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Post by Outspoken on Mar 2, 2018 1:17:02 GMT
I am 9 months post reduction - G to a C cup - and I am due for my mammogram. The office calls me twice a week. I’m avoiding it. My scars still hurt and frankly, I’m scared! I know I have to go. But, I’m still so scared! But, I am loving my little boobies. They ain’t pretty, but to me, they are wonderful! As a well blessed 32h, how bad was the surgery? I am now 44 and have wanted it since I was 18. Never did it. At this point, after nursing 2 kids, I’m thinking it might be time. I was a 42G. I was 47 at the time of surgery. The first week was touchy. I was sore and there was blood and stitches which was expected. But, my doctor told me to TAKE THE PAIN MEDS. I didn’t listen the first 2 days, but then I wised up. Pain meds were my saving grace the first week. After that, it got lots easier. I’m so glad I did it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 20, 2024 15:36:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2018 3:52:33 GMT
I have to go annually now (was every 6 months for two years) and I am so dreading it this time around.
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Post by librarylady on Mar 2, 2018 4:17:59 GMT
I guess the place I use has good technicians because they are not as bad as they were 20 years ago. I had a 3D one this year and it was less discomfort than I have had in the past.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,433
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Mar 2, 2018 6:36:37 GMT
As a well blessed 32h, how bad was the surgery? I am now 44 and have wanted it since I was 18. Never did it. At this point, after nursing 2 kids, I’m thinking it might be time. I was a 42G. I was 47 at the time of surgery. The first week was touchy. I was sore and there was blood and stitches which was expected. But, my doctor told me to TAKE THE PAIN MEDS. I didn’t listen the first 2 days, but then I wised up. Pain meds were my saving grace the first week. After that, it got lots easier. I’m so glad I did it. Thank you! I'm a firm believer in staying ahead of the pain. 2 c-sections taught me that one!
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Post by underwatermama on Mar 2, 2018 6:46:22 GMT
If men had to do them, everyone would be approved for an ultrasound every year. Guaranteed.
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Mar 2, 2018 16:48:28 GMT
For me and my bodacious tatas there isn't much that hurts more. It isn't as long term as some of my many other pains, but during mammograms I often have tears running down my face. i have big ole boobs too - dense ones and i'm lucky that it doesn't hurt me as much as some of you are experiencing i ever come out of there feeling very good about my boobs tho nothing like seeing how big they are when they are stretched and flattened! gina
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Post by mcscrapper on Mar 2, 2018 17:01:46 GMT
You would think that the US would be better, right? The way it was explained to me is that starting with an US would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The mammogram tells them where to look. The US takes a much closer look at a very small, specific area. My skin tends to tear also. One of my previous facilities used something called a "mammopad" that that was a disposable, cushy pad that they put over the plate and around the corner so it was more cushioned. I asked my current screening facility about it and they said that they feel that they don't get as good of results. I will say that I had a great tech this year. She didn't put nearly as much pressure as some do (so does that make her better? Or worse? Hmmmm). Either way - it was much more comfortable. The worst are the side views when they have to get all the side boob and underarm tissue. It's uncomfortable and awkward and I find myself praying for it to be over. I've run into so many of my friends at the facility where I go, we've decided that we should just plan it out several months in advance, all go together, then go out for drinks and tacos after! LOL. I think my place has these pad thingies too. I really don't think my most recent mammogram was as bad as the ones in years past. What hurts me so badly is the pulling of the skin from under my armpit area. Ouch!!! And I LOVE this idea of a mammogram party!!!! Tacos, tequila, and titties!!! Mammograms and margaritas!! SaveSave
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Post by scrapmaven on Mar 2, 2018 18:13:18 GMT
This is my first year possibly almost post-menopausal. It's been months since my last cycle and I know that at any minute I could have another one, but I could also be in menopause. I'm hoping my first menopausal mammo is not super painful, but I'm prepared that it might be. elaine, can you plan something fun for yourself after the mammo so you have something to look fwd to rather than just dreading an appointment? Wishing you normal findings and no problems.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,620
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Mar 2, 2018 18:28:30 GMT
I think density of tissue might had something to do with not only how hard they have to squeeze to get a picture, but in the pain response. Adipose tissue (fat) is easier to see through and IME hurts quite a bit less when compressed. I have dense breasts (I have to get an ultrasound after my mammogram because they are so dense) and they've never hurt me either.
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River
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,515
Location: Alabama
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:04 GMT
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Post by River on Mar 2, 2018 18:48:02 GMT
The first time I ever had a mammogram, the technician said, "Just flop your left one on up there." Well, honey, mine have never flopped a day in their lives. I only got to a nice really full B cup with pregnancies. So it takes a contortionist move or two to get enough of mine in the plates to get a view. Fun times. I can't say it's all that painful, but it sure as heck is uncomfortable. It takes forever to get good pictures, I just don't have enough to flatten. I don't have pain thank goodness, but they are always telling me "please stop moving, it's slipping out of the plates". I'm NOT moving lady, nor am I breathing! There's just not enough to stay put no matter how much you squeeze them.
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Post by Basket1lady on Mar 2, 2018 21:04:17 GMT
Are they offering you a 3D mammogram elaine . I have dense breasts and had to have follow up ultrasounds every year since I was (38) - really bad family history. Finally last 2 years no call back with the 3D. My insurance pays for it because of long history of additional imaging necessary - but even as a straight patient request it’s only $20 more for my practitioner/insurance - I asked before getting approval. If Fort Belvoir or Walter Reed have 3D Mammogram machines, I will certainly petition to get one! I am limited by whatever technology the local military hospitals have invested in. With Tricare Prime, I am limited to what the facilities have to offer, unless I can get them to send me out (highly unlikely). Elaine, I'm also Tricare Prime and I've found that pushing back gently can have a lot of effect. When you have your follow up, tell them how much it hurts. That the machine is tearing the underside of your breast, and that your breasts still hurt the next day. I've found that giving a push back with direct info will sometimes stop the platitudes and you can get some helpful advice or they can revise the treatment to best suit you. But I'd talk to your doctor, not the staff there. I had a biopsy done a few years ago at Belvoir and I was ASTONISHED at how rude they were. DH went in with me for the actual procedure and went in uniform. They were as nice as pie. Why are they nice for him, but not for his wife? And yes, same staff. DH stepped out to take a work call and in those 15 minutes, they actually accused me of being addicted to pain pills because I wanted to take Advil for my imminent period. Which I had been told to do because of crime scene bleeding. Then I bled all over that nurse (from the biopsy incision) when she did my follow up mammo to check the clip placement. She was so mad because blood was all over her shoes. Darn, Karma took care of that quickly! I saw my PCM yesterday and I'm always amazed that I have to say what antibiotic I want and for how long. Luckily I have a very good friend who is a pharmacist and we chat a lot about meds and pros and cons. I was also asking for a gastro consult and she didn't want to give it, in spite of agreeing with my symptoms and possible diagnosis. She wanted to wait a month, but also wasn't willing to do any testing in the mean time. No. Just no. I told her that it had been a year, that I didn't see the point in being a month down the road with no further info, and that I was uncomfortable with her treatment plan (which was simply wait and see.) For specialists (the actual doctors), I've had great service and luck, both at Walter Reed and at Belvoir. They seem to care and take the time to talk over your issues. But the staff? What is it? I know they've seen it all and heard it all, but really? Your sick/injured/vulnerable and the staff just seems to gleefully pounce on that. In 28 years, I've been treated about 50/50 between Army and Air Force facilities. I just haven't found this to be true with AF facilities, except for the staff at March AFB in the early 90s. Granted, about 10 of those 28 years has been the the Capitol Region. But still--what is their training that allows them to treat patients like this? We're all military patients, not junkies off the street. But even junkies deserve to be treated politely! Climbing off my soapbox now... I've spent too many years in military clinics!
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Post by elaine on Mar 13, 2018 16:46:06 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck.
I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back.
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Post by KelleeM on Mar 13, 2018 16:48:59 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. FUCK!!!! There are too many of us here who have been in your shoes but we’ll all be here with you every step of the way. I won’t spout any of the platitudes that you don’t want or need to hear. Bottom line...cancer fucking sucks. Hugs.
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Mar 13, 2018 16:51:20 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. Damn it. I'm so sorry. I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Friday. I am angry and sad for both of you. Please keep us posted and lean on the peas for strength. Big hugs... SaveSave
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Post by Zee on Mar 13, 2018 17:05:02 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. Oh I'm very sorry to hear this.
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Post by donna on Mar 13, 2018 19:19:29 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. Well, that is some very crappy news. Hopefully, the radiologist is wrong and this is not cancer. No matter what we are here with you. Hugs
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
Aug 28, 2015 22:31:17 GMT
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Post by AmandaA on Mar 13, 2018 19:23:55 GMT
I am so sorry Elaine. I hope it is much ado about nothing, but would be spewing f words if I were in your shoes too.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,179
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Mar 13, 2018 19:24:51 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. That sucks! I'm sorry to hear it. Please keep us posted as much as you are comfortable with sharing.
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Post by Mel on Mar 13, 2018 19:25:05 GMT
Ugh!! Definitely praying for better news!!
I just had my yearly mammo today.
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Post by pierkiss on Mar 13, 2018 19:28:07 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. I’m sorry to read this. I’m going to hold out hope that it’s not cancer. We found out my sister in law has breast cancer today. I have had enough of people I like getting smacked by the cancer stick. This fucking sucks. For everyone.
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,884
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Mar 13, 2018 19:32:41 GMT
Oh no! I'm sorry, Elaine. Make sure you bring someone with you to the appointment. And have them take notes on what the doctor says.
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Post by Zee on Mar 13, 2018 19:39:56 GMT
elaine be prepared for things to move very fast. IME radiologists are rarely wrong when they put themselves out there like that. Mine said to me and the nurse "that looks real" during my biopsy, and he was right. Though I would certainly bet he'd be happy to say he was wrong, and that would be fantastic news for you! But the good news is that you will have a team and won't be doing it alone. I think most facilities have cancer navigators now, nurses to guide you through the treatment process. And of course you have all of us here, many (too many) who have been there and made it through. Please keep us up to date, I will be rooting for you. Take a notebook and a support person to every appointment (I know you know that, but sometimes caregivers aren't the best are caring for themselves). Threads like these help show just why those shitty mammograms are so important. Hugs
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Post by Lexica on Mar 13, 2018 19:42:27 GMT
I just got an automated phone call from my provider to let me know that I am due for mine now too. I am no stranger to pain, but mammograms are just off-the-chart painful and they have not made any progress or modification in the testing procedure since I first had mine squished many years ago. I have fairly large breasts and every person that has ever performed the test has manhandled them yank them around as if they were capable of being detached. They keep trying to get me to get closer and closer and to lean in more and they shove more tissue in until I swear they are going to have my neck under the glass. I am sure there is a less barbaric way to go about these tests, but they probably cost more. I would be willing to pay the difference if it meant I could skip the boobie sandwich.
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,637
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Mar 13, 2018 20:01:57 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. Oh no! I’m so sorry. Please keep us updated. Sending positive thoughts.
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Post by elaine on Mar 13, 2018 20:13:34 GMT
elaine be prepared for things to move very fast. IME radiologists are rarely wrong when they put themselves out there like that. Mine said to me and the nurse "that looks real" during my biopsy, and he was right. Though I would certainly bet he'd be happy to say he was wrong, and that would be fantastic news for you! But the good news is that you will have a team and won't be doing it alone. I think most facilities have cancer navigators now, nurses to guide you through the treatment process. And of course you have all of us here, many (too many) who have been there and made it through. Please keep us up to date, I will be rooting for you. Take a notebook and a support person to every appointment (I know you know that, but sometimes caregivers aren't the best are caring for themselves). Threads like these help show just why those shitty mammograms are so important. Hugs Thank you. Yes, I was a little floored today by the quick timeline laid out by the Radiologist. Military medical personnel don’t tend to be over-sharers, so I was trying to take it all in. I am bringing dh with me to the biopsy tomorrow, because I realized that it is hard to listen/track while my head was reeling. Both the radiologist and then the scheduler gave me a bunch of info followed by - “do you have any questions?” To which I could just parrot back the last line they said and nod. Dh will be able to keep track of the info sharing side of things better than I will. Everyone needs to stay on schedule with mammograms. Painful as they can be, they are crucial.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,976
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Mar 13, 2018 20:55:50 GMT
I am sorry to hear your news Elaine.
I went for a mammo today and it wasn't as bad as I remembered. Still a little painful, but nothing like in the past. Maybe the tech makes a difference. Good thoughts coming your way.
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valleyview
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Mar 13, 2018 21:04:29 GMT
elaine, this was my experience with breast cancer. The radiologist who did the biopsy also gave me his very strong belief that it was cancer. Being prepared for the news helps slightly. Take me a bit of time to wrap your head around it all and start a list of questions for surgical consultations. As KelleeM noted, there are plenty of us here with a variety of experiences.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Mar 13, 2018 22:14:40 GMT
Oh elaine, so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you.
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,123
Jul 1, 2014 20:20:18 GMT
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Post by rickmer on Mar 13, 2018 22:17:03 GMT
wow! i had no idea. i had my first one just over a month ago. while it wasn't fun and pinched a bit, i would rather have a mammogram every week over a pap once a year. i HATE it with a passion. i cry pretty much every time. combination of discomfort and the sense of violation are just horrible. never mind when she drags that comb thing to get the sample, i just about climb right up the table. ugh. i am sorry mammograms are so uncomfortable for some but guess it's better than the alternative.
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Post by mom on Mar 13, 2018 22:25:36 GMT
Well, fuckity fuck fuck. I guess that one of the reasons it hurt so badly this time was that I have a “large ugly mass” in my left breast. Biopsy is tomorrow. Radiologist said he didn’t want to sugar-coat it and that he’d be shocked if it wasn’t cancer. Next steps to be scheduled Monday or Tuesday after the pathology report comes back. oh Elaine. I am so sorry and hope it turns out to be whatever the 'not cancer' option is.
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