I had to have the same thing done only mine was the left breast. I have a appt for August 19 for my follow up 6 months for another mamo and us. Good Luck! Sending good thoughts.

I'm still relatively new at this so I can't help much either, Anne. Wish I could. I'm so glad to hear how well your sister is doing! Especially considering just how frightened she was prior to her surgery, this must just be the biggest relief for her. My DH and DS were my caretakers, and I have to tell you I don't know how I would have made it without them. Marjorie has been so fortunate that you were able and willing to take care of her. ((HUGS)) to you for being such a good sister! I did have the chest x-ray but it was after the bi-lateral mastectomies. They did it as a base-line for future comparisons. When I had my surgery, they took two lymph nodes to test and explained that the cancer cells would travel to these Sentinal Nodes first, before getting into my bloodstream to move on to another part of the body. Since these nodes were clean, with no cancer cells, that was a positive indication that the cancer had not started to metastasize. My tumor wasn't huge, but they still were recommending Chemo for me until I had the special test done on the tumor, which placed my chances of recurrance in the LOW category. That was the determining factor and the only way I escaped with no Chemo. I'm also taking the Femora, having some minor side effects but nothing I can't handle. I did read that it's best to take it during/immediately following the evening meal and that has worked well for me. After I get through all these follow-up visits with the surgeon, plastic surgeon and oncologist, I know I'll be having annual checkups but they haven't explained what all these will entail. I did read somewhere that the mammograms will be replaced by either ultra-sound or MRI, depending on the doctor's preference.

I'm not a frequent poster, but read often and have followed your story. You are quite a strong woman, and having a positive outlook is the medicine YOU can give yourself. "YOU GOTTA CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU FEEL" ~Quoted by GMA's Robin Roberts. This is a quote that is very fitting to anyone going through a traumatic treatment, and frankly, it makes sense. My mother is a BC survivor and I had a scare 2 years ago which turned out to be pre-cancer, so I "kind of" know the trials and tribulations that come with the treatment of the disease...to a point. Stay strong, think strong, and disregard the nay sayers as they may not have a clue what you are going through. That kind of negative stress is the last thing you need. ((((Hugs)))) and prayers to you.

Just for information but when I had mine last year the machine was a little different. I was given a hand device which allowed me to regulate the pressure rather than just being placed between the plates and the tech deciding how much pressure to apply. It did make a difference. You would still need to be uncomfortable to get the best picture. If making appointments ask if that is available. I was told that it was commonly used. First time I had ever seen it.