It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

[MysticOceansFL]

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.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

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

It is also important to note - that this would include natural homeopathic remedies. My physician who practices both eastern/western and complementary medicine, will not allow me to take certain vitamins. I am sorry, but my brain is not functioning and I cannot remember the "no-no" remedies. But, being high risk for breast cancer and a previous history of tumors -- It places those of us (even homeopathic hrt) at even greater risk.

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

[sylvie]

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!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Sweet

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

A good mammogram can see your cancer when it looks like this

..
.**.

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.


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?

[diamondrose]

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!!!

[Delish]

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

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Delish

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

I changed Doctors after crappy treatment, and now am on a routine schedule.
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.

[katsarecool]

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!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

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!

You are making me do the happy dance and it is almost midnight. Way to go, snapping my suspenders cuz I'm proud of you.

I f I was closer I would drive you there and we could get a snazzy dessert after you get your Picture's taken.

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by JustJo

...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

I can't say thank you enough. I can't say thank you enough.I can't say thank you enough.I can't say thank you enough.I can't say thank you enough.I can't say thank you enough.I can't say thank you enough.I can't say thank you enough.

Just sayin' thanks for starting this thread.
Tommi

[katsarecool]

Originally Posted by Tommi

You are making me do the happy dance and it is almost midnight. Way to go, snapping my suspenders cuz I'm proud of you.

I f I was closer I would drive you there and we could get a snazzy dessert after you get your Picture's taken.

Wouldn't that be fun!!! There is a movement on that women who are having mammos (especially those with a history of breast cancer or a strong family history) should buddy up for these pictures. I would love something chocolate and very decadent!!! thanks Tommi!!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

Wouldn't that be fun!!! There is a movement on that women who are having mammos (especially those with a history of breast cancer or a strong family history) should buddy up for these pictures. I would love something chocolate and very decadent!!! thanks Tommi!!

A shopping cart through Godiva's ?

[katsarecool]

Originally Posted by Tommi

A shopping cart through Godiva's ?

Thank you Tommi!!! Because of this and because of this thread; I made my appointment! I get mammoed on the 27th!

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!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

Thank you Tommi!!! Because of this and because of this thread; I made my appointment! I get mammoed on the 27th!

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!

Yes . It is. As you hug that machine next week, know it will be over in 4 to 6 pictures, and you will feel really good afterwards. Treat yourself to something good.

Let us know how the decadent chocolate, or whatever you do is after your journey.

[katsarecool]

I will!!!

[Tommi]

[sylvie]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

Thank you Tommi!!! Because of this and because of this thread; I made my appointment! I get mammoed on the 27th!

so proud of you!
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!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by sylvie

so proud of you!
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!

sylvie

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Andrea

Please consider registering with Avon's Army of Women to work towards a cure for breast cancer.

Please watch this video.
I joined the Army today. Thanks for being a recruiter Andrea

There are super projects to sign up for as part of cancer research.

[Galahad]

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.