Hi all!

I have a question - do any of you who get annual mammograms have mixed feelings about them - (are glad to have them for reassurance when they come out normal, but also fear the appointment, wondering if this will be the year that they find something?) - just wondering - any thoughts would be great!

supermom3

I know how you feel!! I think I live with "cancerphobia." Especially since I lost a close friend recently to ovarian cancer. I ALWAYS dread going. It's just like you said, it's the fear of the unknown for me. There is nothing any better than hearing all is OK. I have to schedule one the end of this month...have to wait on insurance. Sooo. not you're not alone in your feelings.

Uncgal50

When friends my age get sick, it really hits home because you realize nobody is immune. I think all of us, especially when dealing with anxiety, worry about our health. I have a neighbor who is currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer. My other friend had lymphoma last year but is doing well. I could go on and on with people I know. It just sends me over the edge thinking about it but I try to put it into perspective.

I've had calcifications for the past few years which worry me. The radiologist reassures me it's "normal for me" but I panic every June. The place I go to is great and the Dr. is wonderful but it's still nerve-wracking.

When I was a kid or in my 20s I never worried about going to any Dr. unless there was a vaccine or blood test involved. Now it's a different story and I'm only 45! Best of luck...I'm sure you'll be fine with your next mammo.

To Uncgal and deenie,

thanks! It makes you feel better when you know you're not the only one!

supermom3

I have always been cancerphobic. Since watching my grandad die when i was 17yrs old, and prob before that too.

I think im getting slightly better as i get older though.

I feel for you guys overseas in America, you have the added worry of whether your insurance will cover your illnesses. We have the NHS system here in the UK, although its not up to much these days, we dont really ever have to worry. I have more problems when i wanna use my private health insurance. !

And to add to the worry, there are studies linking the increase in breast cancer to annual mammograms and the unnecessary exposure to radiation and rough manipulation of the breast. It seems one never knows what to do anymore :(

I would always insist on an ultrasound as opposed to a mammo. My friend had breast cancer and it was only diagnosed by ultrasound as the mammo didnt show any abnormalities at all. Ultrasound is far more efficient in younger women because of the breast density.

as I have dense breast tissue but my radiologist who's very well regarded in her field, thinks sometimes US gives too many false positives. Of course, if you're one of the people who has a mammo miss a tumor (and my close neighbor is going through chemo for just that reason), it's easy to justify US, but I don't know if everyone doing it would cause more anxiety. Never easy, is it?

Well Girls,

It's time...for the mammogram. I am calling to make an appointment today. I will be a bundle of nerves and anxiety until it's over. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Uncgal

Not to worry!

My mom had Stage 3 breast cancer 2 years ago, underwent massive chemo and radiation. Was given a clean bill of health, a pat on the back and sent on her marry way.

18 months later we now have been dealing with metastatic breast cancer filling her lungs.

This has been an unbelievable ordeal for her and my family to go through.

Just yesterday, at the age of 35, I had my first mammogram and it was a piece of cake. I would rather know now then find out 5 years from now when we are to start regular mammograms at the ate of 40.

My mom skipped 2 years of not being tested and that is when the cancer appeared unknowingly to all.

Good for you for having a regular mammogram, never skip one and anxiety regarding any medical treatment especially one you don't know what to expect is totally normal.

It will be fine....if I can do it you can do it!!! I have anxiety too.;)

Well Girls,

I had my mammogram today. I actually was a lot calmer than usual for me. Tech came back and made one other picture...saying she needed to get more muscle in pic. Of course this made/makes me very nervous. I have to wait around 7-10 for results. I guess I dread these tests because I have such a fear of cancer. Every little pain or change I feel in my body makes me worry. I don't think I would be as sane as I am :) if it werent for my zoloft.
Thanks for listening.

Uncgal

ALL IS FINE.

Uncgal50;)

There ya go,

But if your like me you will now concentrate on some other area of your body which you think may have cancer !!

At this point now you have had the all clear, make this a starting point to try to cope with your anxiety of cancer. Get some phobia therapy, try to make sense of it all. Im saying this because i know, ive been through exactly the same as you, and still do to a certain degree, although as i get older i think im rationaalising better.

Good luck and great about the result :)