I'm worried AND angry!!!

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Being a 54 year old woman that is considered 'post-menopausal', as well as disabled, I make every effort to take care of myself physically. Other than being overweight from lack of mobility, I keep my cholesterol, blood-pressure, bone-density, and blood sugar under close monitoring and control.

Every year around my birthday, I get a complete physical, blood work, and cancer screening done. This year, it fell ON my birthday, and I had my first fully digital annual mammogram on that day along with my physical.

Today, I got a post card in the mail, dated June 16, 2008. This is what it says:

"Dear Ms. McGuiness,

Your recent mammography examination showed a finding that requires additional studies for a complete evaluation. Such findings are usually benign (non-cancerous). The additional diagnostic imaging will allow the Radiologist to see the area(s) in question better.

You will be contacted by the (*un-named clinic*) facility where your mammogram was performed to schedule the necessary studies. If you have not been notified within 7 working days, please contact us at the number shown below."

Now, correct me if I'm wrong or over-reacting... but doesn't this type of thing warrant a telephone call from a live human being, and not a postcard????

What's wrong with our medical system that a real person could not call me and tell me my mammogram showed abnormalities, and not to worry, and schedule whatever appointment I need to make ASAP so I won't become so worried and afraid that I get neurotic about it? I can frikkin' deal with anything, as long as I know what it is. Not knowing what's going on, or having a live human being to talk to about this is driving me nuts.

It sucks being ME right now!

 

[Halley]

Now, correct me if I'm wrong or over-reacting... but doesn't this type of thing warrant a telephone call from a live human being, and not a postcard????

Yeah I would want somebody to tell me that in person, I think, or at least a phone call. I would without a doubt want to schedule something right then, if they told me something was wrong with me, I would want them to make it clear to me what it was as well.

I can definetly understand why you are upset.

 

[Ccrashca069]

They just don't have the commom curtsey that they used to have. I feel that having that kind of information on a postcard is wrong and Violates Dr/ patient laws.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Thanks, John. The post card was folded so my 'mean old mail lady' couldn't read it. It still irks me.

 

[David Loftin]

Marcia, I would give them a call.

My mom [a RN at the hospital she got the mammogram done at] got the same type of card... Just about 3 years ago now. They supposedly sent the card because they thought it was nothing. But.. she freaked out. So did I when she told me. After 2 biopsy's everything was ok. But still.. Its :furious3: scary. Good vibes are being sent your way. We love ya Marcia!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Thanks, David! I honestly am not "too" worried about it... I figure if it looked like cancer, they would have called me and got me in ASAP. It's just the principle... I think this deserved a phone call with a real person.

 

[Ccrashca069]

I think we all agree with you Marcia. You have alot of good friends here that wish you all the best.
Hugs and kisses from Jeannie and I.

 

[eric]

Stay strong my friend the Bristow's send their love!!

 

[WftRight]

I agree that any kind of finding warrants a phone call and not a postcard. I hope that the further testing will show that nothing is wrong. You deserve good health and happiness.


Bill

 

[GECKOFREAK]

I would most certainly expect a phone call for something like that! I'm sending good energy your way, Marcia!

 

[dprince]

Marcia, that is a sucky way to find out. I don't blame you for being pissed. Hang in there, my friend. *big hugs*

 

[fallen_angel]

That does seem a little bit odd to be sending postcards for information like that.. I mean, you get a postcard reminding you of an appointment, but I've never heard of one telling you something like that!!!

I hope everything goes well and I am sorry that you are so stressed out because of the lack of thoughtfulness of others

 

[wings2fly]

That sounds to insensitive. I would want them to call me too.
Lord, I pray that you would bless her with your pressence of love and strenght. May only good things come of this.


Carin

 

[Kristi23]

I agree with everyone else. They should have called you. I'm sorry they didn't. You will be in my thoughts.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Thank you for your support, everyone! I sent a very pointed message to my doctors about this, but I doubt anything will come about it for future women getting postcards of this nature. I feel better today about it, though. I am not going to wait 7 days for them to call me... they'll be hearing from me first thing Monday morning!!!

It's just that I am a sitting duck for breast cancer. My mother died of breast cancer when she was only 51, and my maternal grandmother died of breast cancer after it metastasized to her liver. Since I never had children or lactated, and started menstruating at age 10, and am menopausal, I am considered to be at a 1:3 risk of getting breast cancer.

There really isn't much I can do to avoid getting it... but it will NOT get me!

 

[PacHerp]

Marcia... you are so strong... I know that with however things may end up, you will go at it with strength, resilience, level-headedness, and most of all... patience.

I'm not worried about it too much, actually... I honestly think that if the doctors could wait over 2 weeks to send you this postcard, it couldn't be anything serious...

Keep your head up! Know that you are in my thoughts...

 

[boutiquegecko]

Wow, that really sucks. They'd have gotten an earful from me definately. I hope everything turns out ok. Please let us know.
I didn't even realize we had a rant thread until now. I need to catch up.

 

[paulnj]

That's so calous of them to send a post card!!!! I dispise the medical system that has turned into big business if you ask me.

As to the findings, so I hear, that just mean that they need to check into it further. I am sure you know the human body is complex and computer imaging can't do much more than red flag a abnormality in the tissue structure so to speak.

 

[Airilith]

A post card !?! An earful from me would be the least of their worries.

I had a similar 'we want to double check' thing happen to me over an ultrasound. My clinic was nice enough to call, and it turned out to be nothing bad. I hope the same thing happens here.

You have my hugs and prayers Marcia!

 

[PaulSage]

Callous indeed.

Postcards are for reminding you that your dog is due for his rabies vaccine, not for notifying a woman that her recent mammogram warrants a follow-up.

I second any suggestions of subjecting them to the wrath of the MOGL.