sidenote - *just* yesterday i was reading an article about breast caner in real simple magazine. do you remember how it was advised to do monthly self-exams? nowadays it seems it is considered optional, b/c it has not proved truly 'beneficial' to catching cancer earlier and/or survival rates. still suggested to be familiar, etc.......but just not so 'necessary' to do a full exam monthly. for me, that's good....b/c i admit i rarely did so, even after my sister's diagnosis. not out of fear or anything,it just seemed fruitless imo. and as to my sister, the radiologist was AMAZED that her doctor felt her lump b/c of it's position and size, being sooo miniscule. lucky, lucky.
ahhhhhhhh...we both have *big* birthdays this year! yay us!
Hey...not to jump all over that article, but there has been a lot of flack on the part of women who have had BC and found it while doing a BSE (like me). I had no family history, no risk factors, and would not have been scheduled for a mammogram for another 6 years (I was 34 when I found it). I wasn't scheduled to see my GYN for almost another year. I did a blog about it (see a few posts up for the link). While you said it very well ("being familiar") the article (which was actually originally put out a few years ago the first time) has been making the rounds telling women to just not bother at all.
Touchy subject for me.
I still want you all to "take care"--I am just damn tired of typing it.
Hey...not to jump all over that article, but there has been a lot of flack on the part of women who have had BC and found it while doing a BSE (like me). I had no family history, no risk factors, and would not have been scheduled for a mammogram for another 6 years (I was 34 when I found it). I wasn't scheduled to see my GYN for almost another year. I did a blog about it (see a few posts up for the link). While you said it very well ("being familiar") the article (which was actually originally put out a few years ago the first time) has been making the rounds telling women to just not bother at all.
Touchy subject for me.
understood.
i was just putting the info out there. and i am sure there have been other articles, etc....was only mentioning it b/c the article is in the october 2008 issue, so i was just reading it yesterday, and here's this thread. with a sister as a breast cancer survivor i am ALL about self-awareness...and early detection. anyhoo...it IS a good article, even if you disagree with that one point. it's about Q&A all about the issue, being prepared, arming yourself with information, etc.
understood.
i was just putting the info out there. and i am sure there have been other articles, etc....was only mentioning it b/c the article is in the october 2008 issue, so i was just reading it yesterday, and here's this thread. with a sister as a breast cancer survivor i am ALL about self-awareness...and early detection. anyhoo...it IS a good article, even if you disagree with that one point. it's about Q&A all about the issue, being prepared, arming yourself with information, etc.
Hey! Oh, yeah. You said it very well. I have just been worried that women who may or may not have been doing BSE's in the past would think that going once a year to the GYN is sufficient. I don't do the "shower card" instructional thing, but I do know what's what in there. I was only 2 seconds into feeling myself up when I found it. I INSTANTLY knew it was bad. I can say with 100% certainty I would not have wanted that thing in me for even one more day than necessary.
I don't know any of my friends (we are all around 36 now) who have been offered a baseline MAMMO. Even those with first-line history. Are you in the US?
I still want you all to "take care"--I am just damn tired of typing it.
I was watching the news the other day and they were saying that a bit of local anaesthetic [sp?] would encourage way more women to have a mammogram done. So why isn't that offered? Btw, thanks for the baseline age info., I'll be sure to schedule one this week
"What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
Hey! Oh, yeah. You said it very well. I have just been worried that women who may or may not have been doing BSE's in the past would think that going once a year to the GYN is sufficient. I don't do the "shower card" instructional thing, but I do know what's what in there. I was only 2 seconds into feeling myself up when I found it. I INSTANTLY knew it was bad. I can say with 100% certainty I would not have wanted that thing in me for even one more day than necessary.
I don't know any of my friends (we are all around 36 now) who have been offered a baseline MAMMO. Even those with first-line history. Are you in the US?
REALLY?!
yikes!
yes, i am a NYer. perhaps my gyno is a bit more forward-thinking...but she is VERY good and very cautious. i had ZERO big risk facotrs, it was simply 'you're turning 35...you go for your baseline mammogram'...period. AFTER i had my baseline...perhaps a year? later....was when i had the discussion with my sis, who was then 39, turning 40. i think there are docs who say 40...but i do believe it is more and more common to suggest 35. personally, i would always suggest pushing for 35 for the baseline.
without risk factors, after that baseline....annually after 40 absolutely makes sense. and sure, self-exams and/or coupled with annual exams at the internist AND the gyno office....good ideas.
i DO live on long island, i used to smoke...a lot and a long time....i have never had children(and definitely not before 30).....all are 'risks' to some degree....but never considered 'high-risk'. now that my sis is a survivor, i still don't know if i am considered 'high-risk'.....just moreso about being diligent and watchful.
i've also read alcohol consumption, a drink or more a day....may have some link. i didn't drink a lot in my younger years...perhaps that helped some given all the other 'risks' i have....but i do drink more today. eh well, have to live and enjoy.
btw - i tried to find a link to the article online, but alas....since it is in the october issue, and it's still september, it's not online yet. however, the title of the article is the breast defense...in real simple...october issue, 2008. not very long, but filled with some good info.
I was watching the news the other day and they were saying that a bit of local anaesthetic [sp?] would encourage way more women to have a mammogram done. So why isn't that offered? Btw, thanks for the baseline age info., I'll be sure to schedule one this week
What is the baseline age?
anaesthetic?! Is it really that painful?
Been to this many PJ shows: Reading 2006 London 2007 Manchester & London 2009 Dublin, Belfast, London, Nijmegen & Berlin 2010 Manchester 1 & Manchester 2 2012...
... and I still think Drive-By Truckers are better.
I was watching the news the other day and they were saying that a bit of local anaesthetic [sp?] would encourage way more women to have a mammogram done. So why isn't that offered? Btw, thanks for the baseline age info., I'll be sure to schedule one this week
personally, i really don't know HOW an anaesthetic would truly help. they are squishing your breast. HARD. i would think even with an anesthetic, you would still feel pain. perhaps not as much, but i think over medicating is unwise, personally. and seriously, it doesn't hurt THAT much....and it doesn't last long....but cancer is fuckin' scary...so to me, well worth the very short-term pain! for me, it's just another annoying appointment to try and set up each year, that's the 'biggest' annoyance imo.
personally, i really don't know HOW an anaesthetic would truly help. they are squishing your breast. HARD. i would think even with an anesthetic, you would still feel pain. perhaps not as much, but i think over medicating is unwise, personally. and seriously, it doesn't hurt THAT much....and it doesn't last long....but cancer is fuckin' scary...so to me, well worth the very short-term pain! for me, it's just another annoying appointment to try and set up each year, that's the 'biggest' annoyance imo.
sian...preferably 35.
I'm good for another 10 years or so then
Not that I don't check my breasts, I think all women should regularly. It's better to be safe than sorry. I only learned how to do it properly about 2 months ago
Been to this many PJ shows: Reading 2006 London 2007 Manchester & London 2009 Dublin, Belfast, London, Nijmegen & Berlin 2010 Manchester 1 & Manchester 2 2012...
... and I still think Drive-By Truckers are better.
My mom's in her 50s and she absolutely refuses to get a mammogram every year. It makes me worried. :(
I told her that I wouldn't go to the dentist until she went and got checked out. It's a long shot, but it might actually work (she's a dental assistant).
Chicago 2000 : Chicago 2003 : Chicago 2006 : Summerfest 2006 : Lollapalooza 2007 : Chicago 2009 : Noblesville (Indy) 2010 : PJ20 (East Troy) 2011 : Wrigley Field 2013 : Milwaukee (Yield) 2014 : Wrigley Field 2016
My mom's in her 50s and she absolutely refuses to get a mammogram every year. It makes me worried. :(
I told her that I wouldn't go to the dentist until she went and got checked out. It's a long shot, but it might actually work (she's a dental assistant).
that's so sad. :(
my mother is 80 and she hasn't had one in years and years and years. :( very, very sad. however, at this point i think...she IS 80, it's her choice. personally though, i just don't understand it. ANY cancer is just NOT the way i would want to go out........
I really should get one, there is a family history
Im not very good with going to the doc in general. Do mammograms hurt?they kind of look like they are uncomfortable.
Dig a ditch deep enough
To keep you clear of the sun
You've been burned more than once
You don't think much of trust
I really should get one, there is a family history
Im not very good with going to the doc in general. Do mammograms hurt?they kind of look like they are uncomfortable.
Yes, they are uncomfortable. But...treatment hurts worse.
You'll be fine. Make the appointment.
I still want you all to "take care"--I am just damn tired of typing it.
Your first time is very un-eventful I hear and may be painful
You don't have to tell me Do I at least get a foot rub?
I read that sometimes giving yourself an exam can you a false sense of security?? Always good to check them out though I think and still have them examined during a yearly.
Just so those of you who are afraid of pain/discomfort know, I get one every year, have had probably 15, and never had any pain or discomfort. I know some do, but I also know several like me who have no problems at all. It really isn't bad, and even if it is painful, it's only for a few minutes.
"I'd rather be with an animal." "Those that can be trusted can change their mind." "The in between is mine." "If I don't lose control, explore and not explode, a preternatural other plane with the power to maintain." "Yeh this is living." "Life is what you make it."
Apparently it makes it hurt more if you don't, but also it makes the x-rays easier to read. At least, that's what the tech told me today.
Weird! They never bothered to tell me this. I had a really bad experience the last time I had one done which was last month. The whole thing took almost 4 hours! I was pissed! I missed a 1/2 day of work. I have a lump in my breast that you can actually FEEL and when they did the mammogram and sonogram they claimed they saw nothing. What the heck?? I can't still feel it, it's right there. What would you do if you were me? Just ignore it? They said to come back when I was 40. I'm 31 now.
Weird! They never bothered to tell me this. I had a really bad experience the last time I had one done which was last month. The whole thing took almost 4 hours! I was pissed! I missed a 1/2 day of work. I have a lump in my breast that you can actually FEEL and when they did the mammogram and sonogram they claimed they saw nothing. What the heck?? I can't still feel it, it's right there. What would you do if you were me? Just ignore it? They said to come back when I was 40. I'm 31 now.
Um, get a second opinion. Could they feel it? When I found mine, they couldn't feel it and had to really work the US to see it. Did you have an US, too? Telling you to come back in 9 years is retarded (using the dictionary's definition of the word, no offense intended). At the very least, they should have you come back in after your next cycle to see if it has gone away.
It is most likely nothing (80% of lumps are nothing), but call your doctor and tell him you want a referral to a breast specialist. Don't take no for an answer, if for nothing but piece of mind.
I still want you all to "take care"--I am just damn tired of typing it.
Um, get a second opinion. Could they feel it? When I found mine, they couldn't feel it and had to really work the US to see it. Did you have an US, too? Telling you to come back in 9 years is retarded (using the dictionary's definition of the word, no offense intended). At the very least, they should have you come back in after your next cycle to see if it has gone away.
It is most likely nothing (80% of lumps are nothing), but call your doctor and tell him you want a referral to a breast specialist. Don't take no for an answer, if for nothing but piece of mind.
Yes the OBGYN could feel it. The breast people said they could feel it, but it didn't show up on anything so it must be nothing. Which I'm cool with, but what if they are wrong. They didn't do any other tests. I can totally feel it, its not hard to find. I have been trying to call to schedule another appt with the OBGYN but of course they are soooo busy they can't even talk to me right now. :(
Weird! They never bothered to tell me this. I had a really bad experience the last time I had one done which was last month. The whole thing took almost 4 hours! I was pissed! I missed a 1/2 day of work. I have a lump in my breast that you can actually FEEL and when they did the mammogram and sonogram they claimed they saw nothing. What the heck?? I can't still feel it, it's right there. What would you do if you were me? Just ignore it? They said to come back when I was 40. I'm 31 now.
ask for a diagnostic mamogram, please get a second opinion. do not ignore this.
from the national cancer institute's site:
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Mammograms make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.
How are screening and diagnostic mammograms different?
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants (see Question 13). A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
ask for a diagnostic mamogram, please get a second opinion. do not ignore this.
from the national cancer institute's site:
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Mammograms make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.
How are screening and diagnostic mammograms different?
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants (see Question 13). A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
They did already know about the lump when I went in. But the lump is close to the outside of my breast and I have small breasts, so I have a feeling it wouldn't have made it in the picture when they were squishing them in there. I don't know though bc they did do a sonogram too.
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
Yeah, it would be nice if they offered that up consistently. Even with my history, I haven't been sent for one. Or, an MRI. However, the MRI can give a lot of false positives, so it's not routine. I suppose I could ask for one, as they will pretty much give me any scan I ask for now, but I don't know if I want to go through another week of being scared sh*tless.
I may ask about the thermo test when I have my next mammogram. Um, in about a week!
I still want you all to "take care"--I am just damn tired of typing it.
Comments
Hey...not to jump all over that article, but there has been a lot of flack on the part of women who have had BC and found it while doing a BSE (like me). I had no family history, no risk factors, and would not have been scheduled for a mammogram for another 6 years (I was 34 when I found it). I wasn't scheduled to see my GYN for almost another year. I did a blog about it (see a few posts up for the link). While you said it very well ("being familiar") the article (which was actually originally put out a few years ago the first time) has been making the rounds telling women to just not bother at all.
Touchy subject for me.
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
THIS thread is USELESS without pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(.)(.)
understood.
i was just putting the info out there. and i am sure there have been other articles, etc....was only mentioning it b/c the article is in the october 2008 issue, so i was just reading it yesterday, and here's this thread. with a sister as a breast cancer survivor i am ALL about self-awareness...and early detection. anyhoo...it IS a good article, even if you disagree with that one point. it's about Q&A all about the issue, being prepared, arming yourself with information, etc.
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
Hey! Oh, yeah. You said it very well. I have just been worried that women who may or may not have been doing BSE's in the past would think that going once a year to the GYN is sufficient. I don't do the "shower card" instructional thing, but I do know what's what in there. I was only 2 seconds into feeling myself up when I found it. I INSTANTLY knew it was bad. I can say with 100% certainty I would not have wanted that thing in me for even one more day than necessary.
I don't know any of my friends (we are all around 36 now) who have been offered a baseline MAMMO. Even those with first-line history. Are you in the US?
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
I have photos...but they are more clinical than fun. Interested still?
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
(in best charlie brown voice...)
"Well, I, uh..."
LOL! Too bad we can't add pictures in our mail, but I have a great understanding why that is NOT allowed here.
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
REALLY?!
yikes!
yes, i am a NYer. perhaps my gyno is a bit more forward-thinking...but she is VERY good and very cautious. i had ZERO big risk facotrs, it was simply 'you're turning 35...you go for your baseline mammogram'...period. AFTER i had my baseline...perhaps a year? later....was when i had the discussion with my sis, who was then 39, turning 40. i think there are docs who say 40...but i do believe it is more and more common to suggest 35. personally, i would always suggest pushing for 35 for the baseline.
without risk factors, after that baseline....annually after 40 absolutely makes sense. and sure, self-exams and/or coupled with annual exams at the internist AND the gyno office....good ideas.
i DO live on long island, i used to smoke...a lot and a long time....i have never had children(and definitely not before 30).....all are 'risks' to some degree....but never considered 'high-risk'. now that my sis is a survivor, i still don't know if i am considered 'high-risk'.....just moreso about being diligent and watchful.
i've also read alcohol consumption, a drink or more a day....may have some link. i didn't drink a lot in my younger years...perhaps that helped some given all the other 'risks' i have....but i do drink more today. eh well, have to live and enjoy.
btw - i tried to find a link to the article online, but alas....since it is in the october issue, and it's still september, it's not online yet. however, the title of the article is the breast defense...in real simple...october issue, 2008. not very long, but filled with some good info.
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
anaesthetic?! Is it really that painful?
... and I still think Drive-By Truckers are better.
personally, i really don't know HOW an anaesthetic would truly help. they are squishing your breast. HARD. i would think even with an anesthetic, you would still feel pain. perhaps not as much, but i think over medicating is unwise, personally. and seriously, it doesn't hurt THAT much....and it doesn't last long....but cancer is fuckin' scary...so to me, well worth the very short-term pain! for me, it's just another annoying appointment to try and set up each year, that's the 'biggest' annoyance imo.
sian...preferably 35.
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
I'm good for another 10 years or so then
Not that I don't check my breasts, I think all women should regularly. It's better to be safe than sorry. I only learned how to do it properly about 2 months ago
... and I still think Drive-By Truckers are better.
I told her that I wouldn't go to the dentist until she went and got checked out. It's a long shot, but it might actually work (she's a dental assistant).
that's so sad. :(
my mother is 80 and she hasn't had one in years and years and years. :( very, very sad. however, at this point i think...she IS 80, it's her choice. personally though, i just don't understand it. ANY cancer is just NOT the way i would want to go out........
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
Im not very good with going to the doc in general. Do mammograms hurt?they kind of look like they are uncomfortable.
To keep you clear of the sun
You've been burned more than once
You don't think much of trust
Yes, they are uncomfortable. But...treatment hurts worse.
You'll be fine. Make the appointment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
Yeah that's true. I should really know better.
To keep you clear of the sun
You've been burned more than once
You don't think much of trust
You don't have to tell me
I read that sometimes giving yourself an exam can you a false sense of security?? Always good to check them out though I think and still have them examined during a yearly.
I didn't know that, shit!
Having a smear test is bad enough.
God, the things you've gotta go through as a woman.
Weird! They never bothered to tell me this. I had a really bad experience the last time I had one done which was last month. The whole thing took almost 4 hours! I was pissed! I missed a 1/2 day of work. I have a lump in my breast that you can actually FEEL and when they did the mammogram and sonogram they claimed they saw nothing. What the heck?? I can't still feel it, it's right there. What would you do if you were me? Just ignore it? They said to come back when I was 40. I'm 31 now.
Um, get a second opinion. Could they feel it? When I found mine, they couldn't feel it and had to really work the US to see it. Did you have an US, too? Telling you to come back in 9 years is retarded (using the dictionary's definition of the word, no offense intended). At the very least, they should have you come back in after your next cycle to see if it has gone away.
It is most likely nothing (80% of lumps are nothing), but call your doctor and tell him you want a referral to a breast specialist. Don't take no for an answer, if for nothing but piece of mind.
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
Yes the OBGYN could feel it. The breast people said they could feel it, but it didn't show up on anything so it must be nothing. Which I'm cool with, but what if they are wrong. They didn't do any other tests. I can totally feel it, its not hard to find. I have been trying to call to schedule another appt with the OBGYN but of course they are soooo busy they can't even talk to me right now. :(
from the national cancer institute's site:
What is a screening mammogram?
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Mammograms make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.
How are screening and diagnostic mammograms different?
A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram also may be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants (see Question 13). A diagnostic mammogram takes longer than a screening mammogram because it involves more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/screening-mammograms
They did already know about the lump when I went in. But the lump is close to the outside of my breast and I have small breasts, so I have a feeling it wouldn't have made it in the picture when they were squishing them in there. I don't know though bc they did do a sonogram too.
whatever you do, JUST DON'T LOOK!!!!!!
Hahahaha! That's soooo true!!!
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo
http://www.thermologyonline.org/Breast/breast_thermography_what.htm
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
Yeah, it would be nice if they offered that up consistently. Even with my history, I haven't been sent for one. Or, an MRI. However, the MRI can give a lot of false positives, so it's not routine. I suppose I could ask for one, as they will pretty much give me any scan I ask for now, but I don't know if I want to go through another week of being scared sh*tless.
I may ask about the thermo test when I have my next mammogram. Um, in about a week!
http://www.youtube.com/user/kcherub#p/a/u/0/N-UQprRqSwo