Mammogram

QBall
UK has a wonderful system hard fought for and earned through post ww2s politics.

Problem of meltdown due to expecation and advances in treatment.And an aging population.

With careful handling and more investment it should go on .
I care deeply for the Nation Health Service (NHS) which has provided well for me and mine.
If interested look up
The Beveridge Plan.United Kingdom.
Mountain ash

Mountain Ash,
I will look up Beveridge, it's always interesting to see how things work in different areas of our world.

**Oh, and just to clarify, I didn't mean that I agreed w/ my friend that Breast Cancer odds are remote...quite the contary that's why I wanted to scream..My cancer scare was just 11 months after Loosing My Own Mom to a long fought battle with Breast Cancer. The actual scream was from ppl making light of the possibility...In my journal there's a page titled.."Did You hear me, are you morons listening? I could have breast cancer?"
QB

Lola, holding you close while you wait. Are you keeping yourself busy today?

I've heard horror stories about people having to wait on things like this, but just to share some good news on the topic:

I found a lump behind my ear and made a doctor appt. All in one day, I went to the first doctor who felt it and was concerned. He immediately sent me walking to another office within the same building. That doctor was also concerned. He sent me to the head of head and neck surgery in the cancer clinic right after that. He was concerned, did a needle biopsy on the spot - shared that he thought it was benign and that I'd get my results the next day. I did. It was benign, but the last doctor I saw became my surgeon and I had the dang thing removed. They slit open the side of my face, behind my ear and into my scalp. Though it may sond awful, it really was fine, except when I ate, I salivated out of my head through the incision. What a riot. I remember being out at dinner and holding the napkin behind my ear.

Anyway, I was so grateful for the way I was treated the first day. Even though I knew something might be up, I was happy to roll from one office to the next.

Lola, looking forward to hearing an update.

Many thanks. I take to news as it comes and thankfully much too busy to fret, Dotsie. Also, having had a scare once which resulted in my hysterectomy, makes one a bit of a veteran with the waiting period, I guess. Well, there's also the sigmoidoscopy to look forward to mid-week next. Aaaack!

What's ten inches Lola...could be worse.

You do know I'm kidding
lol

Lola..good luck!!!

Thanks, Humlan.

Yep, MA. I was told that the other went through the whole maze

I'm clear! YEHEY!

Also, had my sigmoid midweek following which the colo-rectal surgeon referred me for a barium procedure Wednesday next. I get to have my prep prodecure done at home with two sachets of Picolax the day before, which I find a relief.

Thanks, Anne. The news came in today by post which meant that the waiting period for the "all clear" was actually shorter than I had been told. A fine thing.

Congrats Lola, what wonderful news!!!

Congrats Lola! But don't forget the breast self-exams even with a clear mammogram. That's how I found mine.

Thanks Chat and Meredith.

Thanks for the reminder, I was reminded that as well. I thought about and prayed for you, Lynnie and a few of my friends through my recalls and waiting period.

Lola, I'm just now reading all of this and a bit late with my HOORAY! But nonetheless, my heart is relieved that you are okay. Good for you, gal! Good for you body! God is good!

Lola
so relieved that all is well

All is well with our worlds, as long as we are healthy. Then anything is possible. Onward Lola, and thank God all is good.

Thanks once again. I did not know how much the waiting period affected my son, until last night. So, he's taken off from work for two days from today to be with me and "mother" me through my barium procedure.

Thinking about you Lola.
I had a whole year of "procedure" top to tail in 83/84 and last year to a lesser extent.
Take care of yourself. Mothering you through..I get that from my family..ans feel so sad when someone has to cope alone.
I's like to be a buddy as a volunteer later so the hospital can choose who they know are coping alone.
Prayers sent..I am on your shoulder..
Mountain ash

Lola, celebrating your good news.

Your son sounds precious. I've heard of daughters doing that, but not sons!

gims, I'm scared sh*#less that I might get cancer in my right breast after reading your informaiton about mother-in-laws. LOL! Unfortunately, our relationship deteriorated when the kids were young teens. Very sad...

Many thanks, MA. It seems to be that I am getting my round of "top to tail" all of a sudden. But, best to get it done and dusted now as we have a wedding in August. I'll pat my shoulder each time I'm called in for a procedure and will find comfort to know you're there.

My son is indeed precious, Dotsie. A fine, fine man. I am blessed. He has taken it upon himself to be my primary carer as my daughter lives some distance from me and was such a jewel during my post-op recovery when I had my surgery a few years back.

I have two children.My daughter is our rock.Sometimes i feel I have to pinch myself at all she has become.At present she is in Geneva at a conference re.Childhood studies.She is starting her holiday there then kcicking off to Interlaken etc..She filters down all her vacation to us.Also gives talks at groups who look for speakers.She is all I could wish for.Beautiful inside and out.Gives a good food massage and makes coffee when I have just thought Id like one..
Now for my son..
He too Lola has been a carer here.His University finals had just finished when I had my hysterectomy a while back.He was 21 and cooked like a chef..made trays of tempting food.He was here last year between contracts when is Father took ill.Lifted him in to room..but after visitng each day at hospital he would do the laundrey..It was Feb. and winds at night dried the clothes .I still see him in my minds eye hanging pyjamas and towel (and panties) on the line.He would do every thing here to allow us to spend time at hospital.Then sit and hold his Dads hand .He saw to me his sister and his Dad.He has to work long weeks.but still visits.He is wise and again I have to pinch myself.
These children are ours.
Even my gynae/urology situation he takes in his stride.Never crossing a line between being caring or embarrased.My operation last year..he was here..breast scare also
its as if everything that really matters in life has been given to us.But the hand holding I stored as my jewels.

He bugs me...goes barefoot a lot in the house and garden..I dont like his martial arts..he is gentle and this sport would not be my choice.He unlike my daughter does not come to church.(he studied philosophy politic and media sand has a different slant on things.He is a seeker..like myself.

From him I have learned so much...From my daughter so much also.

Lola you have a good boy...and in our children we leave our testimony to every moment we Mothered them.

Wish I could visit you during this time at one time I would have but at present home needs me..

Lola all is well.

I think mothers who appreciate their children, nutures further goodness in them.
How wonderful to read these loving stories, Mountain Ash, gims and Lola.

MountainAsh..what a blessing you have in your children..but as you say yourself..you and your husband have a hand in all of this,too. Your children have been blessed by having the 2 of you as their parents!

Beautiful..beautiful stories about your children here, ladies. Thank goodness for our families..


And Lola..good luck again,then

Ladies, thanks for sharing these lovely, tender stories. It's so important that we stay focused on the good in others.

gims, did you at one time get along with your MIL? I did, but as the kids grew, she was needed less, and somehow I got blamed for it. She was a very needy person for reasons that went back to her childhood. For awhile, our family could fill those needs so I was all that and then some. But once they became more independent, as kids do, it was my fault that they were no longer interested in Nana. Truth is, they loved her but they were more into staying at their friend's homes as they got older which left her out. She took it personally. Somehow, I was the one she blamed for it. I think it has something to do with women not being able to take things out on their sons?

It seems that every few years I get a "Houston, we have a problem" report regarding my annual mammogram. In 2002 the initial report resulted in more mammos, an ultrasound and a nightmarish stereotactic biopsy. Luckily, all turned out well in the end, but the waiting for results could have given me a heart attack.

I'm not supposed to get stressed, which has already taken the lives of my mom and sisters at far too young an age.

Now this year, my annual mammogram has once again resulted in the need for special view mammograms and an ultrasound, all of which I had done yesterday. The reports are again not so good, and I am once again scheduled for this stereotactic biopsy.

This time the biopsy procedure falls on the day before my son's wedding rehearsal dinner, and 2 days before his wedding. (It can't be done any earlier because certain technicians and the doctor will be on vacation)

I will have to do the acting job of a lifetime to make like the happy groom's mother, when all I can think of is what may be growing inside me.

Is my luck now running out? Will the heart defect found last month now REALLY start acting up because of the tremendous stress I am now under?

I'm trying so hard to be positive, but it's an hour to hour process. I cried in the parking lot after hearing about the need for this specialized biopsy. Thank God my husband had taken the day off to be with me, or I might have passed out from the shock.

I've suffered through so many tragedies over the years and I'm just plain sick/terrified of these post mammogram horrors. Right now I almost feel I should take a hatchet and cut both breasts off.

Another thought: Though my husband is extremely supportive and says he would love me no matter what, I already had one 20 year marriage collapse because my now-ex thought I was not perfect enough. So obviously right now my self-esteem is not in the best of shape when thinking of a chubby body shape minus breasts.

I'm normally the one who offers others comfort. Yet today I cannot. Thank you for taking the time to listen.

Josie, I'm thinking that if the results from the biopsy last time were okay, these probably will be too. I hope this is a thought you can carry with you while preparing and being excited for your son.

Every time I go for a mammogram, I am asked to stay for a sonogram because they always see something. I now take it as routine and consider that I probably just grow weird cysts that are benign. When women sitting in the waiting room hear that I have to stay for more tests, they apologize and look empathetic. I simply respond with, "This happens all the time with me so it's probably just another benign cyst."

I wholeheartedly hope you can rest thinking that this is another cyst (or whatever they called the last one), that presents itself differently on their films and tests.

Take a deep breath and try t o think happy thoughts. I'm sending peaceful thoughts your way.

Thank you for the kind thoughts, Dotsie. The last stereotactic biopsy resulted in them finding that "the shadow" represented an area of bleeding from where they think I may have bumped myself at some point. I said, "HUH?" All this testing for a bruised inner boob? lol

I've had previous areas of concern, which turned out to be density issues. But this latest one where each test led me further down the road to this specialized biopsy was like watching a horror movie unfold, frame by frame by frame.

Sometimes my nursing background is "too much knowledge," if you know what I mean. Anyway, I will try to keep a good thought.

There is a newer test BETTER than a mamogram that can catch things way before a mamogram sees them. Its called Thermography, it isn't always availabble yet at all clinics but ASK for it. There is no crushing of the boobs either, absolutely NO discomfort and no false positives either, like with some mamograms. It is someting to do with the equipment picked up a heated area. The female doctors make sure they and theirs get THIS test....

Chatty,
The last mammo I had came back with a problem and I had to go for another they called a compression. Well never again. That
compression was okay. Thank God. But what I went thru during
the gap between the two, was not funny. Haven't had another
mammo since. That was a couple years ago. I hate those things.
But good luck with this one. I do believe the new processes are much gentler and less traumatic. Prayers and blessings,

Chats,
Love your avatar!

I am trying to build on like TVC and Crosstitch did that resembles me, but am so dumb technically, I have asked and I am waiting for HELP!!!!

Thanks so much for the kind thoughts. The digital mammography of today is much easier on the technician and certainly takes better pictures, but the pain of being squeezed for a half dozen "special views" was not so hot.

The stereotactic biopsy, especially with needles going directly into the nipple/areola area, is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. The one I had in the hospital in 2002 was also psychological nightmare, so I'm trying hard not to think about this one coming up.

Commercial thermography centers are springing up everywhere, and I saw a link for the few which are considered reputable. The Mayo Clinic thinks it is a useful adjunct to mammogram, but not something to be used in place of it.

After having a regular mammogram, a series of special mammograms, and a breast ultrasound, I am convinced by the reports that what is being shown by these tests, needs to be evaluated further. And as far as I know, the only way to do the ultimate evaluation is by stereotactic biopsy or surgical extraction. If anyone knows of anything else, I'd be very interested in knowing about it. I HATE invasive procedures!!!!

Every report out for the past seven+ years show Thermography to be far superior to mammography. The breast isn't squeezed into a pancake and it has been shown that on occasion mammography only serves to burst the tumor thus spreading the disease even further. Plus since even a pinpoint tumor shows heat it is picked up by thermograpy when unable to be seen yet by a mammogram...

This diagnostic equipment is quite delicate and super expensive plus takes trained tecnicians to operate it, and many clinics even hospitals have yet to get it. I doubt clinics are showing up everywhere offering this proceedure, they may be offering something similar, but not the actual proceedure...

From the American Cancer Society webpage:

"Newer and Experimental Breast Imaging Methods

Research in the field of breast imaging is continuing in order to:

* increase the number of cancers found before they can be felt by the patient or her doctor
* find cancers even smaller than those now detected by mammograms
* improve the ability to distinguish benign breast conditions from breast cancers

These tests all need further study before their usefulness can be determined.

. . .

Thermography (Thermal Imaging)

Thermography is a way of measuring and mapping the heat on the surface of the breast with the use of a special heat-sensing camera. It is based on the idea that the temperature rises in areas with increased blood flow and metabolism, which could signify a tumor.

Thermography has been around for several decades, and some scientists are still attempting to improve the technology for use in breast imaging. However, no study has ever shown that it is an effective screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer. It should not be used as a replacement for mammograms.

Newer versions of this test are better able to determine small temperature differences. They may prove to be more accurate than older versions, and are now under study to find out if they might be useful in finding cancer."

From www.breastcancer.org:

"Thermography, also called thermal imaging, uses a special camera to measure the temperature of the skin on the breast's surface. It is non-invasive and uses no radiation.

Thermography is based on two ideas:

* Because cancer cells are growing and multiplying very fast, blood flow and metabolism are higher in a cancer tumor.
* As blood flow and metabolism increase, skin temperature goes up.

Thermography has been available for several decades, but no study has shown that it's a good screening tool to detect breast cancer early, when the cancer is most treatable. The American Cancer Society does NOT recommend thermography as a replacement for mammograms.

Thermography may be used to supplement mammogram information and help identify cancers that are close to the skin. Still, thermography can't find cancers that are deeper in the breast and thermography can't detect small cancers.

Researchers are developing and testing new versions of thermography that some day may be more accurate."

Praise the Lord!!!! Everything turned out okay! Though it was horrendous waiting for the stereotactic biopsy results while having to deal with my broher's sudden & severe stroke, hosting a rehearsal dinner, and smiling through my son's wedding this Saturday, I did it .....and my luck has held yet another time.

Thanks to all who prayed and kept a good thought for me.

{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}} That's great news for you. Prayers to your brother.

Thanks so much, DD! He is only 57 and I pray he can get past the depression & anger associated with his right-sided paralysis, in order to have the maximum recovery possible.

(For those who have hypertension AND smoke....PLEASE think about quitting)