PLEASE get your screening mammograms

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Specializes in L&D, OB/GYN clinic.

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

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

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.

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{{{{Alsgal}}}}

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

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

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.

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

Dear AlsgalRN,my thoghts and prayers are with you.

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Specializes in ED.

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.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

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/content/CRI_2_6X_Mammography_and_other_Breast_Imaging_Procedures_5.asp

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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.

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

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

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thanks Alsgal

for the reminder

and sure hope things turn out well for you

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Specializes in med surg/tele.

38-year-old dear friend with no significant hx diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Found a small lump, went in for diagnostic mammogram and US, followed a couple days later by lumpectomy, which revealed cancer. She's scheduled this Thursday for a partial mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy. She's very frightened right now, but has lots of supportive friends who are rallying 'round.

I am 44 and get my screening mammogram annually and definitely encourage others to do so!

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I send you well wishes and a full recovery. I am 36 and had my first mammogram 6 months ago. No family history, no problems-MD just want his patients to have first (base) mammogram at 35. I had to go back for an ultrasound as there showed "no suspicious findings, however, some findings were noted that required monitoring." I have a 6 month f/up next week. I know I will be ok. It just reminded me we are ALL at risk and how important it is to take care of ourselves at any age. Again-well wishes.

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