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It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...
...and, after putting it off for 5 years, I went to get my mammogram today.
A little ouchy, but not too bad...and important for all of us to do. For everyone who takes the plunge and gets it done :bouquet: |
To my Mom, Grandma, Aunt Mary, cousin Joanne and Susan Grace.... we will continue your battles. Your deaths and challenges will not be in vein.
Do your self-exams, get the mammograms! |
I didn't get mine yet either and yes they are a little ouchy with that presssing!!
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I encourage you all to do it. I'm the world's biggest baby...and if I can tolerate it, you can too! :) |
Well I'm just waiting on the breast center in Hackensack to give me a call on the date and the time!! Hopefully before the month is over I plan on moving out of here NJ by NOvember 2010 or else I will get it once I'm in florida!!
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i hear a lot of different ages from people, my doctor doesn't seem too worried about my starting to get them regularly.. what worries me with her though is she isn't a doctor that seems completely interested in what she does.. you make an appt and she's rushing you out for the next person to get in.. (no new doctor openings for awhile now lol) so if i told her i wanted to go for one, she'd help arrange that but, she'll never suggest , sadly..so just curious..what age did you all starting getting them regularly, and how regularly do you get it done.. it's not something that's in my family, however, would still be good to do i'm sure.. i always do checks on myself, of course.. i have for a few years now..felt something suspicious twice now, but hasn't been anything to worry about (my doctor says, lol) i'm 37 years old , will be 38 in feb.. so just curious when do you start getting it checked regularly and how regularly.. ?♥ |
Sylvie,
Get rid of that doctor. What type of insurance do you have? There is usually a phone number on the back of your insurance card and you can speak to a representative and ask them to suggest a doctor within your network and your location. Secondly, there was a lot of controversy about the age when to get a mammogram. I had my first one at 17 because there was a lump under my arm. Thankfully it was benign. People thought that was insane and too young to have one done. However, breast cancer runs in my family and I'm susceptible to lumps, fibroids, etc. So, I would go regularly. For the last 2 years, I would have to have mammograms and ultrasounds every 6 months (if you can believe that) because of what appeared to be abnormal findings. Just this past year, I was told having them done annually is now sufficient enough. You need to be your own advocate and sometimes doctors with these particular so-called bedside manners are somewhat of a red flag. You need to be comfortable with your doctors. Let me know how you make out if you're able to find another doctor an again, the type of health insurance you have. I usually do my own research when I get a doctor referral and check their credentials. I check to see if they've had malpractice suits, etc. Good Luck and let me know if I can help. Quote:
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i'm in canada, so we have medicare here..
so when another doctor opens up for new patients i'll surely be jumping on board, i call regularly to find out if any doctors have new openings.. my father has been as well.. thanks so much for answering.. lately i've been feeling like i 'should' be getting them regularly, not just "if" i feel i need something checked.. my doctor just seems more interested in getting as many people in her office as possible, no bedside manner at all and i'm not comfortable with her whatsoever.. i always feel like i'm inconveniencing her, actually.. i have an appointment coming up, so i'll mention to her about that too, and get something set up.. much thanks Scorp! |
I have been going since I was 30 (every six months) and I am now 48.
I had a partial mastectomy and go -- 1x a year for a Mammo and MRI and 2x a year for an Ulstrasound. There is pain when the machine presses down on your breast -That pain is nothing compared to the treatment or the recovery of a mastectomy or the pain you will experience from dying from breast cancer -- I do not mean to be so harsh - but those are the facts. Be lucky you have health care and can go. There are women in this country and others, that will never have the opportunity to feel the pain or save their breast or their lives. Julie |
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that makes me really sad.. thank you Julie for your information, i will definitely get on it.. and although harsh, it's honest and i'm very appreciative for your words. i've been feeling i should be doing more, lately..so you've both helped me tremendously.. thank you! |
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I hope it also makes you angry and you are so very welcome. Get on it TODAY! Make your appointment. ALSO... I demand (seriously) to speak to the radiologist at every appointment I go to. I do not want to hear from a technician that I will hear from them or from my doctor in a couple days. It's not happening - I am not going home. I will not LEAVE that office until after (not with MRI) I hear my scans are clean or dirty. Julie who expects to hear you have an appointment. |
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
a.k.a. Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Treatment (BCCPT) Program or "HealthyWoman Program" (for Pennsylvania) or "Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program" (for North Carolina) or for other program names/contacts, please see the link below... I thought, after a private interaction with someone here on the site, that it might be a good idea to publicly talk about the BCCPT Program that is MANDATORY for all States and U.S. Territories (after the passage of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-354). It makes me very sad to think how many individuals who are not aware of the "no cost" programs that are available. It enrages me that some States do not actively advertise their programs (I think because they are afraid of spending $$$??) "CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) [ http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm ] provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 U.S. territories, and 12 tribes." "CDC's NBCCEDP provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Since 1990, NBCCEDP-funded programs have served more than 3.7 million women." Here's a Program Contact list for all States and U.S. Territories: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancerconta...ontactlist.asp For many years, I was a low-income, single mom without ANY insurance and with a serious family history of breast cancer.... I did NOT know of the BCCPT Programs that Virginia or Pennsylvania were mandated to provide. It was not until I became a Department of Public Welfare Caseworker and later a Human Services Program Specialist, having the opportunity to work along side the Department of Health, that I was made aware of the BCCPT Programs. I hope the above information is helpful to at least one person here... Not having insurance coverage shouldn't be a roadblock to receiving appropriate screenings and health care. This next statement was taken from Pennsylvania's website for the HealthyWoman Program: The following services are provided to eligible women at no cost: o Yearly breast mammogram o Pelvic exam and Pap test o Diagnostic follow up on abnormal test results o Provide Culturally appropriate information and patient education materials o Provide case management and referral into Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Treatment (BCCPT) Program when cancer or a pre-cancerous condition is diagnosed o Evaluation of screening programs and identification of access to care issues |
Sylvie~
My ex is 36 and she has been going for 5 yrs now getting mammograms because of the family history of breast cancer. She was actually planning on transitioning and we had the date of her mastectomy set for Nov 5 this yr when she found out she had inflammatory breast cancer. The next week, they day of her 1st chemo treatment, they did a body scan and found that she had 5 hot spots. 3 in her spine so it's not looking good for her. I called yesterday to get my annual mammogram and my insurance doesn't pay for a general exam until I turn 50..WTF? The people that I know that has had breast cancer would have never lived to see 50 if they wouldn't have found it sooner. We, as women have to do what we have to do to take care of ourselves! Quote:
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Please consider registering with Avon's Army of Women to work towards a cure for breast cancer.
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I'm glad to see this thread kept alive....
I had a baseline in my early 40s...and then slacked off for 5 years. I'm 48, just had my second mammo....and just got the call and letter to see my doctor and have a conversation about my right breast, and then another mammo. Honestly, I'm scared shitless. And, yes, I'm following up. |
JustJO, thinking about you and sending positive thoughts your way.
The latest guidelines I heard (and it often changes) is mammo at 40 if there is a family history and 50 if there is not. I had my baseline at 37 because I insisted and there is a family history. Mother died at the age of 55 from breast cancer. I have three sisters and so far we are all clear. |
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Sending you positive thoughts!!! Do not wait for the appointment. Call and ask your doctor to telephone you NOW! You should not have to wait for an appointment - the waiting is UNFAIR and only creates anxiety and panic. Just remember to breathe and know you are NOT ALONE! I am sure it is fine -- Often at our age we (especially if we are large breasted) have Fibroid Adenoma's which are benign. Not uncommon. I have had a dozen biopsies and this is what they have been 90% of the time for me. Every tumor I have had - they told me the day they found it and I had it biopsied the next day and within a week knew the results. Julie |
What Julie says exactly!!!!
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yes, i do have an appointment next week with my doctor, so i'll be going for one very soon.. as soon as i have 'that' appointment i will let you know, it shouldn't be long after.. when 'i' decide i need something looked into, she's good about getting me there, at least that.. thank you for your tips, as well.. ♥ they're very much appreciated! i will be very good about going for the mammograms now.. ♥ i have an upcoming ultrasound for a uterine fibroid tumor, and i guess it's got me thinking deeply about taking care of me in all ways necessary.. hence the questions here.. Delish, thank you so much for your response as well. i do have a family history of cancer as well, so i knew this was or would be necessary .. no breast cancer in my family, however.. but still good to be checked.. and so sorry about your ex :-( my gosh.. and 50 years old? that's actually really scary, angers me and saddens me all the same time..we definitely do have to do what we can to take care of ourselves.. Sweet, great information, i hope it helps someone here too, ty for posting it! ♥ JustJo, sending you positive thoughts your way! (((huggz))) |
A new study on HRT further confirms findings that HRT increases not only the incidence of breast and lung cancer, but also deaths from breast cancer.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010...er?ft=1&f=1128 |
I so agree my mother had bone and lung cancer and after she was told she had both she lived six years more. She is the only one who has or had cancer of any type in my family she passed away at the age of 42 , and I think of her often I guess thats why I want to pass my exams so much for phelbotomy and then continue with studies so I can work in a lab for CDC, to help others.
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Also - ask about the BRCA gene test - especially if you have a large female population of breast cancer in your family. Does not mean you would choose to remove your breasts - but at least make you more aware and will put you in the higher risk category, which is a very good thing, as you will be watched much closer. Julie |
my son & i had a doctor's appointment yesterday..
i go for my mammogram next friday, it's much quicker than i thought, but happy for that actually.. not sure why i thought there would be any kind of a wait - i was able to call and make the appt.. i'll go between work shifts that day.. and the visit with my doctor was much different than usual.. she took the time with my son, (he has mono) and is sending him for further bloodwork.. and then sat and listened to me, asked me questions and allowed me to do the same.. it was.. well, nice.. for the first time, i left my appointment feeling like i had answers and some sense of 'feel good'. :-) thank you all so much once again! i'm glad i asked and am glad i'm doing this! |
Had Your Mammo Yet? I did?
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.. up to 2 years before you can FEEL it, six little pepper spots can be seen.. FIND IT EARLY..**. Rarely are they missed on a QUALITY mammogram. Rarely. The radiation is insignificant when you look at it in the big schema of life. Sunning gives you more. Bumping because having a mammogram can mean life or death, or loss of a breast, and if not you, someone you know. Ignore the studies and statistics. Have a Quality Mammo, it can save your life . PERIOD. Taking the triangle breast (approximately ;),) and compressing it into a rectangle has a purpose. To make the tissue equal, so cancer can be seen. I was in the career of saving breasts. Okay, may sound funny coming from those that know me, but, At one time in my journey of life I was an ARRT Certified Mammography Technologist, Certified Mastectomy Prosthetist, then went to the other side, and became a State, then Federal Mammography Quality Standards Inspector, and Investigator. Closed 148 bad Mammo places, won 147 of the cases ( Doctor Ernest Carlsen fled before trial). I have seen what breast cancer and bad medicine can do up close and personal. I have heard women say" I knew something was wrong, but.... my doctor said it was nothing my doctor said I was too young my doctor said I had no family hitory my doctor said to come back later. " I have hear women say " I don't have the time. I didn't have insurance. I didn't have a doctor's order." I have heard FTMs, MTFs and TG/TS say I don't need one. If any of the above is you, Please get a second opinion, and get a mammogram. If you need a quality facility near you, got to the American College of Radiology site here*. If you need help, PM me. You can schedule a mammogram yourself, without a a doctor's order. But you must have a doctor who the report will be sent to. Okay, I've said my piece.. I was squished, pushed, pulled and I knew why, and the tech Knew Me.:sunglass: My report came yesterday, " Your screening mammogram was normal. See you in a year". And next October I will return to get my lifesaving mammogram. Any questions? |
just had my yearly last friday! Also I bought a really nice bracelet in supports of Breast Cancer Awareness.
My favorite tic tacs support it also!!! |
I went and had a breast exam yesterday and my mammogram is scheduled for next Tuesday. It's kinda weird because the same thing they thought my ex had before they found out it was cancer, is my dx. I am not worried however.
What I learned yesterday was, even though I have had a complete hysterectomy, I still need to see a gyno for a yearly appt. There's always a "chance" that a "stump" or piece or the cervical could've been left which could cause cervical cancer. Because of the last time I saw a gyno, I REALLY do NOT want to go. I think I will just pray on it :) |
You got it wrong Doc. Prostate Doc.
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After a total radical hysterctomey, oopherectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed for endometrial cancer in 2004, I thought I would be off scott free from those dreaded exams. They took it all. Right? Doc. said cells can start up, and best to be checked. SO, I had to go once a month for awhile, then every 3 mos, then 6 mos, for the first 5 years. Now, in my 6th year post op , I will go annually. I already have my appointment for May of next year, my 7th anniversary. My mammo results came back negative, and my other ...came back negative..so, imagine how positive I feel. Speshully since I though it should have been prostate cancer. ;) :mohawk: :fastdraq: |
I am ashamed to admit this but I have not had a mammo in four years!!! My mother died of this disease and I am five years older than she was when she lost her life. I have no excuses other than I am scared to do it. I have the script on my desk (the second one) that the doctor wrote out two weeks ago when I went for my regular gyn check up. She examined my breasts then and found no lumps. I guess I have a feeling of complacency as well. Going to call the hospital in the morning to set up an appointment!
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I f I was closer I would drive you there and we could get a snazzy dessert after you get your Picture's taken. |
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Just sayin' thanks for starting this thread. Tommi |
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A chocolate spree.....
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I should know better than to go this long without doing this. Ten years ago, a vendor (and a friend) called my office on a day I was having a mammo and I told her about it. She was quiet for a few seconds and admitted to me it had been five years. I convinced her to call and go get it done. She had breast cancer the very beginning of the disease. She had to go through chemo and lost all of her beautiful hair but she lived!!! So speaking out to other women encouraging them to take care of themselves can save lives!!! I am still scared. I get scared every time I walk into a place like that. I stay scared till the tech walks in and says "everything is ok. You can go home." Twice, I was made to stay for a redo and it is terrifying! |
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Let us know how the decadent chocolate, or whatever you do is after your journey. :moonstars: |
I will!!!:blueheels:
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Do it
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i, too, wouldnt be having mine done soon either if it wasnt for this thread and everyone's encouragement! thinkin' Dairy Queen afterwards! LOL.. and Tommi, that was right sweet about takin' her for chocolate heh! and i've actually been promoting the mammograms at work, a few gals that have been "meaning to" are going now as well.. word of mouth works wonders! |
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sylvie |
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I joined the Army today. Thanks for being a recruiter Andrea There are super projects to sign up for as part of cancer research. |
Anything touching the sacks is painful lately. I canceled last spring mamo because I knew I couldn't handle the pressure. Dr told me to take vitamin E but it hasn't helped much. Anything I can take to get through it? Aspirins do nothing.
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