As a 43-year-old woman, I began having an annual, routine mammogram at the recommended age of 40. My grandmother had breast cancer that required a simple mastectomy (if one can ever truly refer to that as “simple,” it’s just a medical term) in which one breast was fully removed. She lived for another 30 years after the fact. My mother has also had fibrocystic breasts, which have required biopsies in the past. However, since I had my children early in life, had several children and breast fed each baby, my personal risk factors are actually fairly low for developing breast cancer.
My first few mammograms came and went, all coming out perfectly fine, with no concerns. However, a mere two and a half weeks ago, my current mammogram had some issues. I had a scheduled mammogram on a Thursday morning, and Saturday afternoon, received a personal phone call from my gynecologist stating that some dense areas were discovered in my recent mammogram that required me to come back for some additional views.
Immediately, I broke into interrogation mode wondering what was up if my doctor was giving me the courtesy of calling me himself, on a weekend no less! I was asking if something looked suspicious, asking him to explain the importance of finding dense breast tissue and asking him if I should be concerned. He advised me not to worry, assuring me that nothing was actually discovered, but rather that the radiologist wanted to be certain these dense areas were not hiding something. When the phone call ended, I admit I was frightened, thinking something must be seriously wrong because this had never happened to me before.
Since the holidays were fast approaching, I tried to focus on my family and keeping things as routine and normal as possible, all the while in the back of my mind, wondering what I was going to discover on my return visit to the hospital. I was told that when additional views are required, you are informed of the results that day while you wait. If there is still concern after the additional views are completed, you may be scheduled for an ultrasound of the breast(s) the same day. Depending upon the outcome of said additional views and/or ultrasound, you may then have to come back another day for a scheduled biopsy.
When calling to schedule the additional views, I was informed that the hospital was booked through the end of the month of December, which was just as well since my children were off for school winter break and the holidays, and I didn’t want bad news ruining everyone’s holidays. I spoke with the head of the mammography department, who assured me that approximately 80 percent of the women called back for additional views require nothing more, and of those 20 percent that might require an ultrasound, about 80 percent are fine. She also told me she had around 30 women to call just that day alone to come back for additional views. I also mentioned to her that my doctor called me personally on a Saturday, which made me suspicious. She asked who my doctor was, and upon hearing his name, assured me not to read anything more into it, that he is on top of things and prefers to call patients himself.
Did all of this make me feel any better? Maybe a teeny bit, but I was still worried. Somehow, I did manage to push on and get through my days fairly normally. Then the day came … today actually. I had a fitful night and rose early to get my children off to school. Then, I came home and prepared to head to the hospital. I was given several additional views on each breast in various positions, then some “spot compressions” were completed to pinpoint the exact location of the areas in question because there was one area of concern on each breast. So after standing in uncomfortable positions and having my breasts smashed in a vise grip for approximately one hour, I was sent to the waiting area. I was then approached by a staff member and told that it was recommended I have an ultrasound on both breasts. I was told that the area in question on the left breast was seen clearly in the spot compressed view, and it appeared nothing was there, but since they still needed to inspect the right breast, they would take a look at the left one just to be certain.
At this point, my stomach was knotting up, but I remained calm on the outside. After some idle waiting room chit chat, I soon discovered the woman next to me was as nervous as I was because she had already been through what I was dealing with at the moment (additional views and ultrasound) and was called back for a biopsy on that day. She wished me good luck on her way into the room where she would be biopsied, and I wished her good luck and said a prayer for her as she was walking away. Then it was my turn.
Being the inquisitive person that I am, I was intently watching the screen as the ultrasound was being performed. I noticed the technician stopping when a small black area came into view. I then noticed her taking measurements of the black spot and asked her if it was the area in question. She said yes. I told her I didn’t like the looks of the black spot, and she told me not to get too nervous about it at this point. Then she completed the other breast, and I noticed she didn’t make notations on any particular area. Then she went to report her findings to the radiologist.
Moments later, they both walked into the room, where I was informed that everything was fine. My left breast was normal, but my right one had a tiny, harmless cyst behind the nipple area. The radiologist told me the cyst was far too small to ever be felt during a breast check. I was assured that the cyst was not cancerous and did not have the potential to become cancerous in the future. Beautiful words that I waited two and a half weeks to hear!
I tell this story for the benefit of any woman out there who may be going through a similar situation. It is scary, and the worrying and waiting on further test results can be extremely stressful. After going through this experience, I have this advice to offer anyone who may be in a similar situation. Don’t be afraid to tell people close to you, you can use the support and love of friends and family right now. Ask them to pray for you if they don’t volunteer that they will. By opening up to those you love, you will also realize that you are not alone. After writing a nervous Facebook post the night before this procedure, I got several responses back from friends and family stating they had that happen once, etc. These were things I never realized before now and were very reassuring, knowing that all of them are OK now. The understanding and support from others can be very uplifting and comforting while you are facing uncertainty.
If things don’t turn out exactly as you had hoped they would, keep in mind that medical advancements are making breast cancer more of a temporary nuisance than a death sentence in modern times. Also keep in mind the importance of regular mammograms and monthly self breast exams. Mammography can detect 85 percent to 90 percent of cancers, even up to two years before they can be felt through a manual exam. Breast cancer is at its most curable when caught in the earliest stages.
If you ever find yourself in this position, remember that you are not alone. Chances are someone close to you can relate to what you are now experiencing. Don’t be afraid to confide in someone trusted, as they will understand your fears and concerns. Try not to worry yourself sick either, which is easier said than done. Try to be strong and focus on the positive. Encourage other women in your life to do monthly self breast exams and go in for their annual mammogram if age 40 or older.