I was SO scered today!!

[crystal_19]

I will try to make this short and sweet and I am writing to send a message, hopefully, for more awareness.

I went in for my yearly mammogram yesterday, 11th, I got a call yesterday afternoon saying that they found something they needed to do more imaging on. Well my mom, who lives with us, has been battling breast cancer for a year now so of course I immediately thought the worst! I cried the rest of the afternoon and all the way home.

This morning, bright and early, mom and I made our way to the radiology group. After 5 mammogram films, and a 1/2 hour on the ultra sound table I was put in a small waiting room. Well needless to say I think I'm dehydrated from crying so much.

The good news is that both of the "images" turned out to be cysts. I know these are common in women but I was SO scared!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PLEASE take care of yourself and PLEASE get an exam. This is for men and women alike! There is so much they can do now, but you have to take the first step and get a screening!

btw...we celebrated by a piece of cake after!!!

[catdance]

Good NEWS! I am sure you feel MUCH better !

[freeby4me]

Glad to hear you found out what it is and its good news.

[DBackFan]

Thanks for spreading the message. I am so glad yours are not so much to worry about.

[Kyla Kym]

I'm happy to hear your good news! :hug

[BeanieLuvR]

Glad to hear that it turned out good for you. :hug

[Pepsi4me]

Glad to hear it turned out ok.

[BigLyd1]

Glad to hear everything was okay. And thankfully you were able to get a follow-up appointment right away.

Just a reminder or note too that if they think they see something, don't panic. That's what they thought with me when I last went in for a mammogram and when they did a recheck (two weeks later, UGH), everything was fine.

[Willow]

Glad to hear it was just a cyst. I have a primary care physician and then I go to an OB/GYN for any female related stuff. The OB/GYN recommends that women start having them at 40 unless there is a history of breast cancer in the family and then you would start them earlier. I will be 39 in December so I have another year before I have to go for one.

[Starlady01]

I had an appointment but didn't go. My doctor when I asked for one asked me all kinds of questions about me getting one. I answered no to all the questions. So she said why do you want one. I said I thought after 40 all women needed at least one I'm 46. She made out like only if your family has a history. So I skipped my exam.

She just kept asking me why I wanted one and why I thought I needed one. I was like because I should. She made out to me like that wasn't true.

[Willow]

Here's some info I found. I'm sure a lot of doctors differ on when they think you should have one but I think the general age is 40.



http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/mammograms/index.jsp

4 Important Things to Know About Mammograms
1. They can save your life. Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25 - 30% or more. Women should begin having mammograms yearly at age 40, or earlier if they're at high risk.

2. Don't be afraid. It's a fast procedure (about 5 - 10 minutes), and discomfort is minimal. The procedure is safe: there's only a very tiny amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram. To relieve the anxiety of waiting for results, go to a center that will give you results before you leave.

[Shann]

I had an appointment but didn't go. My doctor when I asked for one asked me all kinds of questions about me getting one. I answered no to all the questions. So she said why do you want one. I said I thought after 40 all women needed at least one I'm 46. She made out like only if your family has a history. So I skipped my exam.

She just kept asking me why I wanted one and why I thought I needed one. I was like because I should. She made out to me like that wasn't true.

you need to find a new dr then. it's shocking that you could have a dr. so naive as to think you should ONLY worry if you have a family history and that you would listen to her :rolleyes: I think I'd make the decision for my own health and ignore what my ignorant dr said and get checked. Plus, if you go along w/ your dr knowing the risks you're not much better than her.

You can also check around, I know one of the hospitals here is offering the mammogram for only $50 as long as you get it done by the end of October. Maybe some hospitals near you all are offering a similar special :)

[lucimPI]

Should at least get a base one. That is in case you do have problems or when you go for your next one, they have something to compare.

[earnhardt1]

Glad ur okay.....

[Army-Mom]

I am glad you are okay. I had a scare this last Spring. I had to have a mamagram and a sonagram or ulta sound cant remember which it was now..every six months.....I had to have a knot removed and it wasnt cancer..I think every one should have one at least once a year..it could save your life. I save the pink lids off from yogarts.

[okie]

I'm glad your okay. Btw, my doctor told me that he does them at 35 unless your mom, grandmother or sister had breast cancer. Then it's 30. I guess each doctor is different.

[ssgjeg]

I'm happy for you and glad you're okay.

[Starlady01]

you need to find a new dr then. it's shocking that you could have a dr. so naive as to think you should ONLY worry if you have a family history and that you would listen to her :rolleyes: I think I'd make the decision for my own health and ignore what my ignorant dr said and get checked. Plus, if you go along w/ your dr knowing the risks you're not much better than her.

You can also check around, I know one of the hospitals here is offering the mammogram for only $50 as long as you get it done by the end of October. Maybe some hospitals near you all are offering a similar special :)

I mentioned this to my mom the other day and she got pissed that I didn't show up. The subject only came up because she was talking about how she just had one not long ago and I told her I missed mine and why. She told me to make another appointment and to do one. Strange thing is no one has ever asked me to do one. That was the first time and I was the one who brought it up. How ever along time ago I had received one of those self exam shower things that hang off the shower head. I saw them given away here on the board awhile back. I had one in my bathroom for years tho so I didn't order one. I had gotten it from the Health Department along time ago.

[Char]

Yea, I get one every other year (not every year because I have no family history, and, I'm not crazy about exposing myself to that much radiation).

To get ready for it, I go out to the car and slam the door on my boobs several times... kinda gets ya ready fir it. :D

*suggestion: take a pain pill about an hour before your exam, and, have it done right after your period, when your boobs are least achy and swollen, it really does help.

Glad yours turned out to be nothing... I have a friend who says "if it weren't for all her cysts, her boobs would fall apart"... I guess they are very common.