tips for better mammogram?

[margo49]

I think those forums are good if you have a really specific question eg Did you gain weight on Aromasin, Do you have joint pain?
Better than wading thru technical and medical stuff. Which is what you are "employing" your oncologist to do (or have done) actually.
But you can freak yourself out if you read just for general info and women's stories. The latter you can get waiting for appointments and as the chemo drips () and people are friendlier when face-to-face than when online too.

[redrhodie]

Just had the MRI. I held still very well for the whole time. The noise was not that different from some of my bf's pieces of music (he'd consider that a compliment). He plays electronic music. I felt right at home. I couldn't hear much of the actual music I was listening to (I chose The Shins, which was too soft), but I could hear the song changes so I had a good idea of how much time had passed. That really helped. I kept telling myself to relax, which also helped. I went back to my childhood, when I'd "dead-man's float" in the swimming pool, holding my breath for as long as I could to freak out my parents. Funny what you think about in those things.

It took a half hour, not including set up time. You lie face down with your breasts in 2 holes in the table, with an IV in your arm, and headphones for the music. It's like a massage table. Just one tech, and she was excellent. For anyone who has to have one of these, it's not bad. The half hour didn't feel as long as the crit race I did last summer. That was way worse.

Next appt next week, and I probably won't know more until then.

[szsz]

Just had the MRI. I held still very well for the whole time. The noise was not that different from some of my bf's pieces of music (he'd consider that a compliment).

That's how I felt too, like I was at a rave. I actually didn't mind it but I was ready for it to be over when they put the cold dye in. One issue with MRIs is false positives; I got two which were proven as such in a followup ultrasound / biopsy. So don't freak, the false positives are common, wait till you know definitively what is going on before you freak

I haven't chimed in till now, but feel free to PM. I had stage 2 er+ pr+ diagnosed in Feb 2010. I had a mastectomy followed by a tram flap reconstruction. Am now on Tamoxifen. A couple minor things going on here and there but I am doing great.

I've been keeping you in my good thoughts (I've been lurking here.)

[Blueberry]

Continuing to think of you, red - and send positive vibes.

I'm impressed with how calm, cool and collected you seem to be. You certainly don't have to be/aren't expected to be - but it's nevertheless impressive.

[redrhodie]

Thanks so much szsz. How long until you could ride again after that surgery? Does the tummy part have a big impact on cycling? I understand a little what you've been though, mentally, with making tough and scary decisions. I can't imagine the physical part. So glad you're here and doing well!

Blueberry, I'm handling it okay. Anger comes out on the bike, the rest of the time, I'm not angry or even especially sad about my diagnosis. I'm scared of things being painful and my body looking bad. I know it shouldn't matter as long as I'm healthy, but it matters.

[szsz]

Thanks so much szsz. How long until you could ride again after that surgery? Does the tummy part have a big impact on cycling? I understand a little what you've been though, mentally, with making tough and scary decisions. I can't imagine the physical part. So glad you're here and doing well!

Let's see, I had the surgery in April 2010 and another little followup surgery at the end of May but looking back at my training records I started out with shorter (12-14 miles) rides in June and throughout July and August with a 20+ mile ride here and there. I haven't really done a ride over 50 miles since the surgery, but a lot of that has to do with opportunity. I need to get myself a group to ride with consistently now.

(And, we did ski the following Feb and it was fine.)

Also, although I was in the hospital for 4 days, I was up and walking the hallway by the 2nd day and I walked every day after. Little by little, but just getting up and moving.

My surgeon recommended the tram / stomach surgery so as to have minimal impact on cycling and skiing. The other alternative is a surgery where they take the muscle from your back, but he said that would be a no-go with me being a cyclist.

The best part of the whole thing was being so healthy going into it. Having good muscle tone to begin with, as I'm sure you do.

Whatever you decide, you are going to be fine! And you are going to look great.

[redrhodie]

Wow, szsz, it's amazing that you were back on the bike so soon. That is very encouraging!

[szsz]

I went slow, though. But yes, I worked closely with my surgeon and we both had the same goal: Return me to the life I had before.

[redrhodie]

I've been keeping busy, but I thought I'd update. I got a call today from the wife of a guy I ride with, who also had BC, and is my age. It was so nice of her to call me, because we've never met. I got a lot of info, and she's going to be a great resource for names of doctors for second opinions, should I need them, and I think we're going to be good friends. Having this in common, at this age, is an instant connection. She's going to be a great asset. Now, if I can get her to the Sat ride...

Monday is the day when I get the pathology report, and the recommendation from my doc on how to proceed, based on all the tests and the board review. I've been reading a lot so I'll be capable of understanding all the info, and a friend is coming with me to the appt to take notes. I've learned a lot in these few weeks. That's been kind of cool. I know about stuff I'll never need to know, just in case.

Telling people is really interesting. I can't really predict how they will react, but when I think about it later, it makes sense. One good friend, who is amazing in her ALWAYS upbeat attitude, who never gets even a little depressed, said something to the effect of a mastectomy being a bowl of cherries, compared to some of the alternatives. The same day, another friend was horrified that I might have to have that, and understood the fear I feel. Lots of creative empathy, because I see both of their points. Good friends have been asking to let them know if there's anything they can do. I realized that I'd probably like hospital visits if I'm in there a while, so I'm telling them that. There's not much else I need.

I'm so lucky.

[Crankin]

I would definitely come and visit while you are recuperating.
Just keep us posted.

[redrhodie]

Crankin, that's so sweet.

[indysteel]

Red, it's sounds like you are doing a wonderful job of taking care if yourself emotional and physically. I am truly in awe of your strength and positive attitude. I mean this sincerely: I really wish I knew you in real life.

Please keep us posted as to the path report.

[pll]

Red, it's sounds like you are doing a wonderful job of taking care if yourself emotional and physically. I am truly in awe of your strength and positive attitude. I mean this sincerely: I really wish I knew you in real life.

Please keep us posted as to the path report.

+1. Best wishes, Red.

I will add that I wish I knew many of the women here in real life. [Thank you Team Estrogen for bringing together such a fantastic community.]

[redrhodie]

Thanks, guys. The feeling is absolutely mutual! I think of you as good friends. I wouldn't be surprised if our paths meet someday.

[indysteel]

+1. Best wishes, Red.

I will add that I wish I knew many of the women here in real life. [Thank you Team Estrogen for bringing together such a fantastic community.]

That is very true. I wish we could have a TE convention!!