I definitley do the monthly self-exams, in fact, probably more than montly, probably more like bi-weekly when I'm in the shower. My breast tissue isn't dense, so I'm low risk for b/cancer.
There is a lot of cancer in my family actually (I myself have had two bouts) but no breast cancer on either side so I'm low risk for that as well - plus, there's some evidence that women who have birthed children and have nursed them have a lower risk, which I've done, etc.
It's more than some discomfort for some people - my sister fainted, and we both went with my other sister for moral support whose screams we could hear from the hallway!
I'm having an MRI shortly (for headaches) and I figure that although they're not looking for breast cancer, they'll see if if it's there - in the same way that last year they did an ultrasound of my ovaries and noticed kidney stones, and a couple of weeks ago when they did x-rays of my head and upper spine (for the same headache issues) and found out that I have Kyphosis -
Mm. My judgement says that if it squashes you enough to hurt, it's squashing you enough to CAUSE damage.
The more of us who boycott invasive procedures, the sooner they will apply something less invasive/painful for the same purpose-- such as ultrasound for mammograms. Don't they have it already for colonoscopy?
I'm dodging the downstairs variety, these months - since Dottoressa is so very attentive about my weight and blood pressure, she'll probably not be too happy with me ;-p.
It's on the plan somewhere, though. Early next year.
A bit of good news fits here, too: No more period since may! And no more migraine!! Go, me :-D!!!
I get the bobbie squish once a year. Just had the last one in July. I go across town (20 minute drive) to an imaging office because I know that the techs there are very good. They have to get the breast flat enough to get a good picture, but they expect you to tell them if it is getting painful. The view is it doesn't have to be painful to get a good picture.
My breasts are unfortunately a bit big (I weigh too much) so a little pain is unavoidable, but all in all it's over very quickly and things are back to normal by the time I get my shirt back on. :-)
It's uncomfortable for me too, for similar reasons. The worst part is when they try to get the entire armpit in there as well (at least that's what it feels like!)
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 03:50 pm (UTC)I know I should though. *is skeered*
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 03:59 pm (UTC)They didn't find my mother's (ovarian) cancer until it was stage IV and was too big to treat.
It's a moment's discomfort (the machine had to have been designed by a man, LOL) for a lot of relief.
the whole point is early detection! (you are doing monthly self-exams, yes?)
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 04:13 pm (UTC)There is a lot of cancer in my family actually (I myself have had two bouts) but no breast cancer on either side so I'm low risk for that as well - plus, there's some evidence that women who have birthed children and have nursed them have a lower risk, which I've done, etc.
It's more than some discomfort for some people - my sister fainted, and we both went with my other sister for moral support whose screams we could hear from the hallway!
I'm having an MRI shortly (for headaches) and I figure that although they're not looking for breast cancer, they'll see if if it's there - in the same way that last year they did an ultrasound of my ovaries
and noticed kidney stones, and a couple of weeks ago when they did x-rays of my head and upper spine (for the same headache issues) and found out that I have Kyphosis -
But, ermm.... I know that these are all excuses.
*clutches excuses and gives you the side eye*
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 05:06 pm (UTC)The more of us who boycott invasive procedures, the sooner they will apply something less invasive/painful for the same purpose-- such as ultrasound for mammograms. Don't they have it already for colonoscopy?
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 06:35 pm (UTC)I'm dodging the downstairs variety, these months - since Dottoressa is so very attentive about my weight and blood pressure, she'll probably not be too happy with me ;-p.
It's on the plan somewhere, though. Early next year.
A bit of good news fits here, too: No more period since may! And no more migraine!! Go, me :-D!!!
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 07:42 pm (UTC)(I know, it's "good" in terms of bone loss and all that other stuff, but I'm ready to be done!)
no subject
Date: 2009-08-24 09:12 pm (UTC)My breasts are unfortunately a bit big (I weigh too much) so a little pain is unavoidable, but all in all it's over very quickly and things are back to normal by the time I get my shirt back on. :-)
no subject
Date: 2009-08-25 12:07 am (UTC)