I was recently informed by my doc that I had an "abnormal mammogram" result. I prefer to think that my films got mixed up with Abby Normal's films. ;-) However, that's not the case. So, being the annoying analytic that I am, I googled the bejeezus out of "abnormal mammogram" last night and tonight. If you know someone who has been given the same news, please pass on some statistics that I am currently finding some comfort in:
* Approximately 90% of women with abnormal results do not have breast cancer.
* Approximately one in 10 patients with abnormal mammogram results or a breast lump will have breast cancer.
I've never had much luck gambling so I'm a bit worried. I am 41-years-old, an ex-smoker, don't get regular exercise, take oral contraceptives, and have never given birth. Those facts didn't provide much comfort to me as many of them are considered risk factors. I don't think of myself as a worry wart but I'm sure that's because I don't pay attention to a darned thing I say... however, it is a startling phrase to hear from your doctor. I find myself dwelling now on my own mortality (likely prematurely).
If, after my follow-up ultrasound and spot compression views on Thursday, I find those statistics mean nothing in my case, expect to see more info than you'd care to know about breast cancer on this blog. And, do yourself and any woman in your life a big favor. Remind her often to do the breast self-exam at least weekly and to have a mammogram yearly if she is 40 or over. I haven't been as thorough as that and sure wish I had.
Oh, and for any of you fellas out there who wonder what having a mammogram feels like, here's a little experiment you can do at home. Lie down on the pavement below your open garage door, flop your most private of parts down just on the line where your garage door meets the pavement, press the Close button on your automatic garage door control. When the garage door has fully closed on Mr. Happy, you'll know what a mammogram feels like! ;-) Really though, don't try this at home.
* Approximately 90% of women with abnormal results do not have breast cancer.
* Approximately one in 10 patients with abnormal mammogram results or a breast lump will have breast cancer.
I've never had much luck gambling so I'm a bit worried. I am 41-years-old, an ex-smoker, don't get regular exercise, take oral contraceptives, and have never given birth. Those facts didn't provide much comfort to me as many of them are considered risk factors. I don't think of myself as a worry wart but I'm sure that's because I don't pay attention to a darned thing I say... however, it is a startling phrase to hear from your doctor. I find myself dwelling now on my own mortality (likely prematurely).
If, after my follow-up ultrasound and spot compression views on Thursday, I find those statistics mean nothing in my case, expect to see more info than you'd care to know about breast cancer on this blog. And, do yourself and any woman in your life a big favor. Remind her often to do the breast self-exam at least weekly and to have a mammogram yearly if she is 40 or over. I haven't been as thorough as that and sure wish I had.
Oh, and for any of you fellas out there who wonder what having a mammogram feels like, here's a little experiment you can do at home. Lie down on the pavement below your open garage door, flop your most private of parts down just on the line where your garage door meets the pavement, press the Close button on your automatic garage door control. When the garage door has fully closed on Mr. Happy, you'll know what a mammogram feels like! ;-) Really though, don't try this at home.
Comments
Gonna pass on that garage door test -- agree with Genghis on that one.
I'll be putting you on our prayer list, for as Ben Franklin's Poor Richard said, "God heals, physicians collect the fees."
GBW