Saturday, July 11, 2009

Between 1% and 6%

I was so happy this morning. I dropped a bag of pasta, condiments, soups and some toiletries off at the food pantry. Usually seeing so many people there would give me the blues, but today the long line made me feel like I was really making a difference in my community. (I've heard donations are down.) Then I read and had a decent little coffee shop breakfast, followed by a trip to the bank and an eye exam. (Yes, my eyes are worse, but the prescription is different enough that I was able to get funky new glasses.) Then I got home and IT was in my maibox.

After reviewing the mammogram you had on 7/3/09, our radiologist requested that you return for additional studies for a complete evaluation. Most such findings are benign (not cancerous). A report for your mammography results were sent to your physician, whom you should call to discuss this matter further ....

I'm scared.

My doctor won't be in until Monday, so there really isn't anything I can do about this. I looked up follow-up mammography and found that the odds are overwhelmingly in my favor -- between 1% and 6% of findings turn out to be malignant (depending on which study you're looking at). That means between 94% and 99% turn out to be benign.

But I'm still scared.

I'm trying not to obsess.
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8 comments:

  1. cupcake4:34 PM

    I've had no less than five follow-up mammos, and so far, all they've amounted to is squishing my ample bosoms to within an inch of their life.

    Sending positive vibes your way, girlfriend.

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  2. Lisa G4:55 PM

    I feel your pain. I recently had a chest xray that had a "spherical density" noted that needs follow-up. I have an appointment with my doctor, and will probably have to have a cat scan. Being scared of the big "C" is no fun. I'll be thinking about you.

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  3. Vivian6:08 PM

    My bosses wife went thru this last year...it turned out to be nothing...but like you, she was very scared.
    You will be in my prayers for good results...

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  4. Kwizgiver6:43 PM

    My sisters have lumpy breasts and have follow-ups often. Try not to worry.

    Sending good juju your way!

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  5. Mimi Lenox7:38 PM

    What Kwiz said. I've had several follow ups myself and a couple of years ago there was a definite lump found and it turned out to be NOTHING but fibrocystic changes. But it is very scary for you and no one here is minimizing that.

    Sending prayers and positive thoughts and all else I can muster.

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  6. BookMama8:19 PM

    My fingers are crossed for you!

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  7. Lisa8:36 PM

    Echoing everything everyone said - it's scary until you KNOW it's not. Sending you love and good energy.

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  8. Unknown12:43 PM

    I'm with the rest of the group. Praying for you, feeling for you, and knowing it's probably nothing. Treat yourself to something special today.

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