@kaystrand, Kay, you are absolutely correct. I really do not want to go into further detail as I really do not know what would have happened had I NOT requested that Sputum Culture Report. Suffice it to say it was a VERY upsetting situation to get SO sick .. not have a clue why .. get that report .. self diagnose etc. All I know is THAT is exactly what happened. Perhaps they WAIT for you to get that sick to medicate. I really don't want to discuss it further because I don't want to second guess .. all I know is it CONFIRMED to me our need to advocate for ourselves .. DO our OWN "due diligence" .. AND remember it IS OUR BODIES .. and that NO ONE cares about our bodies as much as we do so we darn better take care of the ONLY one given to us in this lifetime! (ALSO to QUESTION words on the report that we don't understand! Looking back over past reports I see things I NEVER questioned!! Too trusting plus too focused on just hearing the progress of ONE thing!) Hugs to all! Katherine

All...along time ago I knew a woman who had annual mammograms and for 5 years assumed she was fine. Then her Gyn doctor retired....she had to go to another clinic for new Dr. All records transferred...she got a call re 5 years of suspicious mammograms....follow thru showed she had breast cancer...inspire of the negligence, it was still early stages.tdrell

Dear All and @tdrell, Terri, just a heads up. My breast Clinic has available what is called 3D Mammograms .. state of the art (Digital breast tomosynthesis (tomo), also known as 3D mammography, is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to improve the early detection of breast cancer. During the 3D part of the exam, an x-ray arm sweeps over the breast, taking multiple images in seconds.)

I called and made SURE my Clinic had this new equipment since I have "dense" breasts. I did my usual "due diligence" in checking .. have no interest in breast cancer since there is so much of it in my family .. PLUS my daughter in law was just diagnosed at age 50 with ZERO history of it in her family history! Hugs! Katherine

@tdrell, that is unbelievable. I would imagine that would be grounds for a lawsuit if things had not been discovered. I have things that people have told me I could sue for but I am really not the litigious type.
A woman on my street had a suspicious mammogram when she was in her 30s. Her doctor told her she was too young to worry about cancer. Her friends all told her to get another opinion. She did and she did have breast cancer. Thankfully she came through it fine, that was probably around 20 years ago.
JK

@contentandwell .. JK, I am with you .. I had a terrible auto accident in 1989 .. made the decision that what limited energy .. mental and physical I had left I needed to focus on healing and making a living. I chose NOT to tie up years of my life with litigation with all it's negative energy that would seep the little mental and physical energy that I still had. In my opinion money/a settlement would have NOT have been a sufficient reward for my loss of serenity and ability to heal physically and mentally. Personally I have NEVER regretted that decision despite other's opinion I was foolish. Hugs to all! Katherine

@katem8 Kate, I am in complete accord with you. Most of the time it's just not worth it. There are times when it may be, particularly when something resulted in a permanent problem or death. I have known a couple of cases when that was true but in neither case did the family choose to do anything.
JK

Katemn...thanks for heads up...have gotten 3D here in Mikwaukee for past 3 years.....the other thing we should always ask is that the Drs who read the mammograms are certified in reading mammograms.tdrell

Contentandwell....tis good that woman listened to her friends rather than the ignorant Dr!!!
The woman I know was told by attorneys that since she did not appear to be loosing her life as a result of the negligence ....there were no grounds for a suit.tdrell

Hi all,
We did a Video Q&A a little while ago about breast imaging. You may wish to share this link with people who may be interested in learning more.

- Video Q&A: Your Guide to Selecting the Right Mammogram http://mayocl.in/2fQLfAS

@katemn 
Hi Katherine. Prayers for your daughter in law. Do hope hers was caught early. I
am having a mammogram next Tuesday at Mayo. I will ask for the 3-D since my
breast are dense also. Will have my 6 month LFT also.