fao sqad

[rsvp]

Would appreciate your comments.
Had breast cancer 12/13 years ago - about third of breast removed and lymph nodes on same side - no cancer cells found in nodes. Had chemo and radiotherapy as the type of cancer 'wasn't hormone receptive' -(if I've recalled it correctly) Had annual mammagrams for five years and - got the all clear - went onto normal 3 yearly. Last one in January this year - all clear. About five months ago experienced menopausal symptoms - hot flushes, itchy boobs feeling swollen and hot etc -thought I'd gone through it years ago btw - saw Doc last week - she investigated ovaries, (I had hysterectomy 30 years ago) ordered blood test and booked appointment at breast clinic. Question is - blood test is presumeably to see if I'm menopausal?
Breast clinic appointment is due before blood test results will be available and I appear to have to have a mammogram prior to examination.
In your opinion, if the blood test were to show show I am menopausal, does this make the mammogram unnecessary as I've had a lot of them over the years and would prefer not to have another unless absolutely necessary?
Sorry it's so long winded. Thanks

[boxtops]

I'm not medical, but I still have mammograms well past the menopause - they're horrid but I wouldn't fail to attend.

[Sqad]

:-)..the correct answer is to have your mammogram and yes, the blood test will be to decide if you are menopausal.

If it were my wife and i could feel no lump in my breast and she felt the same way as you about mammograms then i would be happy for her to forgo the mammogram.

Does that answer your question?

[rsvp]

Thanks Boxtops - it's just that I had them annually for a while, then dropped back to the normal time of three yearly only recently, my last one just 9/10 months ago and what with the chemo/radiotherapy and a recent full body bone scan, am not about to get another radiation dose unless it's absolutely necessary. Bit of a bugger all this stuff isn't it!!!!

[rsvp]

It answers my question beautifully Sqad - I appreciate your input - thank you very, very much. xx

[TOWIE]

sorry I may have read it wrong, rsvp - but if you had a mammogram back in Jan of this year, why are you having another one now ?

[rsvp]

Towie because about four months after I had the January mammogram I started to get these symptoms - Doc ordered a blood test and a visit to breast clinic - am awaiting the results of blood test but they won't be available until after my appointment with the breast clinic. It would appear that immediately prior to the breast clinic examination, a mammogram is taken as a matter of routine. Am thinking that if the blood test show I am menopausal then another mamogram is unnecessary.

[TOWIE]

Oh I see, rsvp - I suppose because of your past history of breast cancer, they are taking no chances. Though having another mammogram that quick does seem a little cautious, with you feeling any lumps, discharge etc.
I wonder if an ultra sound scan would be less invasive, radiation wise.

Does sound like menopausal symptons - I had hysterectomy 15 years ago and still suffer menopausal symptons. After a recent hormone blood test, was told my hormones were completely depleated.

Best of luck with your forthcoming appointment. xx

[bednobs]

why are you going to the breast clinic for query menopause? Most people don't get sent to the breast clinic for itchy boobs or to see if they have the menopause. imho if you are not going to have the mammogram, what's the point in attending the breast clinic?

[rsvp]

Thanks towie - yes, I'm thinking exactly the same as you hence my reluctance to have an unnecessary mammogram. Appreciate your good wishes.
Bednobs - think it's belt and bracers approach - have decided to have a chat with my GP tomorrow and find out exactly why I 've been whisked off to the breast clinic - suspect there is nothing sinister - have to say though, my doctor's practice is brilliant and always pulls out the stops treatment wise. Fingers crossed.

[rsvp]

Update (for your files!)- after every test known to man for the benefit of woman - it appears I'm disgustingly healthy and have breast neuralgia. Bugger. Thank you again for your help