Ok So I Have A Phobia...

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I am trying to get my sister in for a mammo as well but she won't go in because she heard that you are supposed to wait until 40. It doesn't matter what I say or what anyone that cares about her say she will only follow the advice of friends and coworkers. She has had numerous tumers (in various parts of her body) in throughout her life and I worry about her. Hopefully if I share your story with her she may listen.

I'm 39, that was my second mammogram, both recommended by my ob/gyn. Everything was fine, but many doctors recommend a baseline mammogram at 40.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I'm 34 and going in for my second. My sister is 30. I know that may seem young but our grandmother was diagnosed at 27. No one else in my family has had it (thank God) but you can never be too careful. I think this is also the reason for some of my fear

 

[SkyGirl]

I admire you for going in spite of your fears. I know how hard it is; for me those tests were always scary and often painful. It almost felt like there was a secrecy and mystery surrounding them.

That being said, early detection is the most important thing we can do for ourselves! The mammograms and the monthly self check ups are our best bet. It can mean the difference between life and death.

I found my lump during a self check up. It was a very fast growing cancer and had I not found it when I did, I wouldn't be here. As another poster, I too have tests every few months now and they are even more frightening and painful than they were before the cancer, but so necessary and I remind myself of that when I want to cancel and pretend I don't need them.

After "that" phone call that I had cancer, I wanted to hide in my bed and never face any of it. But I believe that we all have a deep well of courage we don't even know is there until we truly need it.

Give yourself a break about your fears! You are going and facing them and that is the most important thing of all. Treat yourself to a treat or gift afterward, you deserve it.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I agree, mani pedi with sparkly pink toes, that's a good reward for getting through a checkup (she says, wiggling her toes)

 

[LisaR]

Yes, so bad that I won't even go for annual exams. I know.....that's really bad and my best friend scolds me about it all the time. The last OB/GYN exam I went to was the 6 week follow up from DD who is now 6 yo.

You remind me of my Mom.

Nine years ago my Mom needed to have cataracts removed. She was absolutely freaking out and her blood pressure skyrocketed. They came out to get me so I could calm her down. At the same time as I was walking back there, they asked her when she was last seen by a doctor. She said she went in for her 6 week check up after "giving birth to my baby." They stare at her for a few seconds, I am sure puzzled by the fact that this 70 y/o has a baby. I walk in and she says, "this is my baby." Of course, I was in my mid-30's at that point!

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I thought I would finish out this thread. I faced my fears and went in yesterday. First was the mammo. The woman that did the scan was the one I remember before. She was very nice last time so I just talked to her and explained my fears. She was so nice about it. She told me everything looked good and even showed me the images on the screen. She had no problems running the images by the radiologist and I left knowing that I was fine (I even got the letter today to prove it). I then went to the doctor and by that time my fears were pretty much gone. My Dr and his nurse are so great. They are nice and I have been going to this Dr for over 10 years.

I would like to thank those that really helped me get through this...

DawnCt1... Thank you for giving me the idea to ask and wait for the results. I left knowing I was ok..not waiting around for a letter or phone call.

Kickapoo Joie Juice...thanks for the list of things to keep me sane. It reall did help. I bought myself a CD that I have wanted for a long time. Also thanks for keeping up with this thread.

Pakey and Skygirl..thank you both for sharing your brave stories with me. You both encouraged me to face my fears and get it done.

Hopefully next year won't be as bad. Thanks, again. everyone.