[AlsgalRN]

I am 43 yo. In March, I had my annual screening mammogram. I felt no lumps and thought I was having no probems. Last year the results were normal. This year, I was sent back for a right diagnostic mammogram. The results of that mammo sent me to a wonderful surgeon. We did the biopsy in her office that morning. Well, I have invasive ductal carcinoma. I have seen a fabulous oncologist and am scheduled for a lumpectomy/ sentinal node biopsy/ possible axillary node resection on May 14. We are doing lots of other tests to determine the final plan re: mastectomies, ovarian removal, chemo, radiation. I am frightened but am determined to fight.

The surgeon and the oncologist said that I may have saved my own life by having that screening mammogram. Please, ladies, stay current on your mammos. And please encourage your moms, sisters, aunts, cousins and all of the other ladies in your life to do the same.

Hugs to all,
AlsGalRN

[Jolie]

Thank you for your heartfelt post and warning to us all!

Having survived melanoma 12 years ago, may I add, "Please examine your skin monthly, and see your dermatologist once a year!"

Prayers to you for an uneventful recovery! Please check in once in a while and let us know how you are doing.

[TazziRN]

{{{{Alsgal}}}}

I am anal about getting one annually, this is a good reminder as to why.

[nursemary9]

Alsgal,

I'm so sorry to hear this news, but thank you for taking the time to share with us--and warn us.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I also pray for an uneventful course of treatment.

I do hope you will let us know how you are doing and I also hope that if you ever need to vent or talk or share some feelings, you will allow us to give you support.

[allantiques4me]

Dear AlsgalRN,my thoghts and prayers are with you.

[futurecnm]

At what age will they start doing yearly mammograms? 40? I am 33 years old, and have had 1 mammogram a few years ago when I was having pain in my breasts. Everything came back normal and the pain is gone (I think it had to do with prolonged milk supply after weaning). Anyway, I have really fibrous breast tissue and would love to get a mammogram every year but I don't think insurance will pay for that yet. I was just wondering the age at what they do start doing yearly screening?

I am praying for a great recovery for you. Thank you for the message.

[traumaRUs]

I believe that 40 is the age for screening and the reason being that younger women do have denser breast tissue and mammograms just aren't that useful for younger women.

Here is what I found on the American Cancer Society website:

"Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. "

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/co...ocedures_5.asp

[SMK1]

Thanks for this timely reminder and lets add the pap smear reminder here as well. My thoughts are with you as you begin this fight.

[Sweetooth EMT-P, RN]

<hugs>

I am sorry to hear about your dx, but happy to hear of your determination to fight it and warn us. God bless and like another poster said keep us informed.

Sweetooth

[GingerSue]

thanks Alsgal
for the reminder
and sure hope things turn out well for you