’s well and healthy!
OMG! MY heart even stopped when I read about it! Glad it’s ok though!
my mom’s had one of those ‘false positives’ or whatever too. scary shit!
Wow! I’m so glad to hear that it was benign. B had a similar scare years ago and her’s was benign as well, but it doesn’t stop the worry prior to the test results.
Now go dance in the street with Ally da pup!
Whew!
I used to want to be a doctor who gave mammograms just so I could touch a lot of boobies.
I think I would react just like you did. Man.
No effing doubt–what clinic only SENDS information like that? They’re supposed to call with news like that! Smack upside the head for them!
And I’m very glad to hear you’re okay ~hugs~ Merry Christmas.
I hate how they do that. Send the mail so it gets to you on MONDAY. They make you wait and go through hell. Drives me nuts. I’m very happy you’re okay. I’ve lived through lots of those in my family, both positive and negative. It will be a good Christmas now.
Glad the news was good! I had a similar scare in the 80’s when my doc felt a little lump, but a second opinion doc felt nothing and subsequent mammo’s showed nothing. IT’s that WAITING part that drives you insane!
I’m glad that everything is ok. xoxoxoxo
Yeah, what they said, only double! I’m so glad everything is fine. Take a breather and relax, you deserve it sweetie! Hugs!
Glad to see that all went well.
Glad to hear you’re OK! Sucks that you had to worry to begin with, though…
Cheers to Lisa and her healthy tatas.
I want to say I’ve always wanted to say that, but since I just made it up, it’d be a lie. However, I think I’m going to use “Here’s to healthy tatas” as my NYE toast.
Are we breathing again?
It’s A Wondeful Life, Lisa!
Congratulations!
That is great news. The worst part of having tests done, blood drawn, etc., is the waiting. I know; I’ve been, and will be again, in that position quite recently. Have a good weekend…
That really scared me til I got to the happy ending. That kind of thing makes you sit up and take notice, doesn’t it? Congratulations on getting the good news!
Well, if you need a second opinion, I am not a doctor but I would be glad to take a look.
Easy to tell someone not to worry, but hard not to worry. Now that you know it was nothing to worry about, you can stop worrying.
The same exact thing happened to me Lisa! They didn’t call back with the results- and it was going OVER a fricken week! They gave me a mammogram, as well as an ultrasound. They found two large masses…which ended up being cysts. I am glad you got the good news and now you have peace of mind!
Great news
Thanks so much everyone for your kind and dear thoughts! I’m so relieved I’m practically giddy
I still haven’t got my boobies done, or my pap smear. Maybe Fred will have a twin?
Glad to hear all is well, hon! Ginormous Oob-hugs to you.
Thank. Heavens.
A friend of mine just lost his nuts. He found a lump eight months ago but didn’t go to a doctor. Men are stupid.
BTDT. I am soooo glad to hear the good news. There’s just no way to go through that without feeling really scared. It’s just the way it is. *sigh*
Wow. That is better news than it started out to be!
Yay for it turning out to be nothing. That’s got a be a really scary experience to go through. But I’m glad your Mom was reassuring. That’s what Moms do (well, in my case, it’s my Dad, but the same effect). Take a deep breath and now enjoy your holidays – every darn one of them!
They do that sort of thing nonchalantly and by mail? II’m very glad you’re ok ((obviously) but that just doesnt seem right.
I’m glad that’s all it is Lisa! And so you know, I have one too. My doctor still checks me from time to time. Breast cysts tend to increase in size right before your period, then decrease after. Also, too much caffiene will cause them to increase. So if you feel it any larger, check your coffee intake, and your calendar
And get those mammy’s regularly!
You should have known you are in far too good a shape to be getting cancer. You need to keep in mind: Ain’t me.
I haven’t had a mammogram..ever!!!! I am scared! Is it time? I thought you get them after 50?? I am glad you are okay!
*Very* glad that it was nothing bad. Happy freakin’ holidays!
Glad everything’s fine. I can see how that would make you crazy, though.
A cyst. Whew!
Thanks for being the kind of person who does her mammies and gets things HANDLED
Excellent news!
Left on my voicemail last April: “This is Dr. So&So’s office. Your biopsy has come back irregular. Please call us”
You could say mild panic set in.
Luckily, like you, it was fine but still!!!
Merry Christmas!
Good news! Happy Holidays Lisa.
Doctors really shouldn’t send scary-sounding news like that by mail. Someone should call you so there’s a human there if you start to freak out.
I’ve had a few scares like that. Makes you appreciate your good health, after the scare is all over, huh?
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