Ladies who are monitored every 6 months..How do you deal?...

bebe51

I am so glad all of you are here.  This helps me a lot.  I was dx back in Feb with ADH and I have a strong family history with bc.  I have been having mammograms since I was 30 (52 now) due to my mom being dx with bc at 43.  My mom comes from a large family of 10, 9 being girls and one boy. 5 have been dx with bc, out of that, 4 have tested positive for BRCA2 gene, which 3 had bc,  1 tested neg for the gene but was dx with bc and 1 I'm not too sure about her history, she is very private about her health.  I have always prayed that if this is the journey I have to take then please let it be caught in the early stages.  I drive myself crazy from time to time trying  to figure out what to do.  PBM with recon, what kind of recon, you all know what I'm talking about, and since I found this sight, I don't feel so alone.  I will have my first MRI August 3rd at MD Anderson here in Houston.  BS suggested about tamoxifen for the ADH but I don't know about that just yet.  I decided to do the 6 month monitoring for now.  I just want to say thanks for all who post and helping all of us newly dx ladies through it.

Anonymous

bebe---did your mom test positive for the BRCA gene? have you been tested yet ? If not, you might want to consider it, as it would help you with your decision making.

anne

bebe51

Anne,

Yes, my mother is one who tested positive. My sister and I have decided to go together and get tested.  She is having issues with her insurance, but if it is not fixed soon I guess I will just have to go by myself.  I know that it would answer some questions and give me a little more knowledge as to what direction I will go.   

TLeVay

In 2005, I had my first mammogram.  I was told to return every 6 mos, which I did.  No family history.  No risk factors.  And no reason was ever given for the 6 month return, which I faithfully did for 2 years.  I was never given a reason during those two years as to why I needed to return.  NOTHING.  I stopped.  Well, today (3 years later), I found out FINALLY that they "were following something."  My next mammogram is Aug 5th.  Do I regret not going every 6 mos?  I will soon find out.  But not sharing with me that "You are following something." didn't help me either. 

alligans

My 6 month followup is coming up.  I've started to freak out again.  I really hate how a month before these appointments I feel like my life comes to a standstill.  I fear making any plans because I get a doomsday feeling that the fibroadenoma will change and that I'll need another biopsy (core was a very painful procedure for me...felt like no lidocane was injected and the radiologist told me he gave me all he could) and that my whole life will turn upside down.