Breast Cancer

macmelton

Some people will not like this. My wife and I went to see her doctor and she saw her doctor and he suggested that she have her lungs drained and talcum inserted to absorb the fluid she went back to the ward. When she came in the ward it looked like she was comining good and maybe she would be and up and about. The doctors told me she was getting worse each day I told her family that it was that she would be worse each day. I slept in the ward for 3 nights and she woke me up and at 4-20 am on March 2010 and she died . Don't let this to happen to you. macmelton

Anonymous

To all those who are anti mamograms, my partners mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, result total masectomy no chemo or radiation medication only, she is 82. Did'nt believe in mamograms even though history of breast cancer in family, including 2 daughters who died from cancer. You are neverf too old or young be vigiliant it's there use it, don't say if only I am a survivor.

Pepi8

My sister was only 40 when diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We have no family history of it. She never had a Mammogram. She found a lump and went to the Doc. She has gone through Chemo and Radio and is on HRT now. It pays to check all the time.

mistymae53

Awareness is the answer to all forms of cancer, thank you for posting this, it's people like you who get the word out that save lives! Thankyou again!

Anonymous

I lost my grandmother when I was 5 to breast cancer, she was only 48. My mother was then having yearly mammograms and on her 10th year a lump was found, she was 47. You can only imagine how we were all feeling. Everyone has the right to have a mammogram or not, it is a very valid tool. My mother had the lump and lymph nodes removed. She then had gene testing to find she had the Bracha 2 gene (giving higher risk to breast cancer). Both my sister and I were tested, I was clear but my sister at 21 carries the gene. My mother had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. 8 years have past and my mother is not looking back on her decisions. As for my sister she now has yearly mammograms and yearly MRI's. Even though we have been lucky with the outcomes, I am blessed for all the testing that is available to us. God bless the medical industry

Diggerbelle

It does not just have to be a mammogram that finds things. I was shaving under my arms one morning and felt a small lump about the size of a pea. I thought it was an ingrown hair or a sweat pimple and tried to squeeze it but nothing happened. 2 days later the lump, still under my arm was about the size of the head of a large pen. Went to the doctor 4 days later and now the size of a ping pong ball. Mammogram and biopsey ordered for following week. Now the size of a tennis ball and very uncomfortable like pressing on nerves. Saw surgeon at the end of that week and operated on before Christmas. From lump under arm to surgery less than 3 weeks with very agressive cancer. Am now almost finished chemotherapy and due to start radiation therapy in the next month. This has been a roller coaster ride of the strongest variation. Please be careful the lumps do not have to appear in your breasts to be problems. Also if there is a family history be alert as well. I am going to beat this but I will never take anything for granted again. Until this ride began I had always been reasonably healthy but the debillitation I have felt through this process has to be felt to be believed. Good luck to each and every one of you and I hope you all remain healthy and hearty.

Fero

I've had one done last year. It hurt like hell... Afterwards, my breasts feels like their swollen. Foer those whose been pregnant and breast fed before... that's how it felt like ... as if your breasts are starting to build up with milk.. sore and a bit swollen.

Shirbert

what would you say if I told you that there is a "natural" remedy that MIGHT be of help in protecting you against breast cancer. My mother, and aunt died of breast cancer, my sister had a mastectomy. She is still taking tamoxifan. I am absolutely clear. I have not got breast cancer, and am determined never to have it. Shirley

CAT17

I have been told that taking control of your own health is very much part of staying healthy. I have heard many people just take what the medicos say and dont query them. I hooe you are feeling well and good on you for following things up when you knew there was something wrong. I think we know our own bodies if we just take notice of changes.

Trixie

I am one of the ones who do NOT believe in this . I have never had a mamagram and will not be having one in the future either. They are not infalable and cannot always give a right report. My friends have them regularly and have tried to convince me to go and have it done but I say NO everytime. Everyone to their own beliefs.I am 67 this year .

pinkrose

I am one of the ones who do NOT believe in this . I have never had a mamagram and will not be having one in the future either. They are not infalable and cannot always give a right report. My...

Hi Trixie like others who have commented I agree everyone has a right to choose. However I disagree with you as I am only here today to make comment because I had a mammogram and it picked up breast cancer at age 45. I had no maternal history of it but did have a paternal history (which is not regarded as a risk factor) so I had the mammograms from age 40. I was lucky and am still here 11 years later. I had genetic testing done and I don't carry the genes for breast cancer so there was no other way to find it so early and to have the outcome I got. The radiation is minimal and the temporary pain is worth it as it gives you complete control which helps I assure you. There is a very good saying which I can vouch for - prevention is better than cure and whilst a mammogram may not have prevented the cancer I was able to have it removed and treated early and so am alive and well and free of it now. Food for thought - Cheers

Dandilion

I am one of the ones who do NOT believe in this . I have never had a mamagram and will not be having one in the future either. They are not infalable and cannot always give a right report. My...

Trixie, only you have the right to decide on what you want, for you to feel healthy and alive. Most women have had to endure all sorts of examinations in the name of keeping healthy.

Mammograms are there to help diagnose a growth and the ultrasound guided needle biopsy, helps to further diagnose the content of the growth. The problem is breast tissue varies from woman to woman and it takes a very well trained individual to sight the mammogram results. I know that if one is totally in tune with their body, they will be able to pick up that something is not right.
This should be your first indicator to get a checkup. However, the basic rule is to have a yearly mammogram if there is a history of breast related issues in your family, or a 2nd yearly mammogram, if there is none.

I can understand your dilemma as you feel that, firstly your privacy is invaded, secondly, it is uncomfortable and thirdly after the mammogram, you start to worry of about what the result is going to show. None of which would make anyone, not want to undertake the test!

Your friends only ask you because of their fear of losing a friend to breast cancer. In fact their deep concern and care for you is the result of their request.
Trixie, if you do not feel like having a mammogram it is alright as it is your ultimate decision to do so. Do not feel pressured, for the sake of others to go for it. Take you time and think about what you really want for yourself. I wish you all the best

CAT17

I am one of the ones who do NOT believe in this . I have never had a mamagram and will not be having one in the future either. They are not infalable and cannot always give a right report. My...

I am with you Trixie I dont have mamagrams either - why put radiation into your body. I do self examine though and there is no history of cancer in my family. I am 67 in a couple of days and so far I have had good health. I do take a very good supplement and exercise (Curves 3 times a week) I walk most places and eat well and sleep well. My only issue is a few kilos over weight after a cold wet winter, but hopefully that will shift with the better weather coming. Here's to good health to all!

Hedgehog

I started to have mammograms when I was in my thirties- my breasts were very large although my frame was small, and neither I nor my doctor were able to properly examine them manually. I continued to front up for a mammogram every two years and eventually the screening program was introduced and I received reminders etc. Now, at 72, I am no longer part of the program but have made the choice to have this done; but I need to remember to book the examination.
Initially, the whole thing was quite painful and disturbing; the technique has improved so much. AlsI o the technicians have a much better 'bedside manner'!
So far, so good. I thank God, but I am also aware that I am ultimately responsible for my own health. And if it happens eventually, I will have given it the best shot.
My Aunt was not so lucky. A sweet little 'maiden lady' she found a tumour at age 84, had surgery, went into remission, but finally succumbed to a widespread secondary invasion at age 92. In general, her generation was not as aware - maybe if she had been younger and had access to the screening program, she would have been diagnosed earlier.

Karsh

I started to have mammograms when I was in my thirties- my breasts were very large although my frame was small, and neither I nor my doctor were able to properly examine them manually. I continued...

I too am 72 & started having mammograms at an early age, I couldn't see a problem with fronting up for 10 mins every couple of years. I was only sorry the program finished when you turn 70, don't they think you can get it after then. Fortunately as you say, you can still have them but must remember to do so off your own bat.

Kris

Thank you Sherry for bringing this topic up.

My mother also had a similar story, she had a Mammogram which showed a small mark, but it was unable to be reached by a biopsy, she was told it would be fine and at her age it wasn't likely to be cancer as her breast tissue was still was obscured by muscle and was glandular.

However, she knew something was wrong, and went back again to insist on getting a biopsy even if the procedure had to be more invasive, unfortunately in the time between that the very aggressive cancer had spread, she spent the last 5 years of her life in a battle with cancer, and I lost my mother before I was 20.

I'm glad you didn't take no for an answer and got it checked. This is an issue that needs to be raised, women have the right to insist, and not be complacent with cancer, because they feel doctors will think they are melodramatic.
My thoughts are with you as you go through your journey. Keep strong and keep to you instinct.

Anonymous

Terrific news for you that you persisted and found it! And in time : ) My Mother is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer after becoming aware of a tumour after her first ever mammogram. She had been through two years of trauma as a result of the Black Saturday bushfires which may have increased the activity of the tumour, but was incredibly lucky to have it found as the cancer was a very active type. She will be fine, and will recover fully after chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and is incredibly grateful for the mammogram screening... as are all in her family : )