Yearly mammograms after 40?

[Kimmielee]

OK. I am procrastinating getting one for a baseline. I know I am wrong (and stupid), but I can't force myself to go. In fact, I have been postponing my yearly GYN appointment so I won't get yelled at by my doctor for not going to get one last year. I am 39 and have no history on either side.

Punkin, the relief you will feel after it's done... just knowing you did the right thing to keep your health on track... it's worth it. Peace of mind is priceless. Worrying about "what if"... too much of a waste of good energy. Please make your appointment!

 

[NHAnn]

I was aware that annually before 50 might not be necessary with no risk factors, but at LEAST every other year I thought was the standard from 40-50.

Punkin, do try to do it...you'll be much better off in the future to have had a baseline. Try to think of it as preventative like dental checkups and cleanings or the annual GYN. Ask other women in your area to recommend a center or specific technician. After I was diagnosed just before my 48th b-day last year, I insisted that my 41 year old sister go for her baseline. She did not find it very pleasant at all and the tech was not very empathetic . She also ended up needing followup ultrasound which was more scarey mentally - though much less stressful physically. It ended up all clear though and you can bet she will be faithful in scheduling her annual ones (at a different place) .

Early detection is so important in fighting this disease, I encourage all women to please educate and take care of yourselves!!

There have been threads on the DIS in the past about mammograms, and first mammograms, do a search and you'll find them. Or feel free to stop in on the Survivor-GAGWTA thread any time with questions, for encouragement, or just to say hi!

 

[MI mom of 3]

I had my baseline done around 35 and have had yearly ones since, no history of breast cancer in the family.

As a matter of fact I had mine done last week. As the technician said "I had my cups turned into saucers!"

 

[Amy23]

I had my baseline at 35, and then went back just a couple of weeks before my 40th birthday. They took more pictures because they saw calcifications. I had to return in 6 months, things still looked the same. I just went back on May 31st and they suggested a biopsy after finding more of them and grouping together. I was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few days after turning 41. I do have a family history, but not my Mom. Thank God!! It was very early detection and I would never have known for probably a few more years. I will be having surgery next month. And probably radiation after that. Please, go for your mammogram. It is sooooooooo important. And the people on the Survivor-GAGWTA thread have been the best.

 

[mom23boys]

I had my baseline done at 35 and every year since then. In three years I have had two sterotactic biopsies (sp) and a bilaterel breast biopsy.

I just went again last week for my yearly. If they find anything, my surgeon says I will go every six months. I have no history in my family.

Please go get a mammogram. I actually dread it only out of fear. I have had so many mammograms and ultrasounds that I feel I am on borrowed time. I am really frightened by breast cancer. But I know it is curable with early detection.

 

[arminnie]

A big ditto to what everyone else is saying. My mother died of breast cancer. It was a very slow growing cancer, but it was still caught too late. It's usually so treatable if caught early and so awful if it isn't.You do have to be your own advocate.

 

[micki7337]

I had my baseline at 36 and they recommended yearly after 40. Unfortunately, I had 2 referrals that lapsed (40 and 41) and then somehow even missed my yearly gyn due to procrastination at 42. I thought I was somehow safe because I did self exams - almost every day. I knew my breast inside and out or so I thought. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with BC. My tumor was never going to be discovered by a self-exam. It is buried too deep behind the center for me to locate it. So I am now battling this horrible disease at the early age of 43 (with a 6 and 10 yo DDs and 13 yo DS). Thank God for amazing doctors and the people who commit their lives to research! While this has been a difficult journey I somehow feel I could have made it easier by having my mamms. (they told me my tumor could only be a few months old....)


Do the mamms!!