I guess we all have those days when not everything is perfect. I had to get up early to go to Tripler Army Hospital for my colonoscopy consult. I saw a physician's assistant first and then a nurse who gave me all the necessary information for my January scheduling.
This has been a month of testing after I saw Kathy, my nurse practitioner a few weeks ago. There was the bone density, the pap smear, the mammogram and now the colonoscopy. I was feeling somewhat relieved that this would be the end of it for a good long while.
When I got home, Kathy called. She sounded worried... not cheerful. I was cheerful... sort of. I told her I'd just come back from the colonoscopy consult and was happy that would soon be over and I wouldn't have to have any more tests.
With no lift in her voice, she said my bone density showed little change after stopping Fosamax in April. Still no cheer... why? I was going to wish her a Merry Christmas, but she continued on.
"Your mammogram has been evaluated and there's an area of concern in your left breast. They want you to come back and redo it. Radiology will be calling you soon to schedule an appointment."
They did call right away and said I would be having an ultrasound and a meeting to explain what we would be seeing. She also said to be prepared for a long appointment.
The thing is, when I was talking to the friendly technician after having the mammogram done, she showed me what it looked like. I did see what looked like a shadow, a mass, a something... but I figured I just didn't understand how to read an X-ray.
Doggone it!
Then again, before the kids were born, I did have a benign tumor removed from my right breast. I've been a little lopsided since. I suppose I may now have an opportunity to even myself up.
Doggone it!
This has been a month of testing after I saw Kathy, my nurse practitioner a few weeks ago. There was the bone density, the pap smear, the mammogram and now the colonoscopy. I was feeling somewhat relieved that this would be the end of it for a good long while.
When I got home, Kathy called. She sounded worried... not cheerful. I was cheerful... sort of. I told her I'd just come back from the colonoscopy consult and was happy that would soon be over and I wouldn't have to have any more tests.
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"Your mammogram has been evaluated and there's an area of concern in your left breast. They want you to come back and redo it. Radiology will be calling you soon to schedule an appointment."
They did call right away and said I would be having an ultrasound and a meeting to explain what we would be seeing. She also said to be prepared for a long appointment.
The thing is, when I was talking to the friendly technician after having the mammogram done, she showed me what it looked like. I did see what looked like a shadow, a mass, a something... but I figured I just didn't understand how to read an X-ray.
Doggone it!
Then again, before the kids were born, I did have a benign tumor removed from my right breast. I've been a little lopsided since. I suppose I may now have an opportunity to even myself up.
Doggone it!
I hope your appointment is soon, Kay. Waiting for such things is no fun. I'm sure it will turn out good.
ReplyDeleteDear Kay - Hope all goes well. You're doing the correct things, and I'm glad Tripler is quick to follow through with your care. Remember, the tech or RN can't legally "interpret" your xrays, but the NP, PA or doctor can. You'll feel pretty light-weight after the prep for the colonoscopy. You might get to remain "lopsided" though...DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteGeez, if it's not one thing, it's another. Hope whatever is in your left breast is benign, Kay. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I went to the ER yesterday afternoon and learned I have Bell's Palsy -- again -- this time on the left side of my face. I can't close my left eye, which could lead to an ulcer in the eye and blindness if I don't treat it with eye ointment. Need to see a neurologist next week.
Oh dear, I do hope it's a small matter that will soon be cleared up. I'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you, dear. I had several of these in past years and they all turned out to be benign. My sister, however, had a lumpectomy fifteen years ago and was just fine. Hoping all will be well...
ReplyDeleteI had to have my mammogram redone in Nov. '10 because there was "an area of concern" showing up on the first mammo. I had myself prepares for the worst, but the second mammo showed there was no problem. I hope you're told this, too.
ReplyDeleteI've just finished the mammo/pap smear/bone density routine for this year. It's good to have it all behind me!
I'll be waiting to hear your results.
All the best Kay, they called me back one year for the same reason, but nothing came of it.
ReplyDeleteI'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you, but it will be worrying for you during the wait I'm sure. I sometimes think that medics keep calling you back just to keep themselves in a job! I've been having tests every six months for the last three years because a blood test result showed up a high level of something that can be a marker for ovarian cancer. There's never been anything else but they still keep calling me back. I think I'm just a bit peculiar! Best of luck with the colonoscopy. I had one a few years and it wasn't the nicest of experiences but women are used to that sort of thing aren't we!
ReplyDeleteHang in there! I was called back last week after my mammo for the same reason. Turned out it was just breast tissue. It's great they called you and are having you go back so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you too Kay,and hopefully you won't have long to wait before you get your appointment. Always stressful waiting for these things.
ReplyDeleteKay, thinking of you and saying prayers for it to be nothing!! I don't like waiting either! HUGS to you my friend!!
ReplyDeleteOh Kay, I hope everything comes out in a positive direction. I had one of these mammogram scares a few years ago, but it turned out to be nothing. I survived the colonoscopy two years ago. I hated the prep for it, but it turned out well. Good luck, Dianne
ReplyDeleteSending out good wishes to you, Kay. Hopefully they can get you retested soon and everything is OK. I agree with Denise - waiting is stressful. That reminds me, I need to schedule my colonoscopy for next month. Nancy T.
ReplyDeleteI am unconvinced of the efficacy of mammograms. They are so subject to interpretation.
ReplyDeleteThey don't distinguish between benign and cancerous lumps, as you well know.
All the best. I won't say try not to worry, OK, I will, but I know it won't do much good! Deep breaths!
There are no words of consolation. It is a horror to hear something shows up in our mammogram. I am still lopsided from two biopsies, both on my right breast. Thankfully both were benign but I will never forget the wait. My sil was malignant yet spent her year in treatment and has full recovery. What will be will be but thoughts and prayers are with you. It is a difficult time.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just hate the not-knowing? After my last mammogram, I was told to wait a minute, then I was whisked off for an immediate ultrasound, which showed no problem. I barely had time to worry at all. Now I can worry about you, if you like, so you can carry on being your wonderful, cheerful self.
ReplyDeleteLuv, K
Here's hoping you get quick and positive results. Will be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteWell, double darn it. I'm like you. I hate all those endless tests then they always find something in a breast and back I go. You are wonderful and handle this so much better than I. I'm a wimp. Hope you get positive results soon.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are feeling a little unsettled and worried right now. Waiting and wondering is so hard. I hope the test goes well and it turns out to be nothing of concern.
ReplyDeletethe worry is the worse part...perhaps they'll do an ultra sound sometimes cysts form that look dark on the xray. I had a needle biopsy years ago then a lumpectomy only to have the doctor say no problem. After all that I was a nervous wreck! Stay calm, it could be nothing.
ReplyDeleteIt's always something, isn't it? Hoping everything will turn out ok.
ReplyDeleteSteady, dear Kay.
ReplyDeleteThese things are MOST often nothing at all. Sorry you have to deal with this; frankly I'd be miffed.
SO many of us truly care about you. Do let us know when you get the all clear. I will offer prayer for you, my friend.
Doggone!!!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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I hope everything turns out ok. I'm glad they found it. I've had to be called back to the little square room where I waited for the doc to read the mammogram more than once. It is a scary place to be. I have then been hauled down to ultra sound. I've had a lumpectomy too.
ReplyDeleteFinally, I had a bust reduction. I just wasn't comfortable with what they were having a hard time seeing. It turn out I had "pre-cancer." The part that was suspect was removed. Everything has been good ever since.
Knowledge is power. Once you know what is going on, you will feel much better. Here's to the best...
Dear Kay, I sincerely hope it is nothing to worry about. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGet yourself comedy dvds and books. Laugh as much as you can. Laughter really is a good medicine - something to do with endorphins. It's not a cure-all, but it helps with anxiety at the very least.
I was through a similar scare a year or so ago and all was well, but it was a scary time. I hope that all is well, it's just too bad that it had to happen now during the holidays. You are in my prayers for a good result.
ReplyDeleteEverybody: Thank you so much, dear friends. The nurse I talked to said not to worry too much because if it was dire they would have made me come in the next day. Although they wanted me to come in soon, they didn't say the NEXT day... so I'm sort of feeling OK. January 4th is my next appointment.
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't have to wait long. Worrying and not knowing is the worst. I'm thinking good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHate those call backs! Thank you for making me hold my breath until you decide to tell me anything. Tsk! Sending hugs and prayers your way. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a day! You are in my prayers that all tests turn out well. I will be thinking of you.
ReplyDelete