[Mary Jo]

Mammography wasn't the tool for detecting my breast cancer either. I found my lump. It was very prominent and could have been felt by anyone. Hardly even had to press to feel it. Anyway, I was due for my yearly mammogram and wasn't concerned at all as I had a lumpectomy in this same area 14 years prior so I thought it was just scar tissue as it always felt "funny" in that area to me. So, went in for mammogram and I wasn't even going to mention the "lump" as I figured if they found anything they would let me know. Boy, would that have been a mistake. I decided to mention the lump to the tech. who marked the area with a sticker. They did the mammogram and found nothing their. They took more concentrated pictures of the area (and only because I felt a lump) and still found nothing their. Because the lump was felt they opted to do an ultrasound. I wasn't the least bit concerned because I was sure if a mammogram didn't see a lump in an area they were specifically looking at there surely couldn't be anything their. Well.....................long story short there was a 4.5 cm tumor. Actually at the time they were measuring it at like 2.5 but at surgery it was 4.5 x 2.something. It could have grown and my surgeon said you never really get the actual size till you remove it.


So I now tell all women to PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY. Never assume anthing. Mammograms surely aren't always the answer BUT still a great tool and should be used. BUT if you notice anything at all suspicious make sure it is checked out thoroughly.

Mary Jo