Rose, many womens clinics will provide free mammograms, you should check to see if there are any in your area. I just had my annual one on Friday. I've gotten one every year for the last 10 years, always around my DH's birthday (it's easier for me to remember to do it then-an inside joke-he always says he'd be happy to do the exam for me) Last year was the first year I had a non-normal, it turned out to be nothing, but it definitely made me more aware of the need to continue.

DO NOT wait to get a mammogram.

www.nbcam.org has a link to low-cost (or free, I think) screening locations.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month -- if you happen to see a bit more pink in advertising and products, that's why!

So, so sad for Giuliana. She has focused so hard on trying to have a baby, and this comes up and smacks her in the face.

How sad! But, It sounds like she will be fine. That dr that forced her to have a mammogram is amazing. He saved her life.

Rose, since you already have experience with cancer, you know NOT to mess around. There are many options available if health insurance doesn't cover. Make your appointment and go!!
I know a thing about cancer, and procrastinating. In March of this year I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I endured 3 months of chemo., the loss of all my hair (which was way worse than even the chemo.) and then a double mastectomy. I don't want anyone to go through that. I mean, I cry at cancer commercials! Like when Ricky Martin sings happy birthday...
Good news is, thanks to the incredible doctors, surgeons, nurses, technicians, friends, and of course, my family I am going to be fine. But it's been a helluva ride!!
GO ** GET *** MAMMOGRAM!!!!

God bless you paintergirl, I have two sisters who had stage four. One 17 years ago and one 10, both are fine and well.
We can't stress enough how important those mammos are for all of us.

yayagal, thanks for posting what you did, as my mom had her first chemo treatment yesterday for breast and lung cancer. Hers is stage 4 and the lung is stage 3. Needless to say, we have been devasted and I am so worried about her, but I am trying to keep positive.

I have to get an X-ray by next week & will make the appointment. I separated a joint in my hip 6 weeks ago & on top of my back problems; can barely walk/drive.. Hub just had a PET scan; we didn't think to check if they were in network with this new insurance & got left with a big chunk; so I have to make sure I go to the right place. I can't have more medical bills. I will go within the next 2 weeks; because seeing her video really freaked me out.

paintergirl Yes; I do know better. I'm sorry you lost your hair; that would kill me because mine is way down my back; have not had it cut; want to donate it once it gets a little longer. With all of the cancer we've had; we're noticing that it seems like there are more commercials for it now; & they are hard to watch. ~Hugs

Olliesmom, I left a lot of information in a post to ttodd when her mom was diagnosed. There are 2 good message boards to go to Cancer Compass & Cancer Survivors Network. If you want to send me an email I can give you links. My neighbors mom was diagnosed with lung after my hub was diagnosed with oral. Think I have a list of questions for lung cancer. Good luck to your mom ~Hugs

I hate cancer!

Thanks Yayagal....I meet so many 15 & 20-year *survivors*. I am sorry you and your sisters had to go through that but sooo happy to hear they're doing OK.
Early detection is still key.

Olliesmom, if it helps, the first chemo is the worst. The unknowns come into focus and now you know what to expect. I did three months, straight through. I was so determined to get that part over with! And, I made believe I was going to the spa every Friday morning.
Your job is to keep your mom's spirits up -- depression and doubt is the enemy. She is going to need lots of rest. And, make sure she eats well.
If you need any help, let me know. I am only seven months out, but I fell like I lived a lifetime!

roselvr, thank you so much for those message boards. I haven't tried to find them yet, will later this afternoon. I will look at them, and then tell my mom. I will email you later this afternoon also. (I have doc appt this morning)

paintergirl, good to know the first chemo is the worst. So far, no side effects, but they say days 3-5 is when to expect them. It was touch and go for awhile if she was even going to take chemo. She really kind of fought it, until her dr. told her that she would have better quality of life WITH chemo. Her thinking was if she had a year or two, she wanted to not have all the side effects that chemo gives you.

This was such a shock to us, and by looking at her, she looks and feels healthy right now. Drs. are surprised how healthy she looks. It's just hard for her to go from feeling good, and getting these treatments that she knows is going to make her feel bad. I just keep praying that she doesn't have bad side effects and has some good quality days ahead.

We have always been close, and I am one of those kids that talks to her mom 2-4 times a day and have forever. And, we live nearby. Luckily, she has my wonderful dad, too, but has been VERY hard for him. Hard to see you big, tough dad cry.