Mammogram

[kazrazmataz]

Just had an appointment come through for a mammogram. Don't know why but feel like cancelling it, If I did go and they found something don't think I could deal with it. Has anyone else had one close to treatment and what did you decide?

[TrishLey]

Hi There,

I had one done during my treatment. I was glad to get it even though I was told I was too young (41) I have the BRCA gene so it gave me reassurance that I am being monitored for all eventualities. Wishing you all the best for your treatment and your decision on the mammogram xxx Trish

[vipervictoria]

I'd go. If you can't feel any lumps, even if they do find something it's early stage, so easily treated. I understand your fear but, as my oncologist says, i in 9 women gets breast cancer, and that includes women with OC who don't have a BRCA mutation. Hope all goes well. Vx

[vipervictoria]

PS, I had one a year after treatment that fortunately was clear.

[Zannah]

Having had breast cancer before I had OC I would always recommend going for your mammogram. It's better to be monitored than find something too late. I was on yearly mammograms and had one two months after finishing treatment. As I was found to have the BRCA2 mutation at a later point I have now had a second mastectomy, this time in the hope of preventing further breast cancer.

Wishing you all the best.

Zannah x

[daisies]

Oh please go for the mammogram. I was called for the routine one, in the middle to chemo, and my oncol was delighted I was called and went. No panic as result was clear. But we keep telling others to go for the check-up; GP appointments; etc, etc. etc .... so don't put it off and hopefully it will be clear like the majority of mammograms.

Best wishes, Daisies

[ScottishMisty]

Please go. I am a great believer in preventative medicine. Many women have fought to get mammograms done so anyone who gets invited should go X Likewise regular smears. X .

[dawnieg]

Hi, yes I was called for a routine mammogram earlier this year, everybody told me it would hurt but it didn't at all. The only problem I had was getting in to the right position because of my sciatica. Like you I was fed up with hospital appointments etc. Everything was fine thank goodness. x

[Jo-Bo]

Oh gosh, I'm glad I'm not alone. I had an appointment through for a mammogram 4 months ago and have been putting it off for exactly the same reason. One cancer is enough for me.

[citrine]

I had a mammogram whilst I was waiting to start treatment for OC. I completely understand why you feel reluctant but please do go. I would never turn down an opportunity to be screened for such a common cancer. Let's hope that one day a screening test will be available for OC.

Love Mary xx

[thesilent1]

Hi, I had a routine one 9 days prior to seeing the consultant who found my ovarian cancer. When the letter arrived telling me my breasts were fine I breathed a sigh of relief. It is a little uncomfortable. But worth it. Tell the radiographer you are undergoing treatment and if you have had surgery recently, it will help for her to be aware of this. Good luck. Ann xo

[Lovis]

Hello, I felt like you but had it anyway and it was clear. It's best to do it. I don't know if you know whether you have the BRACA gene or not. I don't know yet but just in case you should definitely do it. Lovis x

[kazrazmataz]

Thank you lovely brave ladies for your replies. I had half your courage. On that note and after what you have all said I am going to go. Don't know if I have the BRACA/B gene or not but not had any family members have breast or OC. Keep you posted!

[Hidden in reply to kazrazmataz]

I have been for one since my initial diagnosis, the other appointments came while I was on treatment or having surgery for a shoulder impingement. I know I have been bold but because due to my shoulder problem was in agony for three weeks after the mammogram so that is why I am reluctant to have another. Like you I felt I have enough going on. My shoulder wasnt a great success so I know I would have the same discomfort next time around. Some one did mention to me that if you onc orders the chest scan with the ab scan well if there is something there, it would show up on the chest ct. So they have been clear tg. I know I a a big wuss but when I feel I can cope with it I will go

[kazrazmataz in reply to Hidden]

Understandable you would not want another mammogram if it caused you pain but maybe you should advise your GP as and when you need a mammogram to see if they can do this with an alternative type of scan and then you can decide what is best for you. Not that I am the best one to advise anyone else as I am the biggest wuss as my reaction was to cancel.

I do recall the hospital requesting my first CT scan was to check from my neck down when they were initially trying to find out what was causing my ascites. The Radiographer even commented on this as she thought it was unusual they wanted such a lot scanned. I will check with my consultants secretary Tomorrow as maybe I do not need one if they have already checked my chest area as was only 7 months ago so thanks for mentioning the CT of the chest area.

[totty]

Go for your check. I know its frightening but you will only worry if you don't go and IF the results arent ok you know they can sort it. Was your last ca125 ok? Please do go totty

[kazrazmataz in reply to totty]

My last CA 125 after firstline treatment was 52. This was the same as the previous CA125 post chemo 4 but consultant was reassuring she was not concerned but underlyingly I am scared it means no remission but she is not seeing me again for 3 months although will arrange no urgent scan.

[Hidden in reply to kazrazmataz]

Not necessarily, we are all different and if the consultant is happy with your level, well it hasnt increased so that is a plus. Mine was usually around the 11 to 15 and would fluctuate. If the bloodwork is left lying around and not tested within 24 hours, the reading can be incorrect or so I was told. So if it is levelled, that is a good sign. Some consultants do not want to use too many ct scans because of the radiation. if you feel you need to speak to someone ask the macmillan nurses if in uk or Arc Cancer Support house if in Ireland, or hopefully you have a gp you can talk to. My gp told me at one stage that my reports coming from the hospital were good even though I was put on treatment. He said he has much worse reports coming into his practice so that did alleviate my fears for a bit,