tips for better mammogram?

[Blueberry]

redrhodie-

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - you attitude is such an inspiration You really are amazing! I hope that your enthusiasm encourages those you encounter through this process to change their lives for the better.

There are a few people on TE (you included) who routinely inspire me - and I very much appreciate it!

[indysteel]

redrhodie-

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - you attitude is such an inspiration You really are amazing! I hope that your enthusiasm encourages those you encounter through this process to change their lives for the better.

There are a few people on TE (you included) who routinely inspire me - and I very much appreciate it!

+1,000! Red is one of my TE heroes.

[Catrin]

+1,000! Red is one of my TE heroes.

Indeed! Reading of your commuting adventures during the winter is causing me to think about trying it when the weather warms...you are indeed one of my heroes!

[redrhodie]

Aw, thanks, but I still stand firmly a slacker, and part of that is living by Maillot Pois' tagline, which I think is something like "if it's easy make it easier, and if it's hard, don't do it." I got that right?

Luckily it's not hard; not like learning to ride a bike at 50. But if you get anything from this, I hope it's that it is so easy because I caught it early. If I had to go through more surgery and chemo, I wouldn't be so glib.

Oh, and the commute is shorter than my regular one to work, so even there I'm slacking off. I usually ride more than this.

[malkin]

What a slacker!

[OakLeaf]

Red, you're amazing. Keep right on.

[maillotpois]

Aw, thanks, but I still stand firmly a slacker, and part of that is living by Maillot Pois' tagline, which I think is something like "if it's easy make it easier, and if it's hard, don't do it." .

you got close!

And I agree - you are a complete rock star!

[marni]

red, you go girl !

marni (another survivor)

[redrhodie]

Another week down! I'm more than halfway done with radiation. I am feeling pretty tired, but I'm still riding. I'm so glad the lbs canceled today's ride, because it would have been too much for me. I rode an easy paced 18 miles alone instead. Felt great, but now I'm wiped out. My skin still looks good, and I have a little tenderness, which might be unrelated to the rads.

I met with a new OBGYN to discuss contraception, and that was an eye opener. I thought I'd get a diaphragm or cervical cap, but instead was told those weren't good options for me, since I need something more failsafe. I'm scheduled to get an IUD in a couple of weeks. My other choice was tubal ligation. I can almost hear the creaky steel door of my fertility slamming shut (which is okay, since I never wanted kids). I'm almost looking forward to menopause. I'll be reading your hot flash stories with envy.

[sookiesue]

My OB/GYN recommended Essure for those who are certain they do not want kids. Apparently it's a very simple procedure and much easier than tubal ligation. I think there is another similar procedure available now (can't remember the name) that might be worth exploring if you're looking for a permanent solution to birth control. But I also know a number of women who have been happy with the Mirena IUD - although since that does have some hormones it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Is a vasectomy for your partner an option? : )

Good luck with your decision, and I hope you continue to do well with your treatment. I have followed this thread and am amazed at your positive outlook and strength. You are inspiring!

[Crankin]

Glad you are still getting out there, especially in this no winter winter we are having.
How many more weeks of treatments do you have?

[redrhodie]

I'll be done around Valentine's Day.

Essure was one of the methods discussed. I chose the Paragard IUD over the other options for a few reasons. It's non hormonal, a short in office procedure, and will last for 12 years, long enough to get me through. It works right away, too. Essure is surgery, it takes 3 months to form scar tissue, so you need a backup during that period, then there's another procedure where dye is injected to make sure it's working. I could see doing that if the IUD doesn't work, but at this point, the Paragard seems like my best option.

Vasectomy is not a great option for us.

[maillotpois]

I'll be done around Valentine's Day.

What a great Valentines gift!

[redrhodie]

Actually, I got it (Paragard) yesterday! My cycle has a mind of its own these days; let me tell you, 10 days early was a fine how do you do. I knew that mattered for insertion, so I called to reschedule and they fit me right in. It was pretty much a surprise party. Very fun. Actually, it didn't hurt (aside from a little fainting later). I rode today. I might be tougher than Jens Voight.

[Blueberry]

Actually, it didn't hurt (aside from a little fainting later). I rode today. I might be tougher than Jens Voight.

Fainting and riding today? Yeah - I think you are tougher. Seriously - you are a rockstar!