It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

katsarecool · 11-15-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1PlayfulFemme

{{{ Kats }}}

I will never forget the moment I found my lump. I felt it, and everything froze. My fingers went straight back to it. And again. And again. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't possible. I was barely 30. I had my lover feel (She's an RN). I watched her face. I knew the moment she realized it wasn't just fiberous tissue or a fatty tumor. I watched the wrinkles form above her brow. And I cried.

I knew I needed a mammogram. And I put it off. And off. And off. I kept going back to that damned lump tho. And yet, I put it off. My friends, my family, my wife, encouraged me to get myself to the doctor, and quick. And yet, it was MY journey, my lump, my body, my breasts, and MY TIME.

I was so freaking scared. I was petrified. I cried so much. Finally, four months later, I made myself get a mammogram. And, I am one of the lucky ones.

The point of this, I hope, is that you will take away some hope! My lump is just a lump. Nothing bad living inside it. I am due for another mammogram in a couple of months, and we will make sure I am still fine. But, I will go into this one with hope!!! Take that with you when you go for your biopsy. Go in with hope instead of dread, carry it with you like a sheild.

Good luck, Sweetheart. I wish you nothing but positive experiences!!! May you be quickly seen, and quickly relieved of your worry!! My PMs are always open if you need to chat!

*Hugs*

Lis

Thank you Lis!!!! I do understand that fear and wanting to put off the mammogram. I bet you were terrified. But how wonderful you are ok!!!!

Miss Scarlett · 11-15-2010, 06:51 PM

(((((katsarekool))))) Good for you for taking charge of things. I too will be sending plenty of energy and light your way.

katsarecool · 11-16-2010, 03:31 PM

This is the video of the test I will be having Thursday morning. It is not for the faint of heart to see this. Until yesterday I had never even heard of this diagnostic test for calcifications in the breast. Turns out this test has been around since the 1990s. I feel more comfortable about it after seeing this video. I am even happier that Emory University is doing the test. Heres the link on YouTube:

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69cNo1h5pzc&feature=share"]YouTube - Stereotactic Biopsy - Diagnostic and Biopsy Services for Breast Evaluation[/nomedia]

scootebaby · 11-16-2010, 03:51 PM

thought i'd pop in and let everyione know Jo went in to get results from her follow up mammo and all is well...i went in after her to get results and seems they found a mass on both breasts so i gotta go thurs for another mammogram...not too worried tho bc i know things start to form after awhile that arent dangerous...of course i have 3 weeks to wait AFTER i do the test tho for results....luckily i am the type that gets sidetracked easily so i wont be driving myself or my sweetie insane in those 3 weeks..

Kat....Jo and i will be sending good energy your way on thursday...good luck!

katsarecool · 11-16-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootebaby

thought i'd pop in and let everyione know Jo went in to get results from her follow up mammo and all is well...i went in after her to get results and seems they found a mass on both breasts so i gotta go thurs for another mammogram...not too worried tho bc i know things start to form after awhile that arent dangerous...of course i have 3 weeks to wait AFTER i do the test tho for results....luckily i am the type that gets sidetracked easily so i wont be driving myself or my sweetie insane in those 3 weeks..

Kat....Jo and i will be sending good energy your way on thursday...good luck!

Thinking positive thoughts for you!!!!!!!!!!!! Three weeks is a long time to wait!!! Bless your heart!

Lipstick, no sedation for me. I will take my loritab though.

katsarecool · 11-18-2010, 10:07 AM

Okay back at home now. The radiologist and technician at Emory University Hospital were awesome!!!!!! They knew exactly what they were doing and had humor too. It was not comfortable; it lasted 45 min and I am in a bit of pain. Thanks for Vicodin! They were not able to get all the lesion but did successfully get five core specimens and place a titanium marker. Now we wait till Tuesday or Wed for the results. I am glad it is over!

Tommi · 11-20-2010, 05:46 PM

What a proactive group we have here. Awesome that I see ya'll doing research, and follow-up's and return visits and just being aware.

I know enough to be dangerous and enough to be scared. So, I am grateful for this thread, as it has reminded me of the importance of doing what many like me hesitate doing. I can tell the ladies to go have those Mammo's and when it comes to me...ahh..well...I can just say, I have to get off my soapbox and go do it myself. Denial is not that river in Egypt.

Glad to be here, and see all of you too.

Julie · 11-20-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katsarecool

Okay back at home now. The radiologist and technician at Emory University Hospital were awesome!!!!!! They knew exactly what they were doing and had humor too. It was not comfortable; it lasted 45 min and I am in a bit of pain. Thanks for Vicodin! They were not able to get all the lesion but did successfully get five core specimens and place a titanium marker. Now we wait till Tuesday or Wed for the results. I am glad it is over!

Kat - Do keep us posted.
They will have your results that quick? My biopsies always took 7 days... Which were the longest 7 days of my life.

Hard to get all the lesion with a stereotactic. I also have cluster calcifications - which are watched closely. It is these calcifications which my Mom had, that were malignant. Amazing something so small.

I am glad it is over for you.

JustJo · 11-20-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katsarecool

Okay back at home now. The radiologist and technician at Emory University Hospital were awesome!!!!!! They knew exactly what they were doing and had humor too. It was not comfortable; it lasted 45 min and I am in a bit of pain. Thanks for Vicodin! They were not able to get all the lesion but did successfully get five core specimens and place a titanium marker. Now we wait till Tuesday or Wed for the results. I am glad it is over!

Sending you hugs....I know this had to be incredibly tough, but I'm still so glad they caught this early, and that you're getting it taken care of.

JustJo · 11-20-2010, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootebaby

thought i'd pop in and let everyione know Jo went in to get results from her follow up mammo and all is well...i went in after her to get results and seems they found a mass on both breasts so i gotta go thurs for another mammogram...not too worried tho bc i know things start to form after awhile that arent dangerous...of course i have 3 weeks to wait AFTER i do the test tho for results....luckily i am the type that gets sidetracked easily so i wont be driving myself or my sweetie insane in those 3 weeks..

Kat....Jo and i will be sending good energy your way on thursday...good luck!

Yes, I lucked out....no lesion, no mass, just some fibrous tissue. So, I get a follow up mammo and ultrasound in 6 months....and will have to be sure to go annually. I feel like I dodged a bullet

Now I get to worry about my sweetie....she may sidetrack easily, but I'm

lipstixgal · 11-20-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJo

Yes, I lucked out....no lesion, no mass, just some fibrous tissue. So, I get a follow up mammo and ultrasound in 6 months....and will have to be sure to go annually. I feel like I dodged a bullet

Now I get to worry about my sweetie....she may sidetrack easily, but I'm

Good luck to Scoote I will be thinking about her, and glad to hear that it is nothing for you Jo. I go to have my mammo in Dec 2010 they couldn't fit me in any earlier well it is the NY area so I understand that there are a lot of people needing a mammography I'm not the only one but really not looking forward to it..

katsarecool · 11-20-2010, 08:58 PM

Wishing you all good results, good continued results and congrats for taking the bull by the horn and getting those mammos. For all of us who have lost loved ones to this disease; my most heartfelt condolences. I also lost mom to this terrible disease but it was 28 yrs ago she was diagnosed and she lived for just three more years.

During this time since Oct. 20th, it has caused me a great deal of thinking. But the most surprising thing is that I have been greiving all over again about my mom. I know if she knew that one of her daughters was possibly facing breast cancer she would be mad as hell! I feel sad for all over again, after now tasting a tiny part of what she experienced.

I will never look at Breast Cancer lightly again and will encourage every woman and born woman I know to take good care of themselves by self examination, yearly check ups and mammo exams. I started already with my two daughters asking them to get the BRACtest. Better to know about the gene in order to make life changes now! One daughter is 41 and the other is 38; three sisters 59, 48 and the youngest 46. And two granddaughters 15 and 8.

I was surprised to learn that only about 8% of breast cancer (or some low number close to that) is hereditary. BRACtest also finds the gene for ovarian cancer which really is a silent killer!!!

Hugs and love to all on this thread!!!

LipstickLola · 11-16-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katsarecool

This is the video of the test I will be having Thursday morning. It is not for the faint of heart to see this. Until yesterday I had never even heard of this diagnostic test for calcifications in the breast. Turns out this test has been around since the 1990s. I feel more comfortable about it after seeing this video. I am even happier that Emory University is doing the test. Heres the link on YouTube:

YouTube - Stereotactic Biopsy - Diagnostic and Biopsy Services for Breast Evaluation

This is good, although I'm not crazy about this techologists' "sterile technique"
Are you going to take a mild sedative? a little Xanax? Valium? even a Benadryl would be a little relaxation to just take the edge off of nerves etc. The more relaxed, the easier it will be for you!

(((((Kats)))))

11-16-2010, 03:31 PM	#3
katsarecool Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Woman Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Between Athens and Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,849 Thanked 1,765 Times in 734 Posts Rep Power: 323367	This is the video of the test I will be having Thursday morning. It is not for the faint of heart to see this. Until yesterday I had never even heard of this diagnostic test for calcifications in the breast. Turns out this test has been around since the 1990s. I feel more comfortable about it after seeing this video. I am even happier that Emory University is doing the test. Heres the link on YouTube: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69cNo1h5pzc&feature=share"]YouTube - Stereotactic Biopsy - Diagnostic and Biopsy Services for Breast Evaluation[/nomedia] __________________

11-18-2010, 10:07 AM	#6
katsarecool Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Woman Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Between Athens and Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,849 Thanked 1,765 Times in 734 Posts Rep Power: 323367	Okay back at home now. The radiologist and technician at Emory University Hospital were awesome!!!!!! They knew exactly what they were doing and had humor too. It was not comfortable; it lasted 45 min and I am in a bit of pain. Thanks for Vicodin! They were not able to get all the lesion but did successfully get five core specimens and place a titanium marker. Now we wait till Tuesday or Wed for the results. I am glad it is over! __________________

11-20-2010, 05:46 PM	#7
Tommi Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Usually "Hello" Relationship Status: Married and Bound to Tommi's kaijira (Ts_kaijira ) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Suthun.... California that is. Across the ridge from Laguna Beach. Posts: 8,151 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,621 Thanked 21,337 Times in 5,970 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	The Nile and Denial What a proactive group we have here. Awesome that I see ya'll doing research, and follow-up's and return visits and just being aware. I know enough to be dangerous and enough to be scared. So, I am grateful for this thread, as it has reminded me of the importance of doing what many like me hesitate doing. I can tell the ladies to go have those Mammo's and when it comes to me...ahh..well...I can just say, I have to get off my soapbox and go do it myself. Denial is not that river in Egypt. Glad to be here, and see all of you too.

11-20-2010, 08:58 PM	#12
katsarecool Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Woman Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Between Athens and Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 1,236 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,849 Thanked 1,765 Times in 734 Posts Rep Power: 323367	Wishing you all good results, good continued results and congrats for taking the bull by the horn and getting those mammos. For all of us who have lost loved ones to this disease; my most heartfelt condolences. I also lost mom to this terrible disease but it was 28 yrs ago she was diagnosed and she lived for just three more years. During this time since Oct. 20th, it has caused me a great deal of thinking. But the most surprising thing is that I have been greiving all over again about my mom. I know if she knew that one of her daughters was possibly facing breast cancer she would be mad as hell! I feel sad for all over again, after now tasting a tiny part of what she experienced. I will never look at Breast Cancer lightly again and will encourage every woman and born woman I know to take good care of themselves by self examination, yearly check ups and mammo exams. I started already with my two daughters asking them to get the BRACtest. Better to know about the gene in order to make life changes now! One daughter is 41 and the other is 38; three sisters 59, 48 and the youngest 46. And two granddaughters 15 and 8. I was surprised to learn that only about 8% of breast cancer (or some low number close to that) is hereditary. BRACtest also finds the gene for ovarian cancer which really is a silent killer!!! Hugs and love to all on this thread!!! __________________

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11-15-2010, 06:51 PM	#2
Miss Scarlett Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Relationship Status: . Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: . Posts: 5,530 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,478 Thanked 12,947 Times in 3,419 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	(((((katsarekool))))) Good for you for taking charge of things. I too will be sending plenty of energy and light your way.

11-16-2010, 03:51 PM	#4
scootebaby Timed Out How Do You Identify?: yes dear Preferred Pronoun?: she Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: south florida Posts: 2,494 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,264 Thanked 6,737 Times in 1,777 Posts Rep Power: 0	thought i'd pop in and let everyione know Jo went in to get results from her follow up mammo and all is well...i went in after her to get results and seems they found a mass on both breasts so i gotta go thurs for another mammogram...not too worried tho bc i know things start to form after awhile that arent dangerous...of course i have 3 weeks to wait AFTER i do the test tho for results....luckily i am the type that gets sidetracked easily so i wont be driving myself or my sweetie insane in those 3 weeks.. Kat....Jo and i will be sending good energy your way on thursday...good luck!