October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: I Am Getting My Mammogram Today

It is that time of year again. Actually it is past time for me to get my yearly mammogram. I know that it is extremely important to get them. Yet I dread them just like every other woman in the world.We are fortunate in our country to have them available. In many countries women don't have access to mammograms. I consider myself extremely fortunate that our insurance pays for me to get them. Sometimes I have to have another one because there are spots that are inconclusive. So far I have been lucky. I don't like to think about it, but know that my days are probably numbered. I come from a long line of women family members who have had breast cancer.

My first cousin on my mother's sides, who is also my only cousin on my mother's side, was diagnosed with breast cancer over 8 years ago. She is still cancer free but I know it is like having a hammer held over your head. My great-grandmother, grandmother and at least 3 of her sisters all had breast cancer. My mother had her breasts removed after having countless biopsies. None of them were cancerous yet but it only made sense to have the surgery to prevent cancer.

I think it may be wise to have a mastectomy but really don't want to because of the money issue. The pain issue is also a factor. Many women today, especially those with lots of money are choosing to have mastectomies and breast reconstruction as a preventive.

I have innocently thought that if you find a lump through a mammogram and have it removed that your fears should be over. It worked that way for my cousin. She did have radiation but did not have chemotherapy. She chose not too. She has said that she may have reconsidered having radiation if she knew that she would end up with a fractured rib that will not heal now. It is frightening to know that there are so many different kinds of breast cancer.