Hi there - I was wondering if someone could really just give me some advice or perspective on my mum's situation.
My mum (50s) had a mammogram, she has since been recalled and will be going into the hospital for a further mammogram, ultrasound etc later this week. I was worried but tried not to worry too much. However, yesterday we were talking about it after I offered to come with her to her appointment and she said something that concerned me. The person doing the mammogram asked her if she'd had any breast surgery and my mum said no because she hasn't. My mum then mentioned that she thinks that she's been recalled because she has some dimpling on her breast but assumed that that's just to do with her age so she never got it checked out. I asked her how long it had been there, and whether it was there when she had her last mammogram and she said she didn't know because she doesn't ever check her breasts (!!)
Her saying this really concerned me since I know that dimpling can be a sign of breast cancer. Does anyone have any perspective on this situation because I'm trying my best not to worry but after that conversation last night it's really been on my mind. My question is, if it does turn out to be something to worry about, how can I best support her?
Also, I have told my mum to mention the breast dimpling but she says there's no point because she can't feel a lump - although I'm accompanying her to the appointment I can't make her mention it to the Dr. Do you think they will pick up on it when she goes for the appointment if she doesn't tell them?
Thanks!
Bonjour Toni. Je pense que le médecin remarquera les fossettes. Ma question est pourquoi ta mère ne voudrait-elle pas en parler avec eux ? Si elle a peur de ce que cela pourrait signifier, elle doit se mettre dans l'état d'esprit de faire ce qui est le mieux pour elle et la détection précoce est essentielle ! Cela pourrait ne rien être, mais elle doit être sa meilleure défenseure en ce qui concerne sa santé. Je pense que si c'était moi, je demanderais au médecin si je pouvais assister avec eux pendant l'examen ou au moins leur demander s'il y aurait une opportunité pour toi de leur poser des questions ensuite. Ainsi, si cela n'a pas été mentionné par elle ou eux, alors tu pourras parler.
C'est difficile de ne pas s'inquiéter, je sais. Mais sois forte pour ta mère... espérons que tout se passera bien.
Bonne chance !
Thanks for your response Gatorgirl. When I questioned her she just said that if it was anything then the doctor would pick it up. I've had a chat with her and I think you're right, she is nervous for what it might mean. Since I'll be accompanying her to the appointment I will check to see if she's mentioned it to them. Thank you again!
Ravi de l'apprendre. Restez sur le coup ! J'espère que tout se passera bien. Merci de nous tenir au courant...
Thanks! Well, she went and had the mammogram and ultrasound. I think my mum was glad that I came and she said the nurses and consultants were all really lovely. Everything came back clear and they sent her on her way! She is relieved but I did have a chat with her about checking her breasts as she admitted this was not something she ever does. Thanks for sending me the message, I do worry about her health (she's not the best at looking after it!) so your message did a lot to help with how worried I was feeling for her.
Thanks again and best wishes!
Excellente nouvelle ! Je suis si heureux que tu aies été là pour elle et que tout va bien. Continue d'être sa voix de la raison !