For the Ladies: Perma-cath and mammograms..?

[alrightstill]

Happy new year everybody!

My gynocologist noticed a lump in my left breast recently.. (It was sort of a relief as I've been having pains where the lump is, but I actually thought it was my heart. I went to a specialized heart hospital and everything - and their words were "your heart is extremely healthy for a dialysis patient, but we can do a catscan just in case!)

Anyway - my gyno ordered an ultrasound of the left breast, since my right breast (which is where my permacatch is) seemed fine.

So I went to make an appointment at the breast center in my local hospital - and here's how that went:

Tech:  Why didn't your doc order a mammogram?
Me:  Because she already found the lump.. and just wants a better look.
Tech:  Well, how old are you?
Me:  27..
Tech:  Oh - but still you should HAVE a mammorgram, our doctor is probably going to want you to have one.  I'll schedule your ultrasound but be prepared to have a mammogram as well..
Me:  Well, I'm on dialysis and have a perma-cath..
Tech (cuts me off): That's fine. So what.. we can still do it..
Me (cutting her off..):  Can you?  Even tho the permacath is resting right on my breast?
Tech:  Yes. 

Needless to say I walked out of there scared because I've heard mammograms are extremely painful - and worried about my permacath.  The tech couldnt FATHOM why my gyno didn't schedule the mammogram.  My guess is my gyno knows about my catheter and of course, is only looking to take a closer look at that specific lump. 

Anyway - thoughts?  Is it possible (or recommended by those who have had mammograms and are familiar with catheters) to get a mammogram with a cath?  Should I just try to find another center who will soley do the ultrasound as requested?   Any intake would be so greatly appreciated.  My appt is this thursday, the 17th.   

[jbeany]

I don't know about perma caths - never had one.  But I do know they can't force you to do any procedure you don't want to do!   I wouldn't want to risk my dialysis access either.  If they really want you to get a mammogram, I'd refuse to let them do the cath side - just get half a mammogram.

[MyssAnne]

I agree. I am bothered by the fact you got cut off. I dont think she realized what you are speaking of.  Defintely ask about an ultrasound, don't
accept the mammogram JUST because it was ordered.

(REVOLT!!!) (Sorry, I tend to dislike blindly accepting orders from the medical profession!!)

[alrightstill]

I agree. I am bothered by the fact you got cut off. I dont think she realized what you are speaking of.  Defintely ask about an ultrasound, don't
accept the mammogram JUST because it was ordered.

(REVOLT!!!) (Sorry, I tend to dislike blindly accepting orders from the medical profession!!)

Oh I agree with you!  That's the part that made me so uneasy.. that she cut me off.  And the kicker is - MY DOCTOR didn't even order a mammogram!!  This "tech/reciptionist" person is just presuming.  I shouldn't worry.  Like jbeany said - I can always refuse the mammogram.  My doctor knows what shes doing and if she felt it neccessary she would've ordered one along with the ultrasound.

Thank you guys so much for your input.   

[stauffenberg]

I had a permcath all the time I was on dialysis, for more than eight years.  Although I am not female, I have seen mammographies being demonstrated in a hospital, and from what I have witnessed, it should be possible to perform the test without harming the permcath.  The machine presses against the lower part of the breast, not at the muscular attachment of the top of the breast to the chest, which is where the permcath extends ouf of the body. Your torso is very close to the machine, but since the permcath extends upwards, it should fit with no problem.

It would not surprise me if the mammography tech in fact knew all about permcaths in relation to the machine, since permcaths are not just used in dialysis, but also for many other medical conditions.

[Chicken Little]

My doctor cancelled my regularly scheduled mammogram until after my permacath was removed.  It may be possible to do, but they made me wait until mine came out.  I'd call your doctor.

[alrightstill]

I went in today for the ultrasound appointment NOT prepared to have the mammogram, because I was going to refuse it.

Well, turns out.. I didn't need one afterall!  They did the ultrasound, then a doctor came in and did the ultrasound over and said those "lumps" in my breast were simply lymph nodes and to come in for a mammography when I'm 35!!   So, that's good news!

The bad news is it's still a mystery why that area is so painful.  My heart is fine, my breast is fine.. what else could it possibly be!?   

Anyway - thanks for all the responses. 

[kellyt]

I don't know anything about catheters, but from my experience with mammograms they aren't painful in the least.  I was terrified the first time I went because I had heard they were painful, as well.  I have above average breasts (not huge, but not small by any standards) so I thought it was really going to hurt.  But it didn't at all.

So whenever it is safe for you to have a mammogram, don't not do it because you think it's painful.  Even if it is painful for you, it's all over really fast.  Good Luck to you... and your breasts.