I don't want my annual follow-up mammogram

radgal

My breast cancer surgeon called me yesterday. I thought, "wow, they're congratulating me on our one year anniversary!"

I listened to the voicemail--it was a reminder that I'm scheduled for a bilateral mammogram this Monday as part of my one-year follow-up.

I don't want to go. I have only had two mammograms in my life. My second one waslast year because I was having lab tests and decided on having the mammogram since I was already there at the doctor's office.

I am forever grateful to be cancer-free; can't we just leave it at that?

I don't ever want a mammogram again.

A huge part of me says, "no mammogram means stay in denial" but the other part of me says "no mammogram and your thinking will constantly torment you until it'll be too late!"

I'm scared. I just have such conflicting feelings about mammograms since last year's diagnosis

KBeee

You need to get you mammogram. Denial does not make trouble go away. It only prolongs it. Hopefully you will get the big all clear

radgal

Appointment today. Anxious but going regardless

radgal

Bilateral mammogram DONE!! Thank you for giving me the courage to get this done. My favorite technologist did my scan and that was a great comfort as well. I really, really needed to hear from you how this first year post-op mammogram was critical. Thank you so much for helping me get through this!

KBeee

So glad you got it done. Hoping you get the big all clear soon.

Smurfette26

Can relate to your feelings radgal. Hope your results are all good.

My one year mammo (Left Only) and Ultrasound is next Wednesday. I see my Dr the following day for consult, results and physical exam. Time to write my list of questions. Sigh.

radgal

Dear everyone,

Thank you sooo much for giving me the courage to get this first-year post-op mammogram done.

Just got the results -- negative. So grateful for you helping me get through this. Thank you!

KBeee

Great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smurfette26

Congrats

hidip

hi all, had a hysterectomy March 2015- got pnemonia was sent for a CT scan diagnosed with grade 1 breast cancer and 4/21 nodes had a lumpectomy plus total auxiliary lymph node removal - clear margins - radiation and now on letrozole - side effects aching joints memory loss and fatigue - oncologist said, after CT Scan and radioactive scan - both clear- no need for concern! My breast is extremley sore and tender, next appointment mammogram - don't think I can go, much too sore - would another CT scan be appropriate? The CT scan picked up breast cancer in the first place? Not the mammogram - radiologist has already said I would probably be a candidate for recall as I have scar tissue - don't think I can go through this again especially as so sore and tender - thanks to you all xx

bluepearl

It isn't a wise thing to do...avoid mammograms...as your are at risk. I was scared too but mammograms found not only the first but the second as well, despite the 5% chance of getting it in the other breast. If you think waiting for a mammogram is frightening, what about having left an early lump sitting and turning into a stage 4 when it could have been treated successfully if caught early? My sister has stage 4 now because she didn't want "to know" and didn't like the idea...despite my warnings. Had she went the first time around with my breast cancer, she wouldn't have had a metastatic spinal collapse and 3 years to live. So PLEASE...follow up!!!!

Hopeful82014

Pauline, in addition to watching for any future problems, it's very important that you have this upcoming mammogram as they will need a new baseline with which to compare your future mammograms. Otherwise, you may indeed find yourself (needlessly) being called back for additional imaging because they will see the scar tissue, etc., and need to investigate it further.

In addition, CTs expose you to much more radiation than a mammogram; you can't go on doing them in lieu of mammograms!

Do yourself a favor, just have the mammogram, and save yourself trouble and grief later.

No mammograms should be done until six months after completion of RT in ordinary circumstances. If you're beyond that time frame and still very sore, have a talk with your NP about means of minimizing discomfort before and after the mammogram.

hidip

Hi thanks for all your replies, I know it makes sense. I spoke to a McMillian Nurse and she informed me that a CT Scan at the NHS Manchester hospital (and is state of the art) takes two minutes and uses about the same amount of radioactivity as a mammogram - the down side is that I would have to pay privately - as this is not available to BC patients under NHS guidelines - so at least I have a choice. She said that as well as being a patient, I am a person and we are all different - what upsets one person, doesn't always bother another. I have had a mammogram - just concerned about pain from surgery site, but I have time to think - my daughter is a nurse in a hospice and my youngest is a paramedic so they have researched for me and they have both said the decision is mine, as long as I do something to follow up they are more than happy. Many Thanks

MaggieMae123

Congratulations! Just had mine in October and they told me then and there that all was well. Such a HUGE relief. Best of luck to you in the future!