It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

[Isadora]

Almost a year ago I found a lump while doing a self examine in the shower. It was a definite lump. No matter how many times I felt for it, it was still there. I can't even list the emotions I went through while awaiting a mammogram.

I get them about every year. I was emotionally frightened and had just seen a good friend go through a radical mastectomy. It was a scary scary time. I got an ultra sound and it was found to be a cycst. But the fear and realizing how, as a femme, how important my breasts are to me. I love them.

I get a mammogram and a pap smear every year. Every. Year.

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Isadora

Almost a year ago I found a lump while doing a self examine in the shower. It was a definite lump. No matter how many times I felt for it, it was still there. I can't even list the emotions I went through while awaiting a mammogram.

I get them about every year. I was emotionally frightened and had just seen a good friend go through a radical mastectomy. It was a scary scary time. I got an ultra sound and it was found to be a cycst. But the fear and realizing how, as a femme, how important my breasts are to me. I love them.

I get a mammogram and a pap smear every year. Every. Year.

Yes....They are lovable. or so I see**

It is scary when we fear, and realize we may not be immmortal after all, and the reason so many femme's and O/0ther's are afraid to go.

Butches , FTM's and MTF's are pretty much in denial and or such fear and that could be a whole other thread..

Ten Things Lesbians Should discuss with Their Healthcare Provider (Download .pdf Version)

Following are the health issues GLMA’s healthcare providers have identified as most commonly of concern for lesbians. While not all of these items apply to everyone, it’s wise to be aware of these issues.

1. Breast Cancer
Lesbians have the richest concentration of risk factors for breast cancer than any subset of women in the world. Combine this with the fact that many lesbians over 40 do not get routine mammograms, do breast self-exams, or have a clinical breast exam, and this cancer may elude early diagnosis, when it is most curable.

2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.....
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Ten Things Transgender Persons Should discuss with Their Healthcare Care Provider (Download .pdf Version)

Following are the health issues GLMA’s healthcare providers have identified as most commonly of concern for transgender persons. While not all of these items apply to everyone, it’s wise to be aware of these issues.

1. Access to Health Care
Transgender persons are often reluctant to seek medical care through a traditional provider-patient relationship. Some are even turned away by providers. A doctor who refuses to treat a trans person may be acting out of fear and transphobia, or may have a religious bias against GLBT patients. It’s also possible that the doctor simply doesn’t have the knowledge or experience he needs. Furthermore, health care related to transgender issues is usually not covered by insurance, so it is more expensive. Whatever the reasons, transgender people have sometimes become very ill because they were afraid to visit their providers.

2. Health History
Trans persons may hide important details of their health history from their doctors. Perhaps they fear being denied care if their history is known. Even many years after surgery, they may omit the history of their transition when seeing a new provider. Patients should see their provider as an equal partner in their health care, not as a gatekeeper or an obstacle to be overcome.

3. Hormones
Cross-gender hormone therapy gives desirable feminizing (or masculinizing) effects, but carries its own unique risks. Estrogen has the potential to increase the risk of blood clotting, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and water retention. Anti-androgens such as spironolactone can produce dehydration, low blood pressure, and electrolyte disturbances. Testosterone, especially when given orally or in high doses, carries the risk of liver damage. Hormone use should be appropriately monitored by the patient and provider. Some trans people tend to obtain hormones and other treatment through indirect means, bypassing the health care system. Taking hormones without supervision can result in doses too high or too low, with undesired results.
4.5.6.7.8.9.10.

Glad to see so many taking care of themselves and each other. Send a loved one.
So, the title of my book is....Cancer Doesn't Knock: Stories from Who's There

[Julie]

It is so important to understand... what might show up on one test, might actually show different on another test or not at all.

My Story (brief) - Multiple Tumors - Multiple Biopsy's - This one different.

Lump around 2:00 shows up on Mammogram and U/S
Thought probably just a cyst - but my doctors are aggressive and biopsy everything, including benign appearing cysts.
Schedule 2 days later for Biopsy - Cannot locate the mass on U/S 2 days later. The head of Imaging place puts me in an MRI immediately (without approval from Ins.)

They find a mass (not seen on mammo or u/s), but it appears different. They will need to do a different type of Biopsy (not a core biopsy). Two days later have Stereotactic Biopsy.

The tissue looks nothing like my other biopsies (this would be my 10th or so) The color is gray not pink. I remember saying to Kevin... This tissue looks ugly. He always told me immediately how my tissue looked, but we both knew this one was off - My partner (at the time) was with me during the biopsy and felt same.

Get the phone call that this is showing positive for a Phyllodes Tumor on biopsy. Phyllodes Tumors present like a Fibroid Adenoma - most labs are not equipped or trained to even catch them. Phyllodes Tumors (rare) once they turn malignant are very ugly. There really is no treatment for them. The treatment for a benign Phyllodes is a Partial Mastectomy with WIDE Margins and if it returns a complete mastectomy.

Which is why you must demand to have different types of tests. There are certain tumors which will never show up on a Mammo / U/S or even an MRI - This is why I have all three tests done every year.

And as far as doing a biopsy on everything. Damn RIGHT! I am currently watching a lump in my breast -- but, it is not growing - it has remained the same for six months. BUT - If I tell them... Biopsy the fucker, for my peace of mind, they will do it. Maybe that is bad doctoring - but emotions are just as important. And it’s my body for god sake.

On to another subject. If you want to have someone with you during your biopsy or even an U/S or an MRI – by all means, that is YOUR RIGHT. I have never been alone for a biopsy. They will tell you NO, and you will tell them YES. If you have to go high up the food chain, then so be it.

Now five years later – I am waiting for reconstructive surgery – though… I most recently had a dream that they botched up my surgery and am thinking… Maybe I will keep my little deformed left breast.

[Tommi]

InfiniteFemme. You are a testament to why we have Patient's Rights, and having knowledge about what goes on. One hell of a ride, and you stay behind the driving wheel with the pedal to the metal. Hoping all goes well and the reconstruction and removal of bad stuff will help in the long course of crap you have been through.

Back in the day, before core/stereotactic systems, I had a Methylene Blue Injection chasing a disappearing mass, and numerous films (before MRI existed) then subsequent exploratory surgery. They found the blue, and a benign cyst. It was an experience I dread repeating ever again, and especially every year, so, can't imagine what you must go through.

Please let us know when you go for the Op , I'll send candy, flowers, and a cutie pie. :wink:

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Tommi

InfiniteFemme. You are a testament to why we have Patient's Rights, and having knowledge about what goes on. One hell of a ride, and you stay behind the driving wheel with the pedal to the metal. Hoping all goes well and the reconstruction and removal of bad stuff will help in the long course of crap you have been through.

Back in the day, before core/stereotactic systems, I had a Methylene Blue Injection chasing a disappearing mass, and numerous films (before MRI existed) then subsequent exploratory surgery. They found the blue, and a benign cyst. It was an experience I dread repeating ever again, and especially every year, so, can't imagine what you must go through.

Please let us know when you go for the Op , I'll send candy, flowers, and a cutie pie. :wink:

Tommi - I am blessed and most fortunate, that I am able to go through this every year. In January - I get MRI, Mammo and U.S. - In July I get an U.S. and that is pretty much how it will be for the rest of my life - unless, of course I opt for a bilateral mastectomy and personally -- that is not an option in my world. I have thought about it, but why remove a perfectly healthy breast - right)?

I am one month not smoking - soooooooo... I will get the throat surgery done and then go see my plastic surgeon and schedule the reconstructive. Unless, I change my mind, which clearly is another option - because it is not the most pleasant surgery. BUT... Brand new perky teenage BOOBS?!? WOWOW I remember my surgeon telling me my prize - lol

[Tommi]

InfiniteFemme you made me smile.... and way to go all over the place by the way. You have my name and number if you want or need anything.

So , we will have some great stuff to celebrate during Breast Cancer Awareness month at the 2011 Reunion. Drinks are on me and I get to be the designated driver..and record all the fun

[katsarecool]

Mammogram done! It was painful not for sore breasts from say caffiene but the fibro made it almost unbearable especially those Side slanted shots. Now have to wait for 10 to 14 days. They have to send for my films in NC and then the doctor will evaluate the films and letter will go out. I guess this is the hard part. Waiting.

[katsarecool]

Originally Posted by Isadora

Almost a year ago I found a lump while doing a self examine in the shower. It was a definite lump. No matter how many times I felt for it, it was still there. I can't even list the emotions I went through while awaiting a mammogram.

I get them about every year. I was emotionally frightened and had just seen a good friend go through a radical mastectomy. It was a scary scary time. I got an ultra sound and it waus found to be a cycst. But the fear and realizing how, as a femme, how important my breasts are to me. I love them.

I get a mammogram and a pap smear every year. Every. Year.

Isadora! I know how you feel. I found a lump in my left breast when I was 29; before we knew my mother had breast cancer that she did not survive. It was a cyst as welll. But that two weeks period from finding the lump till the onocologist called it benign was a very scarey time! I had three small children then and worried about what would happen if I got sick. Glad your lump was ok and that you are taking good care of yourself!

This thread could indeed save lives!!!