Concerned about mammograms

dp4peace

Anyone choosing NOT to do mammograms? I am concerned about cumulative radiation as I have already had 11 in 6 years. If I do one every 6 mths as recommended, I will have 19 by the time I'm 50! My naturopathic Dr. recommends alternating ultrasounds and MRIs. I have recently had a RODEO MRI which was clear. I had a close margin after partial mast. and then re-excision Oct 2011. I did not do radiation and I am taking very strict holistic path for risk reduction. My surgeon said I would probably not get MRIs covered by insurance if I don't do mamograms. Anyone have any experience/advice to share?

barbe1958

Donna, you get radiation every day from such obvious things as the sun, to more obscure things like the paint on your walls! There are electronic waves all around us, at checkout counters, airports, hospitals and so many other places. You have to personally weigh the risks and benefits for yourself and be comfortable with your answer.

barbe1958

Don't worry, someone else will come along shortly with a really LONG post with lots of links to try to prove me wrong. You'll get lots of info from her, but I tend to keep things simple, without building fear or giving false hope.

Sue-61

DOI?

barbe1958

Is DOI an accronym for something or just for the doi sound?

leaf

Well, barbe, if you're referring to me I'm going to disappoint you.  I totally agree with you and I am one of your biggest fans.

barbe1958

So you know who I mean, don't you? ehehehehehe. Looks like I finally scared her away from posting!!!! I swear she stalks me all over the board..... She takes 4 or 5 paragraphs to say what I say in one sentence, then expects applause when she's done!

beacon800

Since you already had DCIS and didn't have radiation, you know you are at higher risk for reoccurrence. If it were me, I would not hesitate to have mammos every 6 months. If you let it go and find invasive cancer after it has become clinically manifest, you will undergo many treatments a whole lot more toxic than mammos.



My sister had this kind of fear of mammos. She lives in the UK where they don't do them til 50. I had to practically kick her into it.



Good luck and good health to you.

Sue-61

OMG, Barbe, so sorry you misinterpreted my post as I seldom post at all!  I just LOVE reading what you say as you are one smart cookie. DID NOT MEAN ANY HARM at all and we all love and support you and do such enjoy your persepctive on all things. YOU  are also pretty  darn smart/ creative/witty, etc. I love reading what you have to say. I also love your chunky jewelry; your atristic talents, and your general perspective on life in general. And gawd you are so young looking...........thought you were one of my daughters...............The DOI was not meant for you personally at ALL!  If you took it that way, I do sincerely say I am sorry.

YOU have created the best phrase I have ever heard in my life..............THE BIG DOI...........Sweetie,love you! My best, Sue

barbe1958

Sue-61

yep re the DOI............that Barbe has created! LOVE IT!