tips for better mammogram?

[redrhodie]

Starting radiation on Tuesday! Yay! That means, no more surgery!!!!!!!

The radiologist went over all the statistics of getting a larger margin. The evidence boiled down to a few percentage points better for staying cancer free with additional surgery (in which I would lose my nipple), but no difference in survival rates if I chose to move on with the too-close margin. Survival rates are the same, close to 100%, for either choice. More surgery would also mean for both breasts for cosmetic reasons, and additional reconstruction procedures. It wasn't a hard decision for me. I know a lot of women choose mastectomy for an even better chance of no recurrence (and I can understand that; it's often the best decision), but I'll still have that option if I need it later. In fact, it will be my only option, so I'm taking the chance to spare my breast while I can.

Oh, and I had another mammogram today, thinking back to the title of this thread. It's really no big deal! Actually, none of this has been that bad, so I hope I've inspired some of you to start doing self exams. If I hadn't found this so early, I'd be looking at a lot more effort in staying well than I am right now. This is a piece of cake. Okay, some of it was scary, but nothing has hurt, and I don't need chemo. I hope this hasn't scared anyone away from mammograms. I feel very, very lucky. The latest test came back clear.

For your info, radiation doesn't hurt, make you nauseous, or make you lose your hair. There are some risks, but most of them are minor, related to skin, and feeling tired. It's a few minute procedure 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

I'm also probably going to take Tamoxifen, since my cancer was Estrogen+. I'll let you know about that later.

[szsz]

Hey Red, this is such great news. I've seen women go through radiation in my support group and they all did fabulously. You'll want something soothing and aloe-like to use after treatments, but get instructions from your radiation oncologist, there are specifics dos and don'ts with the topicals.

*Happy dance for you* !!!

I'm in year two on Tamoxifen so I can chat with you about that if you like. The side effects I have had have been manageable.

[margo49]

Good news!
I was sweating for you as I had to have re-surgeries because of a very aggressive grade cancer and too close margins...
Yeah it all looks better in retrospect...bit like life, really
How many rads are you in for?
Early Christmas prezzie!

[Catrin]

Red - I am so happy for you, and relieved as well

[redrhodie]

Good news!
I was sweating for you as I had to have re-surgeries because of a very aggressive grade cancer and too close margins...
Yeah it all looks better in retrospect...bit like life, really
How many rads are you in for?
Early Christmas prezzie!

That could be my fate as well, so I'm hoping they got it all. My cancer was stage 0, grade 2, and there's nothing else viewable on either MRI or mammo, so my fingers are crossed that microscopically, everything is out!

30 rads coming to me! That could be part of that song. Happy Christmas!

[indysteel]

Yay, Red! I hope radiation goes smoothly. Here's hoping for a very bright and cancer-free future!

[redrhodie]

Everybody sing!


2 mammogaaams
1 ultra-sound
1 excisional biopsy
1 MRI
2 months of worrying
and 30 rads-a-comin' my way

[margo49]

My cancer was stage 0, grade 2, and there's nothing else viewable on either MRI or mammo, so my fingers are crossed that microscopically, everything is out!

Happy Christmas!

Really great numbers!

[pll]

Amazing news, Red. Happy holidays!

[maillotpois]

I cannot believe I have missed this thread for so long!!! Wow you have been through so much (I just read through all 12 pages) and your attitude has been amazing. I am so glad things have taken a more positive turn. I will be reading this thread more regularly now. Good luck with the radiation - huge hug to you!!

[Crankin]

Keep riding, Red.

[redrhodie]

Oh I'm planning to! I'm probably even going to ride to my rads. 10 easy miles from the park and ride, on days I don't work.

I'm going to need new bras. I love my Ibex ones, but I'm probably going to be too sensitive for wool. The best thing after the surgery was cotton camis with a shelf bra, so I may just get more of those. It's funny, I never thought I'd be able to wear just a cami out, since I've always been too modest, but this has changed that.

[Aggie_Ama]

I just caught up as well, not realizing this thread wasn't only about getting a mammogram. A positive attitude has never hurt anyone when kicking cancer's butt, seems like you have one. (((HUGS)))

[redrhodie]

Today's appt ended up being just a CAT scan and set-up for the rads, no treatment, yet. I did get the 3 tiny tattoos (one needle prick each) for guiding the machine, since you have to be placed in the exact position every time. Rads start next Thurs.

Christmas was great, easy, and with the 3 people I love most. We watched the latest Woody Allen movie "Midnight in Paris" which was fun. I got nicer presents than I gave, which is not supposed to be a good thing, but it didn't seem to hurt. I've given myself a lot of breaks during this. I'm getting totally spoiled.

[szsz]

I've given myself a lot of breaks during this. I'm getting totally spoiled.

You're doing this right!