Breast cancer awareness month

[LuvOrlando]

This is a reminder for you or for you to remind the people you love to take care of themselves.
My cousin and I both had a mom with breast cancer, they were sisters, both died before the testing exists that is around now.
Aunt got it at 32, my mother got it around 50 and my grandma got it at 70.
My cousin got pancreatic cancer, he was a him & was tested to discover it was BRCA2 related so it can seep into the male family members too, I'm being vigilant & shared the info with family.

Had mammo today and thankfully got an all clear.
I am up to date, supposed to do a mammo once a year and a MRI once a year, so every 6 months one or the other. If you have concerns talk to your Dr about a good plan of action for yourself. I have a few appts lined up to listen.
Not gonna lie, it's unnerving to get the tests done and I am no fan of the pulling, mushing and squishing but I am showing up anyway.

I'm planning on remote attending this on Saturday and sharing because it's important to listen and learn.

https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/events/2021/10/looking-back-facing-forward-conference

 

[Dan Murphy]

My cousin got pancreatic cancer, he was a him & was tested to discover it was BRCA2 related so it can seep into the male family members too, I'm being vigilant & shared the info with family.

So true, LO. We had a good friend of ours, in his 60's. Was diagnosed with breast cancer. He had a mastectomy, chemo, radiation. Remission for a number of years. Came back, liver if I'm not mistaken, passed away after a few months.

Your advice rings true, LO, we all need to be vigilant.

 

[Sinder]

Going to see my OB/GYN next week and getting my Rx for my mammogram.
Have 2 aunts that have had it and know a number of women. Thankfully all are survivors.

 

[lifesavacation]

Had my mammo last week Was able to find a place that doesn't do callbacks. The radiologist reads the mammogram and asks for any additional pics or testing (including a biopsy) at the appointment. It really cuts down on the worrying for me.

 

[VandVsmama]

I've got the ATM gene mutation. Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1 breast 2 years ago. The mammogram caught it really really early. It was small enough that I couldn't feel it through self exams. Had a double mastectomy on my ODD's 13th birthday. Afterwards, the pathology report for the other breast found a couple of precancerous areas, so it's good that the other 'original' went bye bye, too. Had reconstructive surgery a couple of months later.

 

[anniemae]

Had my mammo last week Was able to find a place that doesn't do callbacks. The radiologist reads the mammogram and asks for any additional pics or testing (including a biopsy) at the appointment. It really cuts down on the worrying for me.

I wish all places would do this. The whole waiting/call back thing sends my anxiety through the roof. I would MUCH rather wait for it to be read, then do any additional testing while there and get results at the end.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Had my mammo last week Was able to find a place that doesn't do callbacks. The radiologist reads the mammogram and asks for any additional pics or testing (including a biopsy) at the appointment. It really cuts down on the worrying for me.

I wish this is how it was every where! Mine will call same day if there is an issue, but it’s still stressful and it doesn’t mean you get back in same day.

———
I’m scheduled to get my next mammogram in Dec. Had to push it out a few more months because they still want 10 weeks between the Covid vaccine & getting one and I get my booster on Friday. But since they still recommend every 2 years for my age and I get them every year (no increased risk, just health anxiety), so my doc says it’s ok to do.

 

[Southernmiss]

Getting one in November. After a scare with a regular mammogram (dense tissue), I go straight to the 3 D clinic.

I know before I leave that it's all clear.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks for the reminder, Luv!

18 year Survivor. My oncologist says the chances are pretty low now for my cancer to return (not zero, apparently), but my risks are the same as anyone else’s that a new one could crop up. I go every year, but being there brings me back. Also dealing with some scar tissue. But small price to pay for getting to see my kids grow up.

 

[Snowflakey]

I'm a 6 year survivor. Found the cancer on a yearly mammogram when I was 45. Please, please get mammograms. I'm walking proof it saves your life.

Every year I ask to get a call back that day with my results and they do it. I can't wait a few weeks, especially after having cancer. For those who can't stand the wait - ask when you get yours done to have them call you!

 

[JediBonas]

Thanks for the reminder - I'm a little over a year from my last one so just sent a message to my dr for mine. My grandmother passed from breast cancer and one of my college roommates is going on 6 years since her all-clear (she was early 30s when she was diagnosed, such a shock to all of us). The place I go to they have you wait and then do more imaging if needed, I always need to wait since I have dense breasts they always do an US as well (just wish insurance would cover that as well, that's part of my hesitancy to go, it's like $600 for the US).

 

[lifesavacation]

I wish all places would do this. The whole waiting/call back thing sends my anxiety through the roof. I would MUCH rather wait for it to be read, then do any additional testing while there and get results at the end.

It's 3 hours away from me and I'm more than willing to make the drive. I had a call back several years ago and it took about a month before I got through the additional exams. I don’t want to have that level of worry if I can avoid it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Had my mammo last week Was able to find a place that doesn't do callbacks. The radiologist reads the mammogram and asks for any additional pics or testing (including a biopsy) at the appointment. It really cuts down on the worrying for me.

I LOVE getting results before I leave. After a couple of very stressful false positives, I don't rest until I have the result.

 

[snappy]

Also a survivor, soon to be 18 years. My doctor orders the diagnostic mammogram each year at the same facility where my initial screening mammograms were taken, and the radiologist reads it before I can leave. I was told way back to have the yearly mammogram on time at the one year mark, and not delay. I had to put my big girl’s pants on last year in July during a Covid surge in our area but I felt better after it was over. There have been only a few times that I have been told to get additional views during all these years. Those moments always raise fears (not to mention my blood pressure) but I am glad that the radiologist is being careful. I encourage others not to miss the annual screening mammogram.

 

[BayouQueen]

Dang...yes. Be aware. Keep up with mammograms and self-examination. It's all about early detection. It makes all the difference.

I'm currently mentoring a friend of many years who was diagnosed. Both her mom and grandmother had breast cancer, but she still put off her mammograms and is now faced with a very tough journey.

 

[snappy]

Dang...yes. Be aware. Keep up with mammograms and self-examination. It's all about early detection. It makes all the difference.

I'm currently mentoring a friend of many years who was diagnosed. Both her mom and grandmother had breast cancer, but she still put off her mammograms and is now faced with a very tough journey.

Thanks for being there for your friend. That type of support is treasure beyond measure.

 

[Aladora]

December will mark 15 years since my diagnosis at age 34. Breast self exams are SO important as are mammograms. I found the lump myself and it took me 2 months to get in for a mammogram/ultrasound/core biopsy because I was so young. If you find something unusual, get it checked out and if your doctor is pushing back on diagnostic tests, don't back down!

 

[Thomas42]

Thank you for being open about this. Raising awareness, which leads to catching cancers earlier, is clearly a good thing.