A 180 on Breast Cancer Self examination

[alum]

I think this is a dangerous trend. First we are told that self-exams are unnecessary and now mammograms?

Nothing in my genetic history or lifestyle choices would have increased my risk for BC yet I was diagnosed with BC just after my 43rd birthday. I noticed a lump while in the shower and had it examined ASAP through mammography and ultrasound. Whatever images the radiologist saw caused enough concern to require a core needle biopsy which confirmed the malignancy. After a lumpectomy, re-excision, chemotherapy, radiation, adjuvent drug therapy, and ultimately a bilateral mastectomy/DIEP, I am in remission. The oncologist recommends that my daughter to have a baseline mam when she is 23 (20 years younger than my age when diagnosed). I hope this recommendation won't change.

I wonder if insurance companies will cover mams for <50 women who think they feel something that ultimately turn out to be nothing or for young women with family history.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by alum

I think this is a dangerous trend. First we are told that self-exams are unnecessary and now mammograms?

Nothing in my genetic history or lifestyle choices would have increased my risk for BC yet I was diagnosed with BC just after my 43rd birthday. I noticed a lump while in the shower and had it examined ASAP through mammography and ultrasound. Whatever images the radiologist saw caused enough concern to require a core needle biopsy which confirmed the malignancy. After a lumpectomy, re-excision, chemotherapy, radiation, adjuvent drug therapy, and ultimately a bilateral mastectomy/DIEP, I am in remission. The oncologist recommends that my daughter to have a baseline mam when she is 23 (20 years younger than my age when diagnosed). I hope this recommendation won't change.

I wonder if insurance companies will cover mams for <50 women who think they feel something that ultimately turn out to be nothing or for young women with family history.

Aren't you glad to hear that your cancer being discovered isn't worth the emotional stress of false positive mammograms in women under 50? How are you doing, by the way?! Haven't seen you around in awhile.

[alum]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Aren't you glad to hear that your cancer being discovered isn't worth the emotional stress of false positive mammograms in women under 50? How are you doing, by the way?! Haven't seen you around in awhile.

The last procedure resulted in major complications that required a 16 day stint in the hospital (7 in ICU). 150 leeches and 21 transfusions later, I am still in remission although there will be more surgery in a couple of months to correct the last procedure. Thinking about the LAT Flap...

[FSUZeta]

i am concerned that this is a precedent that is setting us up for rationed healthcare, should a universal healthcare bill be passed. if we get used to mammograms after 50 and every 2 years now, then rationing other procedures will be easier for us to accept.

i think that there are enough women whose lives have been saved by having a mammogram in their 40's that detected breast cancer, that the recommendation should stay as it is.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by alum

The last procedure resulted in major complications that required a 16 day stint in the hospital (7 in ICU). 150 leeches and 21 transfusions later, I am still in remission although there will be more surgery in a couple of months to correct the last procedure. Thinking about the LAT Flap...

OMG...I'm so sorry to hear that! I'm glad you're disease is in remission. Good luck with the rest of your reconstruction. Stories like yours makes me happy that one group doesn't get to make the rules for everyone...