Mammogram

[Melaxx]

Hi, I’ve been called back for further tests after a mammogram, I’m scared , they suggest to go with someone but I haven’t got anyone . So Monday repeat mammogram and Wednesday to the rheumatologist in Manchester , I’ve been putting on weight for no reasons , does nerves damage effect weight , that’s why so many people with our type of conditions are big? And the high CK INflammation could be linked with the abnormal mammogram?

Thank you 😊

[Foggyme]

Hi Melaxx

I can't answer your questions but just thought I'd pop in to say I was once called back after an abnormal mammogram and also advised to take someone with me. This appeared to be a standard statement in the letter rather than a specific instruction to me, in particular, so please try not to worry too much about that. At this stage, before further investigations, it's not possible for anyone to be certain about potential outcomes.

When I attended, I had an ultrasound which showed that I had a couple of benign cysts which were nothing to worry about. I was given this information at the appointment so didn't have to wait for the results. The cysts had disappeared when I had my next mammogram three years later and have not returned since.

I know it's difficult, but please try not to worry. Just because you’ve been called back doesn't necessarily mean that there's anything untoward going on. But if there is something that needs dealing with, for the majority of those impacted, early intervention and treatment (if necessary) has good outcomes.

Like you I had to wait several days for the next appointment and I dealt with the scary worry bit by doing 'spoil-me' things to take my mind off it (not very good at spoiling myself so I felt as if I'd had some real good treats).

I'm so sorry that you haven't got anyone to take with you...that must be tough! There's a whole host of lovely folk here to help you through this so post away if and when you need a bit of support or some kind words.

Very best of luck and please let us all know how you get on xx

[Melaxx in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you 😊

[Bake34]

3 weeks ago I had mammogram, called back, had biopsy on right lymph gland on Monday, Friday I received the good news it was benign, you have a nurse with you throuout the procedure, the whole process was so quick, I feel very grateful, hope this helps x

[Melaxx in reply to Bake34]

Thank you , I’m a bit calmer now , my mother told me the same , she was called back too and everything was ok x

[MEGS53]

Hi Melaxx. I totally understand how scared you are, particularly since you have nobody to support you at the clinic.

Towards the end of last year, a routine mammogram showed that I had stage 1 (early) breast cancer. I'm now fine - as far as the cancer goes at least - and dealing with it was far easier than dealing with the problems we all have with our AI diseases. NOW, before you start to worry, many of the ladies I chatted to at the BC clinic who had been called for further investigations, did not have cancer. Some had benign cysts, some fatty lumps (lipomas) etc, but they were well advised to have them checked out. You may very well be one of these cases, so please don't worry unnecessarily.

To the best of my knowledge, a raised CK and/or putting on weight has nothing to do with cancer of any type.

If my experience is anything to go by, you will be dx'd next Monday after the repeat mammogram and you will be given every opportunity to ask questions. I had excellent care and support during the BC (pity I can't say the same for my rheumy care and diagnostic work up, but don't think I'm alone on this one!).

I hope I've helped to reassure you, but please let me know if I can do more to help. xxx

[Melaxx in reply to MEGS53]

Thank you so much , I’ll let you know what happens, this forum is amazing thank you all again xx

[MEGS53 in reply to Melaxx]

Please let us know how you get on. Big hugs, xxx

[Melaxx in reply to MEGS53]

Everything was fine but they squashed my right breast so much that now I have terrible burning on my chest tissues , every time I breath hurt . Because of lupus my tissues are very tender and the mammogram caused an inflammation flare up, my boobs feels on fire it really hurts and no medications works . Tomorrow I have my appointment in Manchester ( reumathology ) hopefully they will give me something to calm down this pain . I hope that machinery didn’t cause damage . I had an ultrasound as well to my right breast and was ok .

[MEGS53 in reply to Melaxx]

So happy all was fine with the scan. I'm sure the inflammation and pain will ease soon - I keep a bottle of aloe vera lotion in the fridge for such things and it does help. Please let us know how you get on tomorrow. Hugs xxx

[Melaxx in reply to MEGS53]

I’ve been to Manchester and they going to check the muscles electrical activity ( something like that) and take a biopsy . In the meantime I have to take steroids they’re going to tell the doses after they see the blood results that I’ve done today to see how high the CK inflammation is .

Thank you everyone xxx

[MEGS53 in reply to Melaxx]

Hi. Happy to hear they seem to be doing all the right tests to sort out your muscle problems. It certainly sounds like inflammation, so hopefully the steroids will help until they come up with a dx. Please keep us updated. xxx

[Melaxx in reply to MEGS53]

Sorry to bother you again but , this morning the consultant rung me and told me that the CK inflammation still elevated ( he had the blood results from yesterday) to go on 30 mg of prednisone a day , I’ve already put on weight for been on and off this drug , premenopausal as well , now going on 30 mg at day ( I never been on this high dose ) I’m terrified of weight gain , thinning hair , diabetes, water retantions etc . I took it today but after watching YouTube review of the drugs and various testimonials plus the before and after pic , I’m not sure if carryon , I have already water retantion . Ty xxx

[MEGS53 in reply to Melaxx]

Hi. No bother at all, I'm happy to help if I can. I don't take steroids, but I believe they can cause weight gain, in some people (not necessarily you!). The way to get around weight gain is to eat zero/minimal carbs in the evening, say after 6pm. PMRPro is an expert on this and has posted many times giving details. Look up her posts, or perhaps she'll pop along to help.

Personally, I would take the steroids in the hope that they'll take the inflammation down quickly (and then you can reduce, slowly).

Good luck and please let me know if I can do anything to help. xxx

[Melaxx in reply to MEGS53]

Thank you so much ! I stopped buying all bad foods so no temptation haha xx