Inspired by luvwinnie- mammograms

[Serena]

I know about asking your doctor and all. But when did you go in for your first appointment?

 

[Lanshark]

39

That one is considered my baseline.

 

[luvwinnie]

I'm 36. Dr said baseline now, then next at 40, if all is ok.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Actually, I went for my first one today. I'm a couple of years past when I should have started, but I put it off, and put it off...

And then on our first day at WDW earlier this month, I noticed a lump while I was showering (my disorganization paid off - I had forgotten to pack my "puffy", and the lump was easily felt with soapy hands).

Anyway, I had a mammogram, followed by an ultrasound that indicates a benign fibroadenoma. I'm going in for a follow-up and most likely a biopsy next week, just to make sure.

I do monthly self-exams, and I just had an exam in the doctor's office in early June, but the lump wasn't felt by me or the doctor. Luckily for me, the tumor appears to be benign but I can tell you that I've spent the last 3 weeks kicking myself for not getting that baseline mammogram when I turned 40. Worrying that I might have cancer while at the same time dealing with the reality that my FIL is dying from pancreatic cancer was no fun. I was panicked about how my poor husband would be able to deal with me being sick while his dad is dying, how I could convince the kids that just because their grandpa is dying of cancer doesn't mean everyone that has cancer will die, etc.

Anyway, probably TMI, but I would HIGHLY recommend the baseline mammogram at 40, and I would also HIGHLY recommend doing the soapy-hands-in-the-shower in addition to the flat-on-the-back-arm-behind-the-head self-exam.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I was 30. My sister had breast cancer when she was 38, and her Dr recommended that my other sister and I get mammograms.

 

[Serena]

Man, just the thought of that machine hurts. But I'm 40, I guess I'd better make that all important first appointment.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by Serena
Man, just the thought of that machine hurts. But I'm 40, I guess I'd better make that all important first appointment.

I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't hurt like I thought it would. But then again, I compare everything to childbirth, and anything that doesn't hurt that much is bearable to me.

 

[Serena]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't hurt like I thought it would. But then again, I compare everything to childbirth, and anything that doesn't hurt that much is bearable to me.

I've heard it doesn't hurt as much as you get "older".

 

[shelbyjosh]

I went for my 1st one back in the fall of 99. My mom had recently been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and I was a little concerned. My OB went ahead and ordered one and all was ok.

I found a lump last Sept. and had a mam and US the same day. About a week later I had an open biopsy and all turned out ok. It was fatty scar tissue from my reduction earlier that year.

My surgeon wants me to get a mam yearly and US twice a year. Just to keep an eye on things since cancer runs heavily in our family. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[aprilgail2]

I had my first one at 28 and then had to go every 6 months for 5 years and now just once a year...I was adopted and had no clue what my family health history was so my insurance company paid for them all.....

 

[nativetxn]

I was 37 for my first mammogram. Had lots of problems but it all turned out alright.

 

[helenk]

I got my first one at 40, then when I was 42 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a breast removed. That seemed to kick me into a high risk catagory since then I go once a year.
To me the discomfort is minimal and really it is over in a short time.

 

[cgcw]

26. I had a cyst. The doctor ordered a mammogram. Two years later, the cyst changed in size so it was removed. Fortunately, it turned out okay.

I'm was not as ridgid as I should be in the follow ups. I got spooked a bit when I went about 5 years ago and they had me come back in for additional films. Then told me to return 6 months later and then 6 months after that. It was a scary wait.

With other problems my two sisters are having, I plan on making sure the mammograms are done yearly.

 

[ToriLammy]

I've been having annual mammograms since I was 30 (44 now) because my mother had breast cancer at 37 years of age, she died at 40 from breast cancer, her mother and two sisters also had breast cancer so there is a strong family history. My doctors have always thought it was important even at that young an age. I have never missed one, I schedule them (And AFR you'll recognize this) every year in my birth month because that's when the AF would schedule me or notify me that it was time for my other yearly female exam. It's the easiest way to remember when my last one was done and the next one is due

The mammogram itself has never hurt me but even if it did I would still go because the peace of mind that comes from it is worth any discomfort. I'm an old pro at it now and I've had the same technician for 6 years so it goes quickly. The monthly breast exam is vital too and the shower idea is a good one. Heard that a few years back on Oprah or Rosie or one of those female talk shows.

AFR hope everything comes out clean for you. I know you have a lot on your plate and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Rutt and Tuke]

Baseline at 35. Now I get them annually due to family risk factors.

 

[Lynn CC]

I can't remember exactly but my doctor sent me when I was in my 20's and I've been having one just about every year since then.
I had one lump removed before it turned cancerous.
Early detection really can save your life!

 

[Serena]

Yes it can. thanks for the replies. I know what I gotta do now.