Celeste tagged me in a Breast Cancer Awareness challenge – very nice of her – honestly would have preferred a “7 things about me” challenge but we are grown ups now so have to face these grown up issues.
I have not as yet made an appointment to have a mammogram BUT I have recently had my annual gynae check up and he does do a small check and didn’t feel a mammogram was necessary right now but I shall chat to him further when I see him next month.
You see the thing is these kinds of tests freak me out. It would appear the older I get the more I get anxious about and these types of tests are one of those things. There is a possibility the test comes back “positive” and that scares the crap out me – even though I have no signs right now and we have no family history. So my natural, grown up reaction is to just not be tested. Smart hey *sigh*
I do know how important these tests are and I will go – I do think I am a little to young for them still though which is possibly why my gynae hasn’t sent me yet.
Below are a few questions Celeste asked us to answer 🙂
When did you have your first mammogram? I have not had one yet.
Does anyone in your family suffer from cancer? No
Why have you not gone for a mammogram? I rely on my gynae to guide me and as yet he has not even hinted I need one – yes ok I KNOW this is head in the sand stuff.
What were your mammogram results? See above.
How bad is “going for a mammogram” on a scale of 1 to 10? I will answer these all again once I have had one.
When is your next appointment? Will let you all know when I have one 🙂
Do you know anyone who has had breast cancer? Not personally but have a few friends who have had friends affected.
What is my point? My point is that even though I appear a little irresponsible I do do regular checks and I understand that the only way to reduce the effects of this disease is to talk about it, make women aware of what to look for and be tested for.
Breast Cancer Awarness month is nearly finished so I am not going to challenge anyone but read here for other contributions and for an survivor story in pictures check out Jeanette’s blog!
So have you been tested? If not why not?
7 Responses
My mom got breast cancer. There was no history of breast cancer in our family and she had none of the regular breast cancer symptoms. She had never been for a mammogram. Six weeks after being diagnosed with breast cancer she died from it. Don’t put off going for a mammogram. It is virtually painless and will put your mind at ease.
I’ve had two mamos and I’d rather do that than go to the gyno
I prefer to take the ostrich approach. I’d rather not know if I have something serious like cancer cause it will just lead to hordes of hospital visits, blood tests and horrible treatments. Basically my fear of hospitals and needles are worse than that of pain and death, so I choose ignorance. It might be a bid medieval, I know.
I have never been for a Mamo and was always under the impression that you only start going (if there is no cancer in your family) from the age of 40. My Mom goes regularly. Maybe I’ll start next year. That test sounds a bit creepy and I’ve heard many stories of boobs being squashed etc. I really should ask my Mom about the actual test.
Hi Laura
I copied the questions to a blog post as well: http://momagain40.blogspot.com/2011/10/breast-cancer-awareness.html
I feel very strong about taking charge of one’s own health!
Thanks for this!
I had one last year, and I must say I can imagine its much easier for women with big breasts… It wasn’t the most comfortable thing, but the ultrasound that came after was far more yuck for me!
Statistics show that one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. My aunt has had two mammos.