I don't drink caffeinated drinks or anything besides water usually. After menopause this happens. Sometimes it's lifelong, sometimes not. I'm hoping not. HRT relieves it, but that's not going to happen. Another reason to have them removed.

****Have it done at a facility with Digital Mammography Unit***
Demystifying Breast Pain: The Actual Diagnosis of Painful Breasts or Mastalgia

Breast Pain: What to Expect

Cyclical
Usually bilateral (both breasts) and felt around the upper outer layers of breasts and is associated with lumpiness.
Dull and nagging, often radiating to the arm pit.
Non- Cyclical
Typically unilateral.
Maybe constant or irregular, acute burning pain felt in the area below the nipple.
Alleviating Breast Pain
Most often, breast pain isn't too severe and fades away in a few days without medication. For more severe cases, topical NSIAD's and pain killers are prescribed. For Mastitis without abscess, antibiotics are recommended. Self remedial ways to palliate breast pain are:

Diet Changes
Avoid Fatty Food Intake: Hydrogenated fats obstruct the formation of Gamma Linolenic Acid, a chemical that stops breast pain. Reduction of fatty foods thus helps relieve the pain.
Limit Caffeine: Caffeine contains methlyxanthine that stimulates breast tissue and causes pain. Keeping a check on caffeine intake, especially before periods is helpful.
Reduce Salt Intake: Excess salt retains fluid in the body and this could increase pain.
Support Breasts
Wearing a properly fitted bra and avoiding high impact exercises is essential. It is advisable to avoid wearing under-wired bras before periods.

Medication
Seek medical advice and then go off or change preparation of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, as changes in hormones may increase pain.

Learn To Relax
Being calm and relaxed reduces the impact of stress related hormones on breast pain.

Others
Use cold or hot compress to soothe the pain.

Next Steps
Breast pain is rarely an indication of breast cancer. However, depending on the cause and severity of one's pain, it is advisable to chart out a follow up routine with your health care provider, which may include routine mammograms. Breast infections generally require a follow up in 24-48 hours. A startling truth is that Mastitis does not cause cancer, but cancer can mimic Mastitis. Therefore it is important to track your pain, get all tests done to rule out cancer and relieve yourself of the anxiety caused by breast pain.
Demystifying Breast Pain: The Actual Diagnosis of Painful Breasts or Mastalgia

Cyclical
Usually bilateral (both breasts) and felt around the upper outer layers of breasts and is associated with lumpiness.
Dull and nagging, often radiating to the arm pit.
Non- Cyclical
Typically unilateral.
Maybe constant or irregular, acute burning pain felt in the area below the nipple.
Maybe it is not fibro pain there..... thank you for this Tommi!!!

There are 220 Mammography Centers in New Jersey. Does it have to be there>? It's a small state>:phonegab:
Click here enter New Jersey (Locality pull down menuno city or Zip), and look for the ones with the American College of Radiology Accreditation.*the little logo, like the one beside

I am rewarded beyond measure. I have been a women's health activist for years, and as the expression goes "We've come a long way baby". Enjoy all we can be.

Come for a Cause: Pink October - Fight Breast Cancer by Shopping Our "Pink October" Toys!

(((Jo Jo))),

Hope your second mammogram was good and the dr's didn't find anything.

Hugs my friend,

Zimmy

I had my first mammogram at 35 and did it because my mom kept telling md to go. I don't like dr's, but since my mom had a partial hysterectomy at 31 and my aunt having a full hysterectomy at 34. The dr's gave me a clean bill of health and told to come back when I am 40.

I do everything I can to support breast cancer research.

Zimmy

Thanks Zimmy :rrose: ...it's scheduled, and I'll go. It's scary, but too important to ignore. Scoote's going for hers too. :)

I'm so proud of everyone who has taken the plunge and is going to get their mammo or gotten it done...and even more so of those who are promoting it to others and encouraging them to go.

Tommi....you're a gem...and all I can do is send you a big :gimmehug: for your encouragement and support.

I've already decided that I'm treating myself after the follow-up mammo, regardless of the outcome. I'm diabetic, so a chocolate fest (as much as I'd love it) is bad....I'm thinking a nice chaise lounge for poolside instead! :)

Here, and thanks for all you do, and the coffee ...http://www.chairs1000.com/prodimages...t-Chaise-L.jpg

Thank you, and WAY to go on that journey to Mammogramville. The road is scary, and when you are all done, yes.Do something nice for yourself.

I dropped my Ex and her partner at LAX this AM. They treated themselves to a trip to http://theohanamama.com/wp-content/u...irl-hawaii.jpg for 8 days..(Not just because they both had their Mammo's : It was both their birthdays this month too)

So, I'll be doing the petsitting stops across town to walk GiGi, play with JesseWildCat and have Mo MO run and hide, till they get home. I asked them to bring me http://www.hauntedventures.com/2007N...HulaDancer.gif one of those hula dancer girls instead of the usual T-shirt or ballcap.

SO < I treated myself...I went to Ace Hardware on my way home and did just that this morning before the 10AM game http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/b...-steelers1.png.

I bought things that the house needed. Ahem. A bristle brush to clean out the dryer. A little brush that looks like a potato for veggies * I guess. I did get the power surge cord for my new 24" LCD monitor which is what I went into Ace to get.. Oh, and a new lawn rake. (It was on sale :byebye:) And a tropical palm tree carpet for the hall, and a Jellybean palm tree rug for in front of the kitchen sink where I spish and spash. I hate shopping, so , this was good.

I am looking forward to next year's Mammo. I think I'll go to Maui.Oh wait..I'll be in Little Rock, and hope to see each of you and yours there too.

Yes....They are lovable. :bunchflowers::mohawk: or so I see**:firetruck:

It is scary when we fear, and realize we may not be immmortal after all, and the reason so many femme's and O/0ther's are afraid to go.

Butches , FTM's and MTF's are pretty much in denial and or such fear and that could be a whole other thread..:seeingstars:

Ten Things Lesbians Should discuss with Their Healthcare Provider (Download .pdf Version)

Following are the health issues GLMA’s healthcare providers have identified as most commonly of concern for lesbians. While not all of these items apply to everyone, it’s wise to be aware of these issues.

1. Breast Cancer
Lesbians have the richest concentration of risk factors for breast cancer than any subset of women in the world. Combine this with the fact that many lesbians over 40 do not get routine mammograms, do breast self-exams, or have a clinical breast exam, and this cancer may elude early diagnosis, when it is most curable.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.....
******************************
Ten Things Transgender Persons Should discuss with Their Healthcare Care Provider (Download .pdf Version)

Following are the health issues GLMA’s healthcare providers have identified as most commonly of concern for transgender persons. While not all of these items apply to everyone, it’s wise to be aware of these issues.

1. Access to Health Care
Transgender persons are often reluctant to seek medical care through a traditional provider-patient relationship. Some are even turned away by providers. A doctor who refuses to treat a trans person may be acting out of fear and transphobia, or may have a religious bias against GLBT patients. It’s also possible that the doctor simply doesn’t have the knowledge or experience he needs. Furthermore, health care related to transgender issues is usually not covered by insurance, so it is more expensive. Whatever the reasons, transgender people have sometimes become very ill because they were afraid to visit their providers.

2. Health History
Trans persons may hide important details of their health history from their doctors. Perhaps they fear being denied care if their history is known. Even many years after surgery, they may omit the history of their transition when seeing a new provider. Patients should see their provider as an equal partner in their health care, not as a gatekeeper or an obstacle to be overcome.

3. Hormones
Cross-gender hormone therapy gives desirable feminizing (or masculinizing) effects, but carries its own unique risks. Estrogen has the potential to increase the risk of blood clotting, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and water retention. Anti-androgens such as spironolactone can produce dehydration, low blood pressure, and electrolyte disturbances. Testosterone, especially when given orally or in high doses, carries the risk of liver damage. Hormone use should be appropriately monitored by the patient and provider. Some trans people tend to obtain hormones and other treatment through indirect means, bypassing the health care system. Taking hormones without supervision can result in doses too high or too low, with undesired results.
4.5.6.7.8.9.10.

Glad to see so many taking care of themselves and each other. Send a loved one.
So, the title of my book is....Cancer Doesn't Knock: Stories from Who's There

Great news.(f) Way to go. Specially 4 U.http://cdn.thegloss.com/files/2008/0...ibbon-pink.jpg

InfiniteFemme. You are a testament to why we have Patient's Rights, and having knowledge about what goes on. One hell of a ride, and you stay behind the driving wheel with the pedal to the metal. Hoping all goes well and the reconstruction and removal of bad stuff will help in the long course of crap you have been through.

Back in the day, before core/stereotactic systems, I had a Methylene Blue Injection chasing a disappearing mass, and numerous films (before MRI existed) then subsequent exploratory surgery. They found the blue, and a benign cyst. It was an experience I dread repeating ever again, and especially every year, so, can't imagine what you must go through.

Please let us know when you go for the Op , I'll send candy, flowers, and a cutie pie. :wink::mohawk:

Tommi - I am blessed and most fortunate, that I am able to go through this every year. In January - I get MRI, Mammo and U.S. - In July I get an U.S. and that is pretty much how it will be for the rest of my life - unless, of course I opt for a bilateral mastectomy and personally -- that is not an option in my world. I have thought about it, but why remove a perfectly healthy breast - right)?

I am one month not smoking - soooooooo... I will get the throat surgery done and then go see my plastic surgeon and schedule the reconstructive. Unless, I change my mind, which clearly is another option - because it is not the most pleasant surgery. BUT... Brand new perky teenage BOOBS?!? WOWOW I remember my surgeon telling me my prize - lol

InfiniteFemme you made me smile....:bunchflowers: and way to go all over the place by the way. :hangloose: You have my name and number if you want or need anything.

So , we will have some great stuff to celebrate during Breast Cancer Awareness month at the 2011 Reunion. :moonstars: :wine:Drinks are on me and I get to be the designated driver..and record all the fun:movieguy::groupphoto:

Good for you for going! :rrose:
I have an appointment Tuesday for more views on the right side, and an ultrasound. Keeping fingers crossed it's nothing.

Awareness
 

Maybe you just wiggled from that cold metal. Hoping that it is just a blurry image.
Stay in touch.

Bumping this most valuable thread.

I can certainly understand this kats :rrose: There are days that I get completely discouraged with the diabetes (and all of its fun side effects and lifestyle impacts). Being a mom of a young son is honestly what has kept me putting one foot in front of the other many times...and I've put off lots of medical testing because it was just hard to care sometimes. I'm proud of you for taking the test, and taking care of yourself, especially when it's painful and difficult. Big hugs! :gimmehug:

The good news is that the ultrasound is a breeze compared to the mammo....a little cold and sticky is all :)

I had my follow-up appointment and they really had to squish me...:seeingstars: ....now I'm just waiting for the results.

Sending you big hugs and :vigil: ....here's to good news for both of us. :rrose:

:hangloose:

:fastdraq: Just do target practice while ya wait..
Moonbeam kisses and sunshine wishes to you :moonstars:

Well, here we go. It is now November and we are doing the follow-ups on October's Breast Health Awareness. What a wonderful way to treat ourselves. Self-care is so good for our Planet ya know. Love you all for taking that cold hard challenge and stepping up to the plate. (X-ray plate that is). and to those still waiting and still more to do, my bestest wishes from da :heartbeat:

Please vote daily: Army of Women $250,000 to use towards a cure for breast cancer from Pepsi.

Sign up for the daily reminder by email or like on Facebook.

Thank you,
Andrea

Early Detection: National Cancer Institute
 

"Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. An estimated 207,100 new cases of breast cancer in women will be diagnosed in 2010, according to the National Cancer Institute."

Glad we are here. **

Thanks Medusa and Jack for the Planet and the place to put reminders.

((((( kats ))))) Well...this sucks. The good news is that it was caught early, which dramatically increases the likelihood that it can be treated successfully. I'm sooooooo glad that you didn't put off your mammogram for another few years. :rrose:

Please keep us posted, and know that we're all here for you if you need to vent, cry, talk...whatever.

I went for my second mammo and the ultrasound, and haven't heard a peep from anyone. My follow-up appointment with the doctor is Tuesday (right before I hop on a plane for a 3 day business trip to AZ). I'm hoping that their silence is a good sign....but I'll let you all know either way.