scared...called back for "routine follow up" after 1st ever mammogram

Hi.  I had my 1st ever mammogram on Saturday (I turned 40 recently).  I found out yesterday that the mammogram is considered "incomplete" and they need more pics and possibly an ultrasound for my left breast.  They said not to panic (I have an anxiety disorder so there's no chance that I'm not panicking).  My f/u scan is tomorrow morning -- which is good that they gave me the 1st available even though I had 4-6weeks to reschedule.

Occasionally I have sensations in my breast, and sometimes a bit of a dull ache when I press on the muscle on my left side or my left upper back near my armpit.   Sometimes the inside of my left bicep will twinge a bit, too.  And then of course I keep checking it and rubbing it and that makes it hurt a bit.  It only aches when I touch it, so it's not like I'm sitting around in pain.  It's very hard to describe.   No recent injury of any kind.  I used to think it was just stress, but now I'm terrified.  I have never had any lumps/not even an irregular pap smear.  My mom died of endometrial/uterine cancer that spread.  She was adopted so we have no other medical history available.  6 weeks ago I had a chest xray (I had the flu/checking for pneumonia) and the docs said that my chest xray was perfect.  Had a regular doc appt last Friday and I mentioned the occasional sensations on left side and she said it was probably stress, esp as recent chest xray was clear.  She also check my lymph nodes and said they weren't swollen.

Sometimes I wonder if it's my bra, sometimes I wonder if it's psychosomatic, sometimes I feel deep down that something is very very wrong.   Any advice, insight, thoughts, anything would be appreciated.  Thanks.

It is not at all unusual for younger women to have dense breasts. That's one of the reasons why they recently changed the recommendations for mammograms. Density can often hide tumors, as they "read" the same on the mammogram. This doesn't happen often, but I was one of those women it happened to. I had two tumors that were totally missed on mammogram (I was 36 at the time). Because the tumors were palpable, my doctor insisted on biopsies. That was life-saving for me. It doesn't sound like you have anything that would cause concern on your part. So your doctors are erring on the side of caution... wish all doctors would do that! Take comfort in knowing that they are going to make sure that they aren't missing something... and try not to worry so much! LOL

Hope all turns out well for you. Let us know how it goes.

Hugs...
BEV

Yes, it is pretty common. Even after having breast cancer in my right breast, I got a callback on my left breast that turned out to be nothing. When they take more pictures, they will do what is called a spot compression, which just looks at a particular area. They might also do an ultrasound. Most of the time, it turns out to be nothing. Typically, the report is sent to the Dr. within a day or two, so if there is an area they want to look at again, you'll ususally hear within a day or two. So try not to worry too much!

BEV

I was called back for a redo after my first mammo also. They said my breasts are very dense. Then I found out I have microcalcifications. I go back in July for my 6 month follow up. My breasts hurt all the time if I touch them and have always done. I'm 40. I was freaked out a bit when I first got the news of the microcalcifications but then other health concerns took a front seat and so I have just tried to let go of worrying about it.
It's very scary and you are not alone. But be glad you are getting your mammo. So many women go unchecked.

Moon