Breast Cancer Support Group

In 2020, I had a lumpectomy and 30 days of radiation . I have a mammogram and ultrasound ( dense breasts) every year. My radiation oncologist wants to see me for 5 years for an annual breast exam. I see my oncologist/ hematologist every 3 months ( I also have essential thrombocythemia)and she does a breast exam about every other visit.
I don’t like the radiation doctor and I don’t see the necessity of continuing to see him .
I would like to know other’s opinions.
Thank you!

In 2020, I had a lumpectomy and 30 days of radiation . I have a mammogram and ultrasound ( dense breasts) every year. My radiation oncologist wants to see me for 5 years for an annual breast exam. I see my oncologist/ hematologist every 3 months ( I also have essential thrombocythemia)and she does a breast exam about every other visit.
I don’t like the radiation doctor and I don’t see the necessity of continuing to see him .
I would like to know other’s opinions.
Thank you!

Hi, I am 54 and was told that I have dense breasts, as well. I have a mammogram every year because [breast and other] cancers run in my family. I know that seeing your doctors, especially when you have had specific issues is vitally important. I have not been diagnosed with any issues with my breasts, other than being told that they are dense, but due to a motorcycle accident years ago I have had a lot of experience with doctors and other therapists over the become a believer that if you don't feel good about one [or more!] of your doctors or therapists, there is usually a good reason for this. It might be that they don't know as much as they would have you believe, maybe they have made a false call about something and ae trying to cover-up their mistake, or they simply don't know what they are doing.

If you have dense breasts you need an ultrasound as well as the mamagram .

Hi, I am 54 and was told that I have dense breasts, as well. I have a mammogram every year because [breast and other] cancers run in my family. I know that seeing your doctors, especially when you have had specific issues is vitally important. I have not been diagnosed with any issues with my breasts, other than being told that they are dense, but due to a motorcycle accident years ago I have had a lot of experience with doctors and other therapists over the become a believer that if you don't feel good about one [or more!] of your doctors or therapists, there is usually a good reason for this. It might be that they don't know as much as they would have you believe, maybe they have made a false call about something and ae trying to cover-up their mistake, or they simply don't know what they are doing.

I am having a masectomy soon as I have now got lobular cancer after a lupectomy fpr DICS==about a year laterllobular cancer was told to me after urging my consultant/surgeon over the phone---im afraid iam still in limbo and have had to deal with this alone and im77years----I got no explanation as to what or where i am with this type of cancer and feel have been treated with indifference.. and she gives me the impression she is either going through some form of crisis herself or simply cant relate to people shes quite young with 3 of a family---so im grateful for any kind of information available.

I am so Happy to hear your good news. I am a 67 year old grandmother who has been getting mammos since I was 45.
I had a 3 D Tomo and manual ultrasound diagnosed dense breasts, Bi-rad 3, benign cysts in 2017.
In 2019, 3 D Tomo and ultrasound, Bi-rad 3 again dense breasts, benign reading.
Its been 4 years, so many cases of breast cancer in my area.
I have been spending hours on the phone and web searches trying to find a breast center and/or radiology office that will perform a 3D tomo, a ABVS (Automated Breast Volume Scan Ultrasound along with a Bilateral Breast MRI.
I am tired of re-diating the breast, multiple 3D tomo images taken, questionabe findings with manual ultrasounds.
I have had false positive readings several times.
Some breast will not perform an ABVS unless you have had a Bi-rad 3 or 4 to cover. And performing an Breast MRI unless you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Finally with much due diligence, and convincing my GP to order a diagnostic mammo verses an annual mammo, along with my Bi-rad 3 diagnosis,my Traditional Medicare along with my AARP Plan G will cover all 3 described tests listed above.
Why do women have to fight for these 3 tests to be performed all at once at your yearly visit and have to explain to your physicians how to complere the prescriptions for tests to reflect the need for them based on your
Bi-rad diagnosis.
Wish me luck my appt is on Nov 8th. My husband will be drivng an hour from our home to find this radiology center, the 3 breast/woman's health radiology centers near my home either do not gave ABVS or will not perform a breast MRI unless you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The need for MRI's and DiGnostuc Imaging protocols need to be reassessed and insurance companies need to cover these test from the beginning the screening process. Thank you for your time. All the Best to you.
Take care
Colleen P

I am so sorry to hear that you are still in limbo and not feeling support from the surgeon; contact the American Cancer Society and see if they have any "navigators" who can support/ educate/ prepare you for your ongoing treatment plan. Sometimes you can even find a navigator through your doctor or hospital. The navigators are often RN's or other medical personnel who understand and have experience in the field. It is important that you find somebody with whom you have a good rapport, as this is so important to have a team you trust and can confide in.