trying not to freak out

I take the philosophy don't worry about it until there is something concrete to worry about. My last mammogram I had to get a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I had an area that the doctor determined was benign after the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I just have to get my next mammogram in 6 months instead of 1 yr. I know if needed they schedule a biopsy after the ultrasound but even then I've heard of women who have had the biopsy come back benign.

I know it's worrisome and it's hard not to fret; just try your best to remember the further testing will help catch anything early if it's there so that if treatment becomes necessary, you will have caught it early which will help give you a better outcome.

Blueberrybook, thanks for sharing your personal experience.

Sending purple vibes.

I totally understand your anxiety - mammogram results that aren't totally fine are worrisome. That being said, I've been sent for a biopsy 3 times (I have lumpy breast tissue) and each time they've been benign. My Dr. says that the vast majority of lumps are benign

At what age should I begin getting a mammogram? I’m turning 48 and I’ve never had one.

@Crazy Hitch Here in the US they recommend the first one between 40-45 and then every other year until 50 when it goes to every year. (I think that's when it goes annually. It may be 45. The guidelines keep changing and the major organizations that make recommendations don't fully agree). So it's definitely time unless Australia is way off. The age of onset for breast cancer has been getting earlier so they have recommended mammograms earlier to keep up. I think it used to be age 50 so it may still be for you.

Thanks @BeyondtheRainbow

Definitely time for me to chat to my gp!

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Originally Posted by splitimage I totally understand your anxiety - mammogram results that aren't totally fine are worrisome. That being said, I've been sent for a biopsy 3 times (I have lumpy breast tissue) and each time they've been benign. My Dr. says that the vast majority of lumps are benign

Thanks Splitimage.

I understand the anxiety. Back in my 30's I felt a lump. Had the mammogram & waited & waited & finally called my MD to see what the results were. He said I was "just lumpy" & there wasn't anything there to worry about. No history of breast cancer in my family so that helps me not worry. Back then I was an AA so not hard to feel any lumps

What’s the guidelines in Australia? In the US you are referred to at about 40. Talk to your GP

Schedule your appt and get it done. Until then worrying will not help anything. But I get it. It’s no fun. But you are on top of it. You are taking care of it so you are ahead of the game

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Originally Posted by divine1966 Schedule your appt and get it done. Until then worrying will not help anything. But I get it. It’s no fun. But you are on top of it. You are taking care of it so you are ahead of the game

The doctor's office is mailing me the order. Soon as I have it in hand I will call to schedule the appt. Anybody else remember when the doctor's office called and scheduled specialist appts for you?

Why are they mailing. Takes ages. Can’t just email or text it?

Sending hugs and good vibes your way, @lizardlady...

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Originally Posted by lizardlady The doctor's office is mailing me the order. Soon as I have it in hand I will call to schedule the appt. Anybody else remember when the doctor's office called and scheduled specialist appts for you?

When the specialist was an emergency like getting the bug out of my ear they called & got me in the same day. When I needed a referral to a pulmonoligist after my congestive heart failure hospitalization they got the referral & I called & made the appointment. Seems to work both ways depending on the situation at least where I live

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Originally Posted by divine1966 Why are they mailing. Takes ages. Can’t just email or text it?

My printer is broken so email was a no go. They didn't offer to text. Imaging place requires paper copy of the order. They did tell me I could go by the office and pick it up. Doctor's office is a hour drive each way. I opted for mail.

That makes sense Eskie.