Dear Regina,
Yes I completely get it - the wait is agony and overwhelming. Similarly in brief form - 2021 DCIS - at 46 I had lumpectomy and radiation treatment on left breast. 4 years later -March 2025 -Had standard annual mammogram and ultrasound also to check on lump I found in same radiated breast, lump could not be found in these scans due to breast density, (no pain in lump and no swelling etc). Due to the fact that my existing surgeon could tick lots of boxes I was able to have an MRI with contrast (2 month wait). MRI with contrast shows lump is benign in left but also shows new potential DCIS found in right breast that did not show in mammogram and ultrasound. Now staring down a tunnel at DCIS in other breast but (WAITING) for focussed ultrasound + -biopsy appointment and next steps - completely OVERWHELMED (but trying to do what I have always tried to do through 2 x Melanoma diagnosis and 1 x BC diagnosis - breathe and be as happy as possible until I know it is def cancer then one step at a time, compartmentalise to enable me to cope). Thanks to the replies here I started listening to the BCNA Dr Tottman podcasts in small bites which is a wonderful resource - putting words to my current state of mind.
I am including two links to an open access article in Lancet just published on MRI with contrast and other tests with contrast and a page on the Mayo Clinic site on breast density for anyone interested (I am a librarian so ensuring I read reputable medical info is key and both these are legitimate and medical based Comparison of supplemental breast cancer imaging techniques—interim results from the BRAID randomised controlled trial - The Lancet
Dense breast tissue: What it means to have dense breasts
I agree with others, your state of mind is important so advocate for yourself (request, beg ask) for an earlier scan than 3 mths. I find advocacy for my health exhausting but my advocacy led to scans and choices finding Melanoma early through the years and finding lumps and getting further scans etc during the BC process -so absolutely worth it. Best wishes for strength and health to all
