Have Y'all Heard This News About Mammograms?

[Douglas the Intrepid]

I just got a mammogram and have learned that I have to go in for additional testing. The mammogram picked something up that my physician did not - nor have I. I am certain it's nothing, but would rather be cautious than what is being suggested by the new standards. I can also promise that this extra testing will not be $6K as the federally funded panel has reported.....erroneously, in my opinion. I will share the costs here. So far the mammogram was $283 with a negotiated rate of $183, paid at 100% since it is preventive/wellness.

Yes, I am nervous, but also very strong.

From what I have heard, the diagnostic accuracy varies greatly and there are many false positives. I have utter and complete faith in you Lynnie! *hugs*

 

[Rudyjohn]

most definitely try to get tested where your results are read on the spot. I have to have additional views taken every time & have for the past 10 years or so. As we age, the tissue does change.

Another tip I learned a long time ago, don't have your mammograms during the holidays! ;-)

Keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you.

 

[Lynnie]

From what I have heard, the diagnostic accuracy varies greatly and there are many false positives. I have utter and complete faith in you Lynnie! *hugs*

Thank you, DTI!

Yes, I'll take a false positive right now and be that statistic. Leave it to the Mouthy Chick to have the scare! It won't stop me from being mouthy, however.

 

[Lynnie]

most definitely try to get tested where your results are read on the spot. I have to have additional views taken every time & have for the past 10 years or so. As we age, the tissue does change.

Another tip I learned a long time ago, don't have your mammograms during the holidays! ;-)

Keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you.

Johnrudy, you and BR have me thinking on this 'get the results on the spot' thing.

Why not during the holidays? I will keep All Y'all posted - I'm mouthy, I can't help it. Thank you~~~~

 

[Beach Runner]

Thank you, BR. I will mention them to my dr. tomorrow. I usually do everything at Piedmont, but will certainly go where I can receive the absolute best care and technology. They are so aggressive with breast health, I have no doubt that my dr. will get me in tomorrow (I just received the letter yesterday from the radiologist group). I really just want to plan my Christmas Dinner Party, but will squeeze this in~~~~~~~~~ ;-)

Squeeze. I hear ya.

I used to have everything done at Piedmont, too. For some reason the atmosphere there is less hospitally. My favorite nurse was Rhonda. But they started requiring pre-op at least one day before a procedure, CT scan, or MRI. So that means at least an extra three-hour-roundtrip drive for me. As a result, I started having everything done at Northside or St. Joseph's.

I miss Rhonda. Help me Rhonda, help help me Rhonda ...

 

[Rudyjohn]

Johnrudy, you and BR have me thinking on this 'get the results on the spot' thing.

Why not during the holidays? I will keep All Y'all posted - I'm mouthy, I can't help it. Thank you~~~~

Oh, I only meant because it causes so many worries. I've had too many close calls that I never schedule a mammo during the holidays. Just don't push it out because of that however.

 

[Lynnie]

Where the hell is Rhonda when you really need her?

I won't push this out, jr. Thanks, Y'all!!

 

[Beach Runner]

Ask for an ultrasound as well. Stuff can show up on an ultrasound which is not detected by a mammo. And don't get scared if they go over a particular spot multiple times. I try to remember to inhale and exhale after that occurs and while waiting for doc to give me the results. Medicine is unfortunately still somewhat of a pseudo-science.

 

[Lynnie]

Spoke with OBGyn extensively and as we went over all of the records, I remembered a couple of needle (really they were scalpel) biopsies a few years ago....no deadening, just cutting! Fibroids! BR, you know my body so well! Anyway, it's the same spot, I am not concerned, going to plan my Christmas Dinner Party, see the surgeon in Jan. for the ultrasound and not doing another mammo as this one was digital.

Incidentally, we did speak about the Breast Specialists at N'side/St. Joe and I decided to stay at Piedmont b/c they have all of my records on a sharing system, which means I don't have the extra step of picking them up, etc. Piedmont breast center has become quite fancy, too, BTW. And, just FYI, the radiologists will now speak directly with you just like at N'side, but you still have the problem of the pre-op situation.

Thanks to all of you for being so sweet and thoughtful. I am going right back to being mouthy on these new proposed standards~~~~~~ ;-)

 

[lisaseer]

Are they safe?

How safe is a mamogram? I have heard conflicting information over the years. I would rather be safe than sorry but.... what if all the x-ray's are bad for one's body? Has anyone else heard info on that?