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Help!!!
I had a physical today. I have both good and bad news. I will start w/ the good first. I have lost a total of 28 lbs. I went from being 155 pre-pregnacy...gained a total of 13 lbs. (putting me @ 168) and now I'm down to 140!!! Whoo Hoo... so proud of myself for being so disciplined and making better eating choices. It's definitely a life style change and not a diet.
For the bad news..... I had a mammogram back in March of 2011 and it was inconclusive...I had another done a month later and it was considered "stable" but they wanted me to do a recheck in 6 months. I became pregnant 1 month before I was due for the repeat mammo ..my OB ordered an ultrasound in feb since they can't do a mammo while prego and they couldn't see i nodules? but an ultrasound doesn't detect cancer..their recommendation was a mammo after I gave birth to Dash. My OB ordered a mammo after he was born and I went but they couldn't do it because I am breast feeding. They said they can not preform one until 6 months AFTER I stop breast feeding. I went to my physical and my Dr. is recommending for me to stop breast feeding and in 6 months having the mammo done..I'm in tears over this. I don't want to stop. I planned to do this until Dash is a year. She said it's ultimately up to me but as my Dr. she recommends for me to stop breast feeding and get that mammo done. I don't know what to do. My stubbornness says keep breast feeding but my other voice (the Dr. voice) says maybe I need to take this more serious. I need some support and input please. I'm torn up and confused as what to do.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Phoebe's mom on -
This might sound silly, bare with me. Is it one or both breasts? If it's just one, is it possible to stop breast feeding with the one breast? If it is, then you can still nurse and start the clock on getting the mammo done. Sure, you might feel a little lop sided for a while, but it might be worth it. Just an idea, I have NO knowledge if this would work or not.
If that idea wouldn't work, I say be really diligent about self exams. We all know that breast milk is best, but I would consider listening to the doctor. If you stop and the mammo comes back normal count it a small price for peace of mind. But if, God forbid, they found something, it is best for your health to catch it as soon as possible. And you want to be there to see little Dash grow up. =)
And if you do have to stop nursing, maybe look into donor milk. It might be possible for Dash to still have breast milk... even if it isn't yours.BTW - congrats on loosing the weight! I am also down from my pre-pregnancy weight and I know how hard it can be, keep up the good work!
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Permalink Reply by Carrie F on -
It's my right breast.....It never occurred to me about still breast feeding from one side..that's a good idea...but, I believe they want to still check both.
Thank you so much for the response..it means a lot to me. I'm really struggling w/ this. After my DH and I's "talk"..I'm going to be requesting a meeting w/ my Dr. and a radiologist to see what my options are. There has to be something.
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Permalink Reply by EastTexasMommy on -
Source: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/mammogram-results
How Does an Abnormality Appear on a Mammogram?
A potential abnormality on a mammogram may be called a nodule, mass, lump, density, or distortion. They may look like a:
- Mass (lump) with a smooth, well-defined border -- this is often benign (non-cancerous). Ultrasound is needed to characterize the inside of a mass (for example, if the mass contains fluid, it is called a cyst).
- Mass (lump) that has an irregular border or a star-burst appearance (spiculated) -- this may be cancerous and a biopsy is usually recommended.
Microcalcifications (small deposits of calcium) are another type of abnormality. They can be classified as benign, suspicious, or indeterminate. Depending on the appearance of the microcalcifications, a biopsy may be recommended.
I would ask to see the ultra sound report to rule out a cyst. Have the Dr compare the mamogram to the ultra sound. See if there is a size increase or decrease or has it moved positions.... If it is a big concern can they not do a biopsy on the lump and you continue to breastfeed??
Cancer is very serious. It can be very vicious and debilitating. Please take some time to read http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/new_research/20100328.jsp
It tells of that breastfeeding decreases the risk of getting breast cancer but feeding longer than 6months with cancer can elevate the cancer to a dangerous level.
I know this may not have helped but there is no shame in making sure you are healthy. Dash needs a mommy. Maybe there is a Koman foundation or a cancer center in your town that can give you more information on feed or not feed.
Good Luck in whatever you decide. I support your decision.
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Permalink Reply by Carrie F on
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My breast are include mass, lump & density.....that's why they are watching me so close...and did a second mamo after the first was inconclusive..they did another @ the hospital 1 month later and wanted a 3rd done 6 months later after the second was considered "stable"..it's now been 18 months. I had the ultrasound done 7 months ago and no nodules were present..but the Dr. said that an ultrasound can not detect cancer.
Thank you sooooooo much for looking up, proving me w/ the info. and being so supportive. It means a lot to me.
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Permalink Reply by EastTexasMommy on
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I understand how it can be upsetting to want to breastfeed or feed longer and medically need to stop. Sometimes it's for the best. Good Luck!
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Permalink Reply by Ashley Blades on -
Love you need to sign up for Aflac! The pay outs for cancer stuff will be life saving if you end up down that route plus it's not very expensive! I'd love to get you set up with someone who can help you with that. I have seen too many people been affected by the big c and the only thing that gave them peace a mind about take the time off work to take are I them selfs is having Aflac to help cover bills of all sorts! I pray for you that you never have cancer but it's better to be prepared!!! <3
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Permalink Reply by EastTexasMommy on
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You might want to look into a cancer policy. I am a SAHM and it's a good idea esp if it you think there is a possibility. It will cover all of the Dr's and procedures and even travel funds if you need to see a Dr out of town. They are pretty cheap. If you find out everything is negative, you can cancel it but if you find out it's postitive no insurance will cover it b/c of a "pre-existing" clause. It can't hurt to get a quote for it. All ya gotta do is say, that's more than I am comfotable spending and throw away the paper.
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Permalink Reply by Carrie F on
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Had my Mamo today and I'm pleased to announce that there was stability...so I'm golden for now :o) I didn't have to stop breast feeding for the mamo and they assured me that the radiation does not get absorbed into the breast milk. I still expressed before I fed him though...for my own peace of mind.
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