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#151532 - 06/18/08 07:55 AM
Mammogram
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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So, I went for it a few months ago. Been recalled once. They said: "Nothing to be alarmed about. Just a technical problem with film." Now being recalled again! Eh? I say, I say.
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#151537 - 06/18/08 06:04 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Anno]
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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I did ask her to define "technically sound" and enquired as to whether the "light shading" was still present in the recent film. She did not give further details as I suppose it was not in her jurisdiction to do so. So one can safely presume the comment was towards the procedure and I await further news from the Dr. Will keep you posted.
Oh...I fell asleep watching an early Cary Grant film.
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#151538 - 06/18/08 07:11 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Lola]
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Registered: 12/21/07
Posts: 138
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Lola, Prayers are with you..waiting on mamo results must be one of the most stressful ordeals a woman endures. At my last one after the week wait 'yep a week!', just to get a letter telling me to make another appt. Of which one wasn't available for 5 days, then another week for results of the 2nd appt (where they did the mamo + ultrasound)...I got the results by calling, then by mail..3 weeks after that my Dr's office calls to tell me everythigs fine?...DUH-de-DUH-do! Just wanted to let you know this Boomer Sis feels your frustrations & hopes for the Very Best for You. Diddley on technical terms and jursidiction, 'it's our boobs, tests & $..Talk Lab Tech!' Do keep us posted, it's helpful to have a listener that dosen't make light of our fears. A dear friend of mine told me the stats on breast cancer and the odds being remote. Simular to what Dotsie mentioned, it helped..but I still wanted to scream. Very natural to be a bit unnerved, but think positive. QB
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#151539 - 06/18/08 07:15 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Lola]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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One thing Lola that has been achieved re breast clinics here is that no time is wasted. I had the scare last year and it was handled so seamlessly..From the first phone call till the outcome There was a crowded waiting room each time .Scans then ultrasounds .. three visits then thankfully a benign diagnosis for me. The unsung heros...who work way late to give reassurance.. I think locally the team reflect a high quality service nationwide.In part thanks to all women do to help each other.The Moon Walk..etc.
Praying you are reassured soon.
My neighbours brother is the specialist in Glasgow.He says things are good when treatment is needed such is the breakthrough in research .
Mountain ash
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#151540 - 06/18/08 10:30 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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Registered: 12/21/07
Posts: 138
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Mt Ash, The UK must be such a medical friendly place to live. I have "transplant" friends there and it seems their care is far more personalized than it is here in the states. Not that my Transplant care is lacking anything, it's just all slower response and Good luck talking with anything but a computer for the first 5 minutes. At my mamograms they even have you address your own envelope IF you'd like to get your results mailed to you. Otherwise you can wait to hear from your doctor.
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#151541 - 06/19/08 02:36 AM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: QBall101]
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Member
Registered: 11/11/04
Posts: 3503
Loc: Colorado
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Well, I had great care and compassion during breast cancer. I don't think the odds are remote. Just ask anyone who has a mother who died of breast cancer, or its relatives, such as bone, brain, and lung cancer. That's where the breast cancer likes to go. When a woman has an indication that a lesion needs to be further examined, she'll "usually" get a phone call right away. Ultrasound can catch some things that are unseen by mammograms, or define "light and shadow" more clearly than mammogram. I hope none of you ever has to experience this cancer, once or once and again. PL
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#151542 - 06/19/08 06:08 AM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Princess Lenora]
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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Thanks, Ladies. Quote:
One thing Lola that has been achieved re breast clinics here is that no time is wasted.
Quote:
When a woman has an indication that a lesion needs to be further examined, she'll "usually" get a phone call right away.
Precisely how it was prior to my hysterectomy and I trust immediate attention remains the same if and when result gives due concern. The recalls followed each other closely (it was I who had to re-schedule appointments thrice because of prior engagements), so it is quite assuring that one is monitored.
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#151543 - 06/19/08 03:00 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Lola]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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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
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#151544 - 06/19/08 03:19 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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Registered: 12/21/07
Posts: 138
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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
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#151545 - 06/19/08 04:10 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: QBall101]
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Founder
Registered: 07/09/08
Posts: 23647
Loc: Maryland
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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.
Edited by Dotsie (06/19/08 07:54 PM)
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#151546 - 06/19/08 05:57 PM
Re: Mammogram
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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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!
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#151547 - 06/19/08 07:19 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Lola]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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What's ten inches Lola...could be worse.
You do know I'm kidding lol
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#151548 - 06/19/08 07:53 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: Lola]
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Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
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Lola..good luck!!!
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"some sacred place.."
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#151549 - 06/19/08 08:23 PM
Re: Mammogram
[Re: humlan]
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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Thanks, Humlan. Yep, MA. I was told that the other went through the whole maze
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#151550 - 06/28/08 05:35 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: Lola]
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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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.
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#151552 - 06/28/08 06:36 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: ]
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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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.
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#151555 - 06/29/08 08:51 AM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: meredithbead]
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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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.
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#151557 - 06/29/08 07:12 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: jawjaw]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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Lola so relieved that all is well
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#151558 - 06/29/08 10:03 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: meredithbead]
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Member
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 3404
Loc: USA
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Quote:
... don't forget the breast self-exams even with a clear mammogram. ....
I do my breast exams with a light weight T-shirt on, or in the shower with lots of soap... seem to be able to feel more with these methods...
So glad all is well, lola.
One more thing... in a recent study of spiritual roots which cause diseases and symptoms of diseases, I learned that cancer in the breast is right in there with other diseases - I think the instructor to the conference claimed up to 80% of illnesses have a spiritual root. Breast cancer was particularly interesting, because he claimed that, if it was spiritually rooted, it had to do with an unresolved problematic relationship with a female (not his words exactly, but you get the gist)... And, that the breast effected by the cancer is indicative of which type of relationship to a female --- if I remember correctly, cancer in the right breast indicates an unresolved relationship issue with someone like a mother in law. If I got this side correct, then the other indicates an issue with a blood relative, i.e. a mother. Something like that. Well, I thought it was interesting... bought the book... so, if anyone wants to test the theory/practice, PM your symptoms (not your problems), I'll look it up and tell you the spiritual roots. Or, if you want, post them here.... help me make us of my $24.95 purchase...lol
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#151561 - 07/01/08 07:28 AM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: Lola]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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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
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#151563 - 07/01/08 01:36 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
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Member
Registered: 06/23/06
Posts: 3703
Loc: London UK
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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.
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#151564 - 07/03/08 06:14 AM
Re: Mammogram Update
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Member
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 3404
Loc: USA
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Quote:
Your son sounds precious. I've heard of daughters doing that, but not sons!
He does sound like a jewel. I wanted a son. Glad I have my girls, who are both jewels to me. But, I would have liked to try my parenting skills on a boy. I'm grateful the Lord saw fit to give you a good one, Lola...and know that your parenting had a lot to do with the outcome.[
Quote:
gims, I'm scared sh*#less that I might get cancer in my right breast after reading your information about mother-in-laws. LOL! Unfortunately, our relationship deteriorated when the kids were young teens. Very sad...
dotsie, you had me laughing so hard!!!! I should have cancer in my right breast, too.... if I fall into the spiritual root percentage. I am so ashamed of how I let my relationship with my M-N-L deteriorate. She was a very good woman/person.
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#151565 - 07/03/08 08:16 AM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: gims]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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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.
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#151567 - 07/04/08 06:19 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
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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
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"some sacred place.."
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#151568 - 07/05/08 08:04 PM
Re: Mammogram Update
[Re: humlan]
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Founder
Registered: 07/09/08
Posts: 23647
Loc: Maryland
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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?
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#160203 - 09/18/08 04:49 PM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: Dotsie]
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Member
Registered: 11/08/05
Posts: 1211
Loc: NJ
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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.
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Josie
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#160236 - 09/18/08 07:54 PM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: Dotsie]
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Member
Registered: 11/08/05
Posts: 1211
Loc: NJ
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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.
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Josie
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#160249 - 09/18/08 10:31 PM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 02/17/05
Posts: 10032
Loc: New York State
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#160286 - 09/19/08 05:42 PM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 11/08/05
Posts: 1211
Loc: NJ
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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!!!!
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Josie
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#160324 - 09/20/08 03:34 AM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: chatty lady]
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Registered: 11/13/07
Posts: 90
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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."
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#162611 - 10/14/08 06:00 PM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: Mij]
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Member
Registered: 11/08/05
Posts: 1211
Loc: NJ
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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.
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Josie
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#162625 - 10/14/08 07:16 PM
Re: Mammogram: Waiting for Results
[Re: Dancing Dolphin]
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Member
Registered: 11/08/05
Posts: 1211
Loc: NJ
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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)
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Josie
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