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Mammograms?
Yep, we're getting personal.
Back story: My mom passed away from breast cancer (and bone, and liver) at 35 years old. She went 3 years, undetected with inflammatory breast cancer (very rare, and there are no traditional symptoms, ie, lumps), before she was diagnosed at 33 with it. She was given 6 months to live, and went on to live 2 years.
Anywho - here I am, almost 27 years old. I had a well-woman exam and my doctor is a little peeved that I haven't gone in for a mammogram yet. Considering she's ordered them for me since I was 23. (The rule of thumb is 10 years younger than the age your mother was when diagnosed)
Well, I've made 3 appointments, and found a reason to cancel every.single.one.of.them. I had one for tomorrow, and yes, I just cancelled it. (work's too busy, Cadence needs me home, I need to wash my hair... ugh!) Bottom line, I'm scared shiiiiiiitless. I remember exactly how everything went down with my mom and I'm so freaking scared to have it happen to me. Sad to say that 15 years after she passed away, it still affects me like it does.
Have you had one? What was your experience? Any words of wisdom to make me NOT cancel my next one?
Re: Mammograms?
Like Anna, I have never had one personally nor been through what you have been through, but I would really encourage you to go. It is a few minutes of discomfort each year for what will hopefully be peace of mind for you and your family.
I've had 3 and although I was also scared sh**less, I got there and was like, THIS is what everyone is so upset about? Physically, I thought it was nothing. It didn't even hurt at all. Granted, it depends on the tech--the second 2 weren't quite as comfortable as my first one but still, they are certainly not unbearable by any stretch of the imagination. The worst thing is having to stand still for the amount of time it takes for the tech to walk back and snap the picture.
Although I can't look at my boobs when they are all flattened. I have to look away.
Of course, none of this addresses your psychological fears, which are understandable. BUT--even if you were to have a problem (and chances are you won't), catching it early gives you a much, much better chance of surviving. What kind of chance will you have if you don't?
Have you thought about having the test to see if you are genetically predisposed? I know that is hard to think about, but having had a mother die of it, it might be worth a discussion with your GYN. Also, I guess I don't have to tell you how important self exams are, as well as regular yearly visits to your GYN. I just saw my GYN, and she tested my Vitamin D levels as relatively new studies suggest that increasing Vitamin D in women can improve their breast health.
But regular mammograms should be at the top of your list of preventative measures. If you don't want to do it for yourself, do it for Cadence.
With All the Trimmings
Just do it!
Like Lacey, I'm curious about the mammogram vs. sonogram. Maybe it's different for you because of your mom?
I get being scared shiitless. I had to go in last October for 2 lumps and I have to have them routinely checked for 2 years to check for any growth. Thankfully I love the lady I have to see so that makes it a lot better and I've been a lot better since my first visit.
Would you feel better if someone went with you? You may think that is a bit silly but in all seriousness, if that helps you, grab Andrew and have him hold your hand.
I haven't had one but you need to keep it.
My background is that my dad's mom had multiple forms of cancer and breast was one of them. I asked my OB/GYN about having one when I was about 25 and she said that mammograms were unreliable for women under the age of 35. I was a little befuddled but none of my doctors have ever felt that I needed one after doing an exam in the office. I do them myself but they've never said "Hey, yeah, you've got cancer in your family so go get one." I think I'm going to have to start being a little proactive.
I understand why you're scared. Going to the OB/GYN scares me because I have several direct female family members who have had issues down there, including my mom, my dad's mom, a grandmother, great aunt and great grandmother. I had such a scare in 2005 (and it was really bad) that I didn't go back again until last year. Please go. It will help ease you into this and it will hopefully get easier to go. Hugs to you.
So I know what you are going through. My dad passed away 7 years ago from skin cancer. I saw all the crap he went through fighting it, and what it did to him. It scares me that I have the same skin, hair, freckles, etc that he did, and so I am more susceptible to this disease. However, I go to a dermatologist every year and get a full body exam for anything that looks odd and may be a sign. My hope is to catch it early enough that I won't have to go through what he did. (if something happens)
Putting it off does not mean that it won't happen. Go for Cadence. Hopefully nothing will ever happen, but if it does, the odds are so much better if you catch it early.
Have you shared with Andrew that you keep making and canceling appointments? Maybe he can encourage you to keep it. Heck, I'll be your buddy and encourage you to go, and even go with you if you need it. But find someone that can encourage you, call you, or go with you, so that you have that support and, er, accountability...
Michelle & Michael
Married - August '10
TTC - Since September 2011
I don't have a long lecture or touching story about why you need to go.
But try to think about how you felt when your mom passed away, and then imagine your daughter going through that. Early detection is almost the only way to stop cancer before it can do permanent harm in so many cases.
You'll feel better after you go, because you know you're doing everything you possibly can to be proactive about your own health. For yourself and Cadence.
That made me giggle!
But I agree with everyone else...so, so important for you to go especially because of your family history!
If you need support, I am sure there are Nestie that would not mind going with you (like PP said)
Michelle & Michael
Married - August '10
TTC - Since September 2011
This is great advice.
I am sure going is scary and it sucks, but you can can do it!
Ha, thanks Summer for the tough lovin'.
Thanks ladies. My sister and I had an at-length conversation about it. Apparently she's been putting hers off too. She has the same GYN as me, so we are going to a Mammo appt together.
Bio
Good job.
I agree with pp, please do it for yourself and for Cadence. I don't have a touching story either, but I had a sonogram done once before bc my GYN found a lump. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing, but I was glad I had it taken care of.
I do know that you have a whole family of lovely Nesties here all supporting you. You can do it girl! :~)
That's great!
LOL, people smooshing boobs isn't something to look forward to?
Bio
If you're into that sort of thing...
Duh.
Yay and so glad you have you sister to go with.