Mammorgrams

vickilf

I would like everyone that had a mammogram and the mammo didn't show that you have cancer to write here and let me know. 

  I want to take this and my test results to blue cross and ask them to pay for thermography tests and mammograms.  I had 3 mammograms and they didn't show my IDC.  I don't know if it will help, but worth a try.

peggy_j

I hear your frustation.Yes, I know of 3 women whose tumors were not found by mammograms. Clyn is right: mammograms are tools but they aren't perfect. 

Can you doctor's office go to bat for you? I think if they make a strong recommendation, you may have better luck. Can you get a breast-MRI? My understanding is that they have better resolution than the mammogram (even digital mammograms) and are less controversial than thermography. My surgeon requested a B-MRI prior to my lumpectomy--though we needed insurance pre-approval.

NatsFan

Count me in - 6 months after a clear mammo I found a lump. It turns out I had multi-focal tumors with lymph node involvement, all not seen on a routine mammo.  Yep, I had dense breasts, but no one ever suggested any alternative screenings, despite the fact that my mom died of b/c.  Good for you for being your own advocate.

Notice I said I "had" dense breasts - they're long gone, replaced by perky DIEP reconstructed breasts.  I opted for the bilateral mx - if they couldn't find cancer in one breast, what's to say that it might not pop up in the other breast and be missed again?  I wasn't going to take that chance.

As everyone has said, basic routine mammos are a good tool, but they are not the be all and end all of b/c detection.  Good luck!    

IllinoisNative

I would support a thermogram if only because of the radiation the mammogram gives off.  They do have their down side.  And given how often I need one, I'd prefer an alternative. 

Houndmommy

A mammogram found my IDC but missed the ILC and a 3.6cm DCIS.  I have small, dense breasts.  Good luck!