Mammograms Ladies!!!

survivor1952
survivor1952 Posts: 250 Member
edited January 2 in Motivation and Support
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month as you have seen all over TV, Magazines, newspapers, etc.
So...Have you had your mammogram?

In September of 2000 I went for my annual mammogram, Having had fibercystic, dense breasts, it was not unusual for the tech to have to repeat films. So when she came back in the room I was prepared to have myself squished again for more pictures. What I didn't expect was "we have found a mass in your left breast". I was sent across the hall for a needle biopsy and 3 days later found out I had cancer. I had a lumpectomy and complete lymph node removal (cancer had spread to one of my lymph nodes), followed by chemo, followed by radiation and 3 years of tamoxifin & then 4 years of arimidex.

That was 12 years ago and thanks to my having yearly mammograms my cancer was found early and treated.
I was 47 years old when diagnosed. In 3 weeks I will be 60. Every year is truly a "Happy Birthday".

Early detection is SO important. If you haven't scheduled yours, please do it today.

Replies

  • sarbar71
    sarbar71 Posts: 191 Member
    Thank you for reminding everyone to do this. My cousin was just diagnosed with breast cancer about a month ago, and a childhood friend is currently in recovery. I have my next mammogram scheduled for next month. Congratulations on beating this terrible disease! What a wonderful birthday gift your birthdays must all be now!
  • Janet9906
    Janet9906 Posts: 546 Member
    Thanks for sharing, I had a scare a few months ago.

    Congratulations on beating the beast!! :smile:
  • ritamerlot
    ritamerlot Posts: 44 Member
    as a breast cancer survivor, i can't stress enough how important it is to have regular check ups!
  • LivingJuicy
    LivingJuicy Posts: 54 Member
    I had a baseline 10 years ago and have had one every year for the last 5 years. I had a scare a few years ago and thought I was going to lose my mind. Knowledge is power. Just go!
  • ohmelgosh79
    ohmelgosh79 Posts: 118 Member
    I went in for a routine visit this past spring and ended up leaving with a scheduled mammogram. Thankfully, I was in the clear for breast cancer but it was definitely scary.
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    Here's a stupid question: do you ask for a mammogram or wait for your doctor to schedule one?
  • ohmelgosh79
    ohmelgosh79 Posts: 118 Member
    Normally, your doctor will schedule it but it doesn't hurt to talk about that with him/her at your visit. For me, I'm 32 and they found "something concerning" at my appointment so I was sent within 24 hours.
  • survivor1952
    survivor1952 Posts: 250 Member
    Here's a stupid question: do you ask for a mammogram or wait for your doctor to schedule one?

    At age 40 it is recommended you have a baseline done. Don't wait for your dr. to bring it up. Ask him/her. In most cases you have to set it up, most dr. do not do this for you. I started having mammograms at age 35 due to how dense my breasts were. Differerent for everybody. Also, it is still important to do monthly self exams. My tumor was ductal carcinoma, meaning my cancerous tumor was in the milk duct. In my case, I would not have felt it, it was only picked up by a mammogram. Some lumps can be felt on self exams. Thats why it is important to do both.

    One thing I wish was advertised more is that men too can & do get breast cancer. They should also do self exams. I know two men who have had breast cancer. Men are told about prostate cancer but male breast cancer is not usually talked about.
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