I could be the poster child for getting mammograms!

Therockandrollmom

To begin with, I am a 42 year old, married 22 years, mother of an Army Ranger and a freshman in college. I have no family history of ANY cancers or underlying health conditions other than high colesterol. I personally have Ankylosing spondylitis.

As my topic line suggests, I could be a poster child for mammograms. I put off my first mammogram for two years. Why you ask? I was terrified to do a breast self exam and thought having a mammogram would hurt. As I have no history, I felt I would be safe. I told all friends and family that I would be ok to not have one.

Since January 2, 2015, I have now had 6! As fate would have it, when I finally succumbed to pressure and made the appointment, it was discovered that I had a small Golf ball sized calcification. I will start at the beginning. I arrived early for my appointment and was taken back and told to undress and put on the dreaded robe. When it was my turn to go for imaging I was told up front that afterwards I should expect a postcard In the mail saying all was fine and they would see me in a year. I have never wanted a postcard so badly. Needless to say, I was not to be so lucky. I had already gotten dressed when the radiologist ran after me asking if I had time for a doctor to review the images. Sure I said while really thinking of all I had to do that afternoon... Grocery shop for a dinner party that night that included my son and his fiancé, his best friend, and an Army buddy that my husband did 3 tours in Iraq with! Clearly I wasn't planning on a delay here.

The doctor reviewed images and requested more. Now I had to undress again and be anxious and uncomfortable. Images taken, I was asked to allow time for doctor review. Still in front opening gown, I was escorted into the friends and family room, only no friends or family were present. I was told I had a 'small Golfball sized calcification' rated a BI-RADS 5 and told I have some of the densesed breast the doctor has ever seen. After discussion with two doctors, a nurse came in to schedule biopsy. I insisted on waiting almost 3 weeks as my son was in town and is soon deploying again. What a long wait! Worse than most things in my life. I had a stereotactic biopsy yesterday and all I can say is you know a man devised that uncomfortable table!!! I had 5 samples taken and should get results tomorrow.

I know my writing is long and maybe tiresome to some but I wanted to express my gratitude for this site and the solace it has thus far given me. I also hope that someone will read it and find it humorous and upbeat. I also wish someone who dreads the thought of mammograms and their possible outcomes choses to not wait 2 years to have their first one. I remain hopeful for a negative result.

gapeach79

Therockandrollmom,

Thank you for sharing your story with us.  I believe we sometimes think we're too young to worry about breast cancer, or if we don't have any symptoms, we simply just don't have the time to worry with mammograms.  I find myself being a little of both.

I had a lumpectomy in 2005 (at age 25) for a benign fibroadenoma.  A couple of years later, I had another mammogram for a lump, but turned out to be nothing.  That was probably in 2007-2008.  Here we are today.  I'm 35 and have 2 lumps in my right breast.  I've been aware of them for almost 2 years, but have dismissed them until now.  I've had sharp, shooting pain on and off for over a year in my right breast.  After thinking long and hard on it, I decided I needed to get a mammogram.  Thanks to Healthcare Reform, a mammogram is considered a preventative exam and covered 100% by insurance.  I honestly should have had it done before now, but life caught up with me.  I had a paternal aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 and died at 39.  I should know better than to wait, but we sometimes do.

I'm glad you finally made the decision to have your mammogram.  I know it was probably scary and no doubt the biopsy was brutal in and of itself, but I also know you're thankful you didn't wait any longer.  I hope your results come back normal.  I'll be keeping you in my prayers!

 

Therockandrollmom

Results in from biopsy. DCIS, ER+, PR+, Stage 0, Grade 3. Not completely what I was expecting. I have an appointment with breast surgeon Tuesday, January 27 at 1300. Great family and friend support. I will check in after next Tuesday. Thanks for all of the prayers and support. Best wishes to all those awaiting results! Stay Positive!

gapeach79

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Sending hugs a good vibes your way!