October is breast cancer awareness month and everyone is telling you to get a mammogram. BUT that might not be everything you need. Here’s why:
Robbie Motter, one of my wonderful mentors, had a pain in her breast. Because she is large-breasted and has dense breasts, the doctor prescribed both a mammogram and an ultrasound/sonogram. A mammogram alone would NOT have found the lump because it doesn’t read dense tissue very well. Only an ultra-sound or sonogram will find lumps for those of us who are well-endowed – and those tests aren’t as radiation-laden like a mammogram is. Robbie never knew that, and sent out a facebook message so that other women would know. Robbie was diagnosed was cancer. She went in for a lumpectomy and while the doctors were there, they found something else. So they removed her breast. It’s been two weeks and she’s doing GREAT – and that’s no surprise to anyone who knows her because Robbie is an amazing woman.
But what about you? Dr. Oz did a show about this and has a couple suggestions for women with dense breasts, including digital mammography, ultrasound and breast tomosynthesis. Knowledge is power, so watch this segment from his show for a full explanation: https://bit.ly/8X0Gl6
What I do is this: I go for my mammogram and, when I get the results, I get a copy of the report from my doctor to see what it says (so I read it for myself) and I also make sure when it was read that it was compared to my previous mammogram. Then I almost always ask for a follow-up ultrasound. Some doctors seem confused about my request, but I push for it. You know, it’s my health and my life – not theirs. And if they make a mistake, it’s not going to be their probl
Next time you have your annual visit with your GYN, talk to her about this and, if you haven’t already done it, get a mammogram and an ultrasound. AND between now and then, don’t forget the breast self-exam!
Who is Annmarie Kelly?
Annmarie Kelly is an Author, Speaker & Lifestyle Influencer. She helps women LIVE VICTORIOUSLY – out loud and in living color! I help women develop their own personal victory strategy so they can solve problems, transform adversities into opportunities, achieve their goals and create relationships where they feel valued.Advice for Achieving your Goals
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