Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Katejo on January 21, 2015, 08:04:31 PM
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I have just received the above. I have read the leaflet and am aware of the possibility of a diagnosis which might otherwise never be detected. I think I probably will have it done but just wonder what others have decided. I am 51 and not aware of any signs/symptoms now :-\
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It's free. Go for it! Its every 5 years ……… although my cancer wasn't found on mammogram but on palpation.
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What exactly is 'on palpation'?
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Palpation is on self examination or "feeling"
Ariadne xx
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Every 3 years in Scotland. As it's your first one I'd get it done for sure. It's a tad uncomfortable but mammograms are over & done with quickly. Worth the discomfort I reckon.
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I have just received my letter. I have had them before. You should definately go for it Katejo
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Where do you live katejo? If you're in UK you should be called every THREE years (NOT every five years as stated above).
"In the UK, women between 50 and 70 are invited for breast screening every three years as part of a national breast screening programme."
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/breast-awareness/being-breast-aware/breast-screening
I had breast cancer at age 47 when I was still too young to be called forward for screening. Oh how I wish the screening programme included younger women, I might have avoided disfiguring surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy.......... To me, going for screening is a no-brainer - why wouldn't someone go? Individual choice obviously.
I am 51 and not aware of any signs/symptoms now :-\
By the time I was "aware of any signs/symptoms" my cancer was a large (average 5cm) multifocal mass, grade 3 and had spread to lymph nodes. Self-examination is important but mammography, although not perfect, can spot cancer well before it is discernible by the individual.
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I'm sorry tiger that you feel the surgery you underwent is 'disfiguring'. I never felt that, what I felt was that the surgeon was cutting out the bad bits. I still have the breast with a 'kink' above the nipple ::) - one stitch at the time which had 2 beads at each end ….
Sorry I digress. Katejo - do you have any objections or worries, if so, tell us ?
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I was called last year at 47 as part of a new trial of starting the scans earlier - apparently random as to who is called and I was one of the lucky (?) ones. It was a little uncomfortable but otherwise no problems and the staff were lovely and explained everything. Mine came back "normal" but I still check myself regularly. I'm in England - is this trial being rolled out all over the UK does anyone know? Must admit when I got the letter I thought they'd made a mistake!
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I check myself regularly, but will still be glad when I am old enough for the screening. I found something I was concerned about on self-examination a couple of years ago - went to GP and she knew straight away what it was, and that it was harmless and would probably disappear again (it has), BUT she found a lump I hadn't - she sent me to the breast clinic, and I had mammograms and biopsies. The lump was a harmless fibroadenoma, but the whole process brought home to me just how important the screening is - my lump COULD have been nasty, and despite my regular self-examination I hadn't found it ... mammogram would have spotted it.
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I've just been called to have mine - think it's my 4th one. I do always go but the statistics on diagnosis and survival rates are by no means clear cut. I am absolutely no expert on this but did read through the NHS booklet that came this morning with my invitation. This is what the leaflet says:
Approx 3 in every 200 women screened every 3 years age 50-70 are diagnosed with a cancer that would never have been found without screening and would never become life-threatening, leading to 4000 women per annum in UK having treatment they do not need.
It also says that "for every woman who has her life saved from breast cancer, about 3 women are diagnosed with a cancer that would never have become life-threatening".
...and that "survival from the disease has been improving over time, and now 3 out of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive 10 years later".
To me, one interpretation of this is that most of those who have survived could be the ones who were treated with a cancer that would never have become life-threatening - and therefore this skews the survival rates. We don't know whether the statement above (re survival rate) refers to all breast cancers or just those from screening...
Even despite all of this, if I was one of those who has a breast cancer that can be diagnosed from screening, that cannot easily be felt "on palpation", and which is a life-threatening form - there is no contest - have the mammogram. We never know if we are going to be one of those - and at the moment, according to the leaflet it is not always possible to tell if the cancer diagnosed is one of the life-threatening ones.
Therefore I'm going for mine - even though I do try to remember to have a feel every so often - and especially also because I am on HRT, and therefore any oestrogen responsive breast cancer that might arise (for whatever reason) will grow quicker than in someone post-menopausal and not on HRT.
I've had two lumps I found, investigated in the past when I was much younger and before mammograms - a fibroadenoma and a galactocoele (milk lump) - both harmless.
Hurdity x
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Some interesting points, ladies.
Yes, CLKD, the surgeon was "cutting out the bad bits" but, in my case this involved cutting off one huge bad bit i.e. the whole of my breast and axilla, plus the axillary nodes. So now I only have one remaining breast, hence why I refer to my surgery as 'disfiguring'. Good for you, that you never felt disfigured but I cannot deny that 5+ years on, I still don't think my top half is a very pretty sight.
Our different experiences of breast cancer only go to add to my assertion that I think it is better to attend screening and perhaps risk some short-term anxiety if stuff is found on a mammogram and then perhaps have to have a wide local excision ('lumpectomy' in old parlance) and perhaps radiotherapy than to be in a position where the full house of treatments is recommended and to live with ongoing concerns about metastases.
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Oh :hug: Tiger - I had time to think about my outcome as at the time the initial examination found nothing sinister. I also admire the surgeons who can stitch as well as most do: me, not being able to thread a needle ;). After 5 years does the result feel less 'disfiguring' for you?
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Hi - I am 51 too and have had 2 screenings and a recall. I started a thread in Private lives because I was so worried about the second one - the first one was rather painful. Have a look.
Anyway, my second experience was very, very much better. I took some painkillers before I went this time and it was absolutely fine. I got recalled :( and, after looking at the original mammograms, I had about 6 x-rays taken on the one side, which was awkward because the place they were looking for was right at the back, next to the chest wall. It didn't hurt and we were able to make sure she got the best shots of the area that she could.
I also had ultrasound, but no one could find anything. Probably two layers of breast tissue over each other on the original mammogram, which is more likely when breast tissue is denser and when you are younger. They were very very thorough and I am pleased they tried so hard, because even I thought the original mammo looked iffy.
I did find a helpful diagram with lots of coloured people to show how many were screened, treated, diagnosed etc, but it has disappeared from the NICE website during their recent upgrade - It was helpful so if I find it, I will post it.
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It is well worth taking something beforehand - I took 2 neurophen plus 2 hrs before, then 2 paracetomol an hour before, which I am sure is overkill. But, it did the job and it meant that when I went back for the repeats, I wasn't worried, and the radiographer could make a good job of it. :o
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I think I will do the same dahliagirl, good advice. PN x x
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Had mine last November, its was my 3rd and I must admit I didn't know whether to go or not? but I did and was very nervous waiting for the results :-\
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Just had mine (4th - actually 5th because had an extra due to recall on one of them) this morning - not a twinge or anything that could remotely be described as pain or even discomfort. Just a slight feeling of being squashed... I am post-menopausal though, and on HRT.
Just wanted to re-assure others that it doesn't have to be painful! :)
Hurdity x
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Had mine last November, its was my 3rd and I must admit I didn't know whether to go or not? but I did and was very nervous waiting for the results :-\
At the end of the day, if the prospect of feeling very nervous waiting for the results is worse than the prospect of picking up cancer at an advanced stage, then don't go for screening.
Just had mine (4th - actually 5th because had an extra due to recall on one of them) this morning - not a twinge or anything that could remotely be described as pain or even discomfort. Just a slight feeling of being squashed... I am post-menopausal though, and on HRT.
Just wanted to re-assure others that it doesn't have to be painful! :)
Hurdity x
Ah, the voice of reason, thank you Hurdity. I hear and read so much about mammograms being painful. I've had quite a few and have also felt nothing worse than the feeling of being squashed and slight discomfort leaning against the machine as I am slim and don't have a protective covering of fat.
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For me it's uncomfortable but in no way painful. I am slim too and the most uncomfortable part was being jammed up against the machine. It's over and done with so quickly.
I am due for one this year I think and I shall turn up like a good girl just the same as I turn up for a smear. Don't like doing it but I think we are very lucky to be offered this kind of screening.
Honeyb
X
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For me, my first mammogram really was painful. It was like a Chinese burn, that got more painful the longer I was squashed and with each repeated squash. I was sore for several days after and had two sore, itchy patches that came back each month. Once I realised it was the beginnings of mastitis, I took some ibuprofen for a few days and it settled. Unfortunately, as this was my first time, I knew nothing different.
The second time couldn't have been more different. I didn't feel a thing, partly because of the painkillers and partly because the operator was careful, lined everything up properly took only the two shots each side, was quicker, and did not leave me hanging on tip-toes. Even after the follow-up, where I had multiple mammograms with different attachments, I was only mildly sore afterwards for a couple of days, if I poked it.
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My second one was a week after my breasts had started to go down after a rogue month and still a bit sore, and it was still better :)
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Me too sparkle. Thursday afternoon. Dr has given me some diazepam as so anxious :'(
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Sorry to hear that - what did the letter say? When I had a recall the time before last they said sometimes the results aren't clear enough so they need to do them again but no mention of any abnormalities so I wasn't worried. Perhaps if you move slightly during the mammogram or your breasts were denser at that particular point? Fingers crossed that is the reason and all will be well. Do try not to worry but I can see it is hard not to do so.
Hurdity x
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I think I must be due to have another mammogram this year and I have to say I'm dreading it. The last one was uncomfortable rather painful, but I fainted last time and I'm terrified it'll happen again. :(
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Hi Sparkle I haven't had a period for over a year now. My mammogram in July 2013 was fine. I suffer such bad health anxiety anyway and panic etc, but I wasn't actually worrying about breast cancer, then wham a couple of weeks ago I noticed my left nipple wasn't as erect anymore like my right and I can feel more density behind it. GP said she couldn't feel a lump as such but agreed that more dense and nipple different so referred me to breast clinic. Feel ill with worry. Hope all is well for you on Friday.
Lindyloulou xx
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And I am constantly aware of my left!!!
:hug:
xx
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Dear Evenstar
Do make sure you are standing comfortably when you have your mammogram.
And make sure you are not holding your breath. It is easy to do when you are concentrating on standing in an uncomfortable position and anxious.
Best of luck everyone.
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I breathed throughout mine - perhaps that's where I went wrong ;D However, not told not to breathe in any of the follow-up shots either, and they were ok :)
When I went last time, with the lovely lady, I was comfortable and could breathe with no problems. (also drugged up to the eyballs - see above) I hope I get her next time. ::) The lady at the breast clinic for the recall was a real expert ;)
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Hi Sparkle, been thinking of you too. Not too long to wait now though. Feeling physically ill though with the anxiety. How are you? xx
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4pm tomorrow - not sure I will sleep tonight! Adding to the anxiety is the fact that I am travelling abroad next week to visit my daughter. If it is not good news don't know how I will cope. Not sure what they will do tomorrow at the breast clinic or if I will get any answers - do you have any idea? I wish I was more stoic!!
Big hug back
L xx
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Hi
My follow up at the breast clinic (having failed mammogram) consisted of:
Talk with the breast nurse and viewing of the pictures from the screening mammogram.
More mammograms, trying to find what was on the original mammograms (about 6 shots - it was right against the chest wall, so difficult to get at. The machine was more sophisticated and they could do a variety of different shots by changing the plates.)
Examination by the consultant radiographer and ultra sound with the nice mammography lady present.
In my case, they went off together and looked at the x-rays again, then came back did another ultrsound, very carefully, because they couldn't find what was on the original mammogram.
If they are not sure, after doing the above, they will do a biopsy to make absolutely sure, or investigate further. I didn't get this far and from what I can find out, only a small proportion of the recalls do.
In my case, they found nothing. They have a meeting at the end of the week where they look at all the cases where they are going to sign off, and make sure there really is nothing that they should have done better. Then you get signed off. There are really, really careful ;)
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I hope that yours works out as well.
There was a lady ahead of me. I don't thinks she was from the screening programme. She was expecting bad news and had a friend (who had already had treatment) with her. Unfortunately, it was not good news. They spent quite a lot of time checking her out and with the consultant. I had about an hour's falling asleep time whilst they did this, but I am glad they had plenty of time for her.
There was an old lady too, who seemed to be a regular. They made her a cup of tea before she left. I was very impressed with their care, and that they still had time for me, even though there was nothing there in the end. It was just before Christmas, so maybe a quiet time.
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Well I'm not going to say don't do it, but my 1st mammo led to 3 months of hell. I was recalled, had core biopsy, well 20 actually, they failed to get the tissue they wanted. I waited 4 weeks for bruising to go to have a mammotome, it was done twice again failed to get the tissue. On the 14th January I had full surgery. I am disfigured now. I got the all clear. I am depressed and anxious the stress has driven me to the edge. I know it was necessary but right now I feel destroyed.
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So sorry to hear this Sarai but probably better to have it done than for potential cancer to be missed? I hope you will heal gradually and completely so be gentle on yourself.
I wanted to give some good news from my point of view after my 4th (5th because of re-call) mammogram I recived the all-clear today which I am so relieved about. I was worried about my boobs as have a few issues, and as I've mentioned before have lumpy breasts, had had two lumps in the past and recurrent mastitis when I breast-fed my 4 children, as well as having been on HRT for 8 years.
I do hope the rest of you have good news following your investigations.
:hug: for everyone who is anxious about this - I have been secretly worried myself over the last couple of weeks too.
Hurdity x
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Hello Ladies and especially Sparkle, I hope everything went well for you today. Unfortunately for me not such good news. Cancer diagnosed and struggling to get my head round this at the moment obviously Just want to get on with treatment now.
:'(
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LindyLouLou, I wish you all the best. I'll be going for my mammogram next week. Here in the US it's recommended we get yearly mammograms starting at age 40 but I haven't had one in over two years.
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Thanks everyone. Back to see report wed and hopefully oncologist Thursday. Not coping just seeing all the doom and gloom at the moment.
xx
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LindyLouLou I really feel for you. I am ashamed that I'm depressed with the all clear but you must be doubly depressed. Did you have any results of the grade before surgery, do you know what you are up against yet?
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Not yet Sarai, Wednesday I suppose. Anyone else been through this - any reassurances of coming out the other end woiuld be good :'(
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I have two friends who have had and fully recovered. One of them now runs a support group in my town. ....might be worth looking to see if there is anything like that near you.
My sister in law has also had breast cancer and has just had her five year check and is great. She became a Bhudist during her treatment and said her helped her a lot. She still meditates twice a day and is probably healthier now than she has ever been.
It must be so hard to get your head round what is happening to you.
If you start a new topic it won't be lost here as there are a few other women on the forum who have been where you are and who will want to help.
Honeyb
X
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Hi LindyLouLou - I had the "full house" of treatment for breast cancer 5 years ago (endocrine therapy and genetic-related investigations both still ongoing). No detectable recurrences, pleased to say. You will know more once you've had your meeting at the hospital. I know how horrible this 'limbo' time is.
PM me if you want any info. Also the Breast Cancer Care website is very good and they have forum too.
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I do know many people who have gone through it and are clear now. One a woman now on 70's who had it over 20 years ago. I also knew a lady who had it and thyroid cancer but died in her 80's of old age.
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LindyLouLou, I have a friend who was diagnosed last August (just after losing her dad to brain cancer) and has been undergoing treatment. Just a few weeks ago she announced that she is cancer-free! I know it's overwhelming right now but there are so many women who have come through it healthy and strong.
Thanks Sparkle. Most health insurance plans will fully cover yearly mammograms for women over 40. Some states require it by law. My insurance covers them so I can have a mammogram every year and pay nothing.
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Hello Ladies and especially Sparkle, I hope everything went well for you today. Unfortunately for me not such good news. Cancer diagnosed and struggling to get my head round this at the moment obviously Just want to get on with treatment now.
:'(
Have only just remembered my original question and checked for replies. Really sorry to hear that you have had bad news. I went ahead and confirmed my appointment but it hasn't happened yet. Mine is on Tuesday 3rd. I am crossing my fingers. i haven't noticed anything so can only hope. One friend of mine opted not to have it done. She is a couple of years older but I remember her telling me.
i am slightly surprised at some peoples comments re. periods. I haven't had any for a whole year now but this is my first invitation to have a mammogram. I had expected to get one when I was just 50 but I am now nearly 52. I was also surprised to read that it could be very painful. I was expecting discomfort but not real pain.
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I had one a couple of weeks ago and it didn't hurt at all, not even mild discomfort.
Libby
x
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Hi katejo - I was nearly 53 when I had mine. You are supposed to be offered them every 3 years once you reach 50 but it depends on when the mobile unit does the rounds I think (ie every 3 years ours comes). I'd obviously just missed the one which came just before I was 50 (you would think they would ask people who were near 50 a bit early!). Hope it goes well.
Hurdity x
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I had one a couple of weeks ago and it didn't hurt at all, not even mild discomfort.
Libby
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How long did you have to wait for the result? Are you in the UK? I have just completed a form to take with me and they ask if they can email me re. follow up if required.
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I usually get a letter within 10 days. I ought to have a look-see to make sure when the mobile truck is in our area during 2015 - but only remember in the early hours ::)
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Mine wazn't painful, just a little uncomfortable. My letter came in 10 days (south-east). PN x x
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Today was my birthday and i really didn't want to get the letter (unless it was good news). Of course fate worked against me. the letter had come and I have to go to another appointment at Barts in London on Friday. I am now really scared. When i had the first one done, the lady seemed to have some trouble doing it, perhaps because my breasts are really fairly small. i am hoping that she didn't get an adequate picture. I haven't seen any changes or felt any lumps. i just have the muscular discomfort under my left arm. :'(
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Oh katejo, I am so sorry. I can understand how worried you must be, we all dread getting that letter. If she had trouble then that's probably what is wrong and they just need to do a double check.
Friday will soon be here, do you have someone who can go with you for support?
I will be thinking of you and hope everything is ok. Please let us know how you get on. :hug: (http://:hug:)
Hard for you not to worry, but try to remain positive.
Did you do anything nice for your Birthday. Rotten timing with the letter
Sending a big hug with lots of strength inside. PN x x
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Thanks for your replies. Birthday was ok. Had meal with friends. Now can't sleep.trying to tell myself that I have found no lumps or nipple changes but worried because they have called me back so quickly.
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katejo, I too had a call back after my first mammogram. It turned out that one of the images was blurry.
All they did was take another one and a doctor checked it there and then, and gave me the all clear.
Try not to worry, it's hopefully a similar technical blip.
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Thanks Sparkle and Rosebud57
I was partly reassured to read that 8-9% of first timers get called back. Their letter had the line 'We need to do this for some women before we give a definite result'. I am hoping that this indicates a likely result in my favour. It also said that a letter had been sent to my GP about it. Does that suggest that they might have found something to check?
I rang the nurse at Barts today. Wanted to see if they would give me any indication at all. Asked whether results weren't clear or whether they suspected a possible problem. Was told not to worry too much. Said it was because i am a first timer so they couldn't compare with previous record. They want to check a small area of tissue on the left. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.
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Katejo - I'll be thinking of you, with everything crossed! Mine turned out to be calcium deposits on the left when the pain I'd been worrying about was on the right. When they compared it with my one 3 years ago apparently they could see that they had been there then but because technology has improved in that time they could see it better and that it hadn't changed in the three years. It was a case of making sure they weren't missing anything. Glad the chat with the nurse was reassuring for you.
S x
All is ok! :) But I had a really stressful morning. They were running late and i was there for 3 whole hours. Didn't see anyone for 45 mins after appt. time. They showed me the original mammogram. They thought there was something on the left breast but it didn't show up on today's mammogram. They also did an ultrasound just in case but it was ok. Just pleased that i didn't need a biopsy because I would have had to wait another 2 weeks for the results.
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Well done katejo! Really pleased for you.
Must have been horrible waiting but good you had the news you wanted.
Sending hugs
PN x x
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Result :cheer:
I said it would be ok. Most of the time its a technical blip.
Now you can relax. :)
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I am going for post birthday drinks this eve with a friend who couldn't make it on wednesday. :)
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Glad everything was ok for you
I was called for my first one last year, almost age 48 then, they are trialling 47/48 yr olds for their first mammograms, I think they are doing the same with younger women for smears too
Xx