BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Amos
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 02:35 PM

I'm just glad they don't use the same approach for prostate exams...

A

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: open mike
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 02:27 PM

hey-guys get breast cancer too...it is not exclusive.

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: GUEST,Lana
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 01:55 PM

Nobody really likes any sort of medical examination, be it woman or man. Women generally have to go through more medical prodding because of childbirth and all the changes in their bodies, and more potential hazards. I've learned to "embrace" the checks, after having come through health scares. I suppose I see them as keeping me safe. They're soon over and they reassure you that everythings OK - and if it's not ... you can get help and get better hopefully.
Lana

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 08:27 AM

no, but after reading the joke, the real thing is much easier!

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 08:44 AM

Thanks everyone. I guess having a bad experience has made me a little apprehensive . Thanks everyone for all the encouragement
and wisdom. To the man that wrote in, thats much appreciated too.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: open mike
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 05:06 AM

NOT FAIR TO INCLUDE JOKES ABOUT STEAM ROLLERS, ETC.
WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE!!

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Jeanie
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 03:46 AM

For any female Mudcatters who have not yet had a mammogram, please be assured that it is not necessarily such an ordeal as has been described here. Please don't be put off from having it done because of tales of boobs feeling like they are squashed and squished in the fridge door or under car tyres !! (Those exercises were very funny, by the way, Freda). In reality, it certainly didn't feel like that to me. There was no more of a pressure on them than, for instance, they get when you lie face down on them (or - if you are lucky - someone, preferably a well-built hunk, lies face down on you !) By their very nature, boobs are squashy and bouncy and able to spring up like new, or.....well, let's face it, by the time we reach the age for routine mammograms, "nearly new" ;)

I know that waiting for the results of any medical tests is very difficult. Even when they are routine screenings, like mammograms or smears, whilst waiting for the results letter, always in the back of my mind I am preparing myself for what it might say and it makes me very aware of my mortality and appreciative of all the good people and good things in my life. It is always a strange time, but a good one. Life is a very precious gift, and anything we can do to help keep it going, and encourage others to do the same, can only be a good thing. That's why these tests are so important, ever-so-slightly squishy though they may be.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: darkriver
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 02:27 AM

Guest Mary,

my mother died of breast cancer this January.
My wife hates getting mammograms, but she does anyway--thank goodness.

You are right-- another way would be better. Unfortunately it hasn't been devised and become widespread yet. Perhaps the screening mentioned in BillD's link would help eventually.

Since I've never had one, I'm not sure what harm it does you, as you express it. It's obviously painful (or at least extremely uncomfortable), and, being clinical, very off-putting. A false positive would lead to shock or panic, further investigations (and presumably painful testing), but would also eventually be found out.

Would you be kind enough to elaborate on the harm? I mean this in the kindest way. Please don't feel bad about posting here.

Doug aka darkriver

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Mickey191
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 11:31 PM

To all our female Friends (I've been criticized for using the term ladies) One doesn't always have a lump. I've heard alot of women say they don't need a mamogram because they detect no lumps. WRONG!

Guest Mary--Please don't be sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: JenEllen
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 11:02 PM

S'allright, Mary. I don't think anyone is angry. For myself, I was just curious. It's a silly thing about this medium that a person can't judge emotions very well in type. Don't be sorry.   
~Jen

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:57 PM

Wait wait wait..I think I explained it wrong.
I know they save lives I get them...I'm sorry I started this.

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: dianavan
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:56 PM

Well, if it were men we were testing, the test would probably not include pressing the testicles between two iron plates.

Must have been a man that invented the mammogram.

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: JenEllen
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:50 PM

Hi Mary,

I don't understand how you can be against something that can very well save your life. Not every medical test is 100% accurate, but the chance it could detect something is high enough to warrant a minor discomfort.

What do you mean by "the distortion that a woman experience(s) having one"? Physical distortions or emotional ones? By the time a woman reaches the age where a mammogram is necessary, I would assume she's been through the gamut of medical tests and would be used to being distorted for medicine's sake. Hell, one session in the stirrups getting a pap smear and the mystery is gone! *g*

There are other tests that can be done, just none as easily or cost-effectively. After lumps are detected by mammogram, follow-up care can include CT and PET scans as well. If the actual mammogram bothers you, perhaps your doctor would be willing to consider one of those alternatives?

If that fails, take a friend with you. It really helps to have someone along (my best-bud is convinced there should be such a thing as a "Singing Mammogram" --"Tra-la-la-BOOM-de-ay We squashed your BOOBS today..."---and makes me laugh every time. It's a godsend) If you are of an age, I hope you do get tested. If not the mammogram, then something else, and always do your self-checks (or have a qualified partener do them for you! *G*).

~JE

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: GUEST,freda
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:47 PM

It's unpleasant, but better than getting cancer. here is some information below, which may help any woman prepare for her annual mammogram:

PREPARING FOR THE YEARLY MAMMOGRAM

Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, and even if they have had them before, there is fear. But there is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test, and best of all, you can do these simple practice exercises right in your home.

EXERCISE 1:
Open your refrigerator door, and insert one breast between the door and the main box. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds. Repeat in case the first time wasn't effective.

EXERCISE 2:

Visit your garage at 3 a.m. when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off all your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor sideways with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Switch sides, and repeat for the other breast.

EXERCISE 3:

Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Have the stranger press the bookends against either side of one of your breasts and smash the bookends together as hard as he/she can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year to do it again. You are now properly prepared! And just a thought for all you women out there:

MENtal illness MENstrual cramps MENtal breakdown MENopause Ever notice how all of women's problems start with men? And when we have real problems, it's HISterectomy..

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:35 PM

some new information

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:22 PM

Mammography isn't perfect, but it is a darned sight better than no check at all. Bite the bullet and get the test--and if you're uncertain, do some checking in your area and find out what labs have the best reputation for accurate readings.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From:
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 09:02 PM

Thank you all.... for all the responses. I appreciate all your viewpoints .
I will check out the suggestions.

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Mickey191
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 08:57 PM

Mary, To simplify matters-Left Breast Showed Cancer When it wasn't. Right Breast showed Cancer when it was. Mickey191

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: mg
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 08:56 PM

I think the discomfort and possibility of false readings are outweighed by knowing you have done what is best at the present time (I think)...undoubtedly better devices have or will be invented that will do a better job and be more pleasant....

mg

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: Mickey191
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 08:53 PM

Hi Mary, This subject is one I'm slightly familiar with. Rather then go thru it all again, may I refer you to "Breast Cancer" on the search Forum. My story which is entitled "Titless Wonder" had some great contributions from other Catters. Especialy Wolfgang, who explained alot about mamograms & statistics. See 9/03/03 at 5:35 pm & 10/03/03 at 1:41pm.

If I can help in any way - don't hesitate to send a PM.   Sending you all the best, Mickey 191

Subject: RE: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: open mike
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 08:48 PM

diagnosis is so very important in the discovery of cancer.
a small nodule (smaller than a pea) can often go un-detected
by self-examination. IF your life was saved by early discovery
of a malignant growth, the discomfort and aggravation would be
worth it. here are a couple of sites about the susan komen
foundation, was founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor of the
memory of her sister, Susan Komen, who died from breast cancer .

http://www.sfkomen.org/race/raceday.html
http://www.komen.org/

another test which proves successful in early detection of
cancer is the colonoscopy....in which the colon is viewed and
this can prevent serious illness and death by early diagnosis.
http://www.ontumor.com/colorectal/colonoscopy/

Subject: BS: serious subject .....about Mammograms
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 08:16 PM

Just curious to hear if there are other woman out there ....who are against mammograms.
After having them, I feel that with all the distortion that woman experience having one...that it does more harm to us, and that could be a different way to detect problems.