I'd never really thought very much about mine until a couple of weeks ago. Mine aren't a terrific pair by any means but they have nourished both of our children and served me well throughout my 46 years. Anyway as you know I decided to have a mammogram with Breastscreen NSW for no particular reason except my new doctor mentioned that you don't have to be within the target range of 50-69 years to participate in this invaluable program. I had my mammogram and minutes later headed off to donate blood and never thought much more about the mammogram. We don't have any family history of breast cancer and although my breasts are both lumpy after a few bouts of mastitis I have never felt anything abnormal when I do my monthly breast checks in the shower.
Well I got a phone call a few days later, they wanted to see me the next morning at a Breastscreen NSW clinic in a city 2 hours away from here.............don't panic, ''you have an area in the upper outer quadrant of your right breast that needs a further mammogram, an ultrasound, a consult with a couple of doctors and a possible biopsy in the afternoon". I was stunned but made the appointment for 9.15am the next morning as suggested. It's apparently not unusual to be recalled after your first mammogram as the radiologists have no prior views to compare your mammogram results with..............I know this I'm a nurse. I felt calm and ready for what's to come until I phoned Dear Husband and ask him to take the day off work and come with me to the appointment. What if? Surely not!
I didn't sleep well but arrived for my appointment on time and I have to say the women who work at Breastscreen NSW are a wonderful group of professional women who just make you feel very comfortable swanning around in your white gown for hours while attending all the tests and consults. I actually was feeling so relieved that I had decided to have the initial mammogram because early detection is your best weapon against breast cancer. I met a lot of other women all older than me in the waiting room and they were a scared bunch of women and the saddest thing is that 1 out of 10 was going to get a bad result that day. I am very relieved to tell you it wasn't me but I am so going to have my mammograms done every odd year from now on and seek medical advice in-between if I notice anything abnormal in my breasts appearance or feel.
The 3 Step Breast Check Shower Card designed by Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation. Every girl should have one of these in her shower and you can get your free card by emailing Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation. Click to enlarge this card above if you want to do a self examination right now!
7 comments:
It might be awkward, and a little uncomfortable, but like so many health checks, it's so much easier to do them regularly than risk your health. So happy that your result was clear. X
You had me a little worried there for a while, but so glad all was good in the end. I had my first one recently. A little pain is bearable, for peace of mind. Regular checks is the best way to go. Heather xx
I rang on Monday for an appointment thinking it would take at least a few weeks to get in, but no they said come on Wednesday. So yesterday I had my first mammogram!! And yes a bit of discomfort is all worthwhile in the end! I'm thinking I'll possibly get a call back as well!
I rang Breastscreen NSW on Monday for an appointment thinking it would take at least a few weeks to get in, but they said come on Wednesday! So yesterday I had my first mammogram! And yes a little bit of discomfort is all worthwhile in the end! I'm thinking I may get a call back like you as well!
One of my friends was the unlucky 1 in 10. She's 36, has a six month old and two year toddler and now has one breast which she can no linger feed her child from. Breast cancer can be so cruel. Think yourselves incredibly lucky if you are one of the other 9 that day.
One of my friends was the unlucky 1 in 10. She's 36 has a two year old toddler and 6 month old and now has only one breast which she can no longer feed her baby from because of the drugs she's on. Think yourself incredibly lucky if you've had a lump and walked away clear of cancer.
Good on you for your blog. Everyone's story needs to be told.
I encourage everyone I know to have a mammogram regardless of their age as my lump would not have been picked up if I hadnt had previous mammograms to compare too. Cancer doesnt wait until you are over 50 to raise its ugly head. I was lucky my lump was removed before it had a chance to complete its transformation. Keep up the good work.
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