tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post2960182693474229432..comments2024-03-17T02:20:03.772-05:00Comments on Riding With The Top Down: Kathleen's Talking Boobs. Seriously.Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-19530886996172671932009-11-21T09:06:27.881-06:002009-11-21T09:06:27.881-06:00Laurie, you make an excellent point. Women under ...Laurie, you make an excellent point. Women under the age of 40 can get breast cancer, too. A mammogram can detect a tumor before it's big enough to feel, but you're absolutely right--the monthly self exam has prompted many women to get themselves to a doctor as well. It's about awareness and resolve. Daddy's oldest sister knew she had a lump long before she sought treatment. By the time she went to the doctor, she was in terrible pain. Years later her younger sister ended up doing the same damn thing. Fear is a powerful instinct.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-58502455044776871312009-11-21T05:09:41.103-06:002009-11-21T05:09:41.103-06:00Every woman should be doing a monthly breast check...Every woman should be doing a monthly breast check. Know your body! Don't hesistate if you feel that you've found a lump..go to a doctor!! Also, if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, get regular mammograms!<br /><br />A study is just a study, they can be interpreted in different ways, depending on who's paying for the study! <br /><br />My girlfriend in college was diagnosed at the age of 29! No family history, just found a lump during a monthly self breast exam!!Laurie Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12533221100348874087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-10148334855903151262009-11-20T23:24:45.050-06:002009-11-20T23:24:45.050-06:00I'm with you, Lady G.
robynl, thanks so much ...I'm with you, Lady G.<br /><br />robynl, thanks so much for telling us your story. You're on the road to recovery and proving the value of yearly screening. It's amazing how far we've come from what my aunt faced back in the 60's.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-70514222249074093852009-11-20T22:50:01.654-06:002009-11-20T22:50:01.654-06:00I have yearly mammograms and am so pleased and tha...I have yearly mammograms and am so pleased and thankful for that. In March/09 the test showed 2 lumps; one they were concerned about and had me get another Mammo and an Ultrasound. This led to surgery and a cancer result. Another surgery for lymph nodes and that was fine. Thank you so much for annual Mammograms. I had 25 radiation treatments which I finished a month ago.robynlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03250071917966470701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-71938991294493137862009-11-20T21:23:32.732-06:002009-11-20T21:23:32.732-06:00No matter what the government's doctors say, t...No matter what the government's doctors say, the are my Ta-Ta's and I sure as heck going to take good care of them. If that means I get them smashed, twisted and pulled in various way to make sure they are okay and so am I.Lady_Graeyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02697093619684822302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-71158205418886986072009-11-20T20:24:55.842-06:002009-11-20T20:24:55.842-06:00Hi, Linda!
Wow. I've never heard that about ...Hi, Linda!<br /><br />Wow. I've never heard that about EKGs. Thanks so much for the "rant." Really enlightening.<br /><br />What did I tell you? This is exactly how women get to be so smart.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-7664778686394581982009-11-20T19:06:23.757-06:002009-11-20T19:06:23.757-06:00I've worked in insurance for over 30 years - i...I've worked in insurance for over 30 years - if more women had mammograms and PAPs on a regular basis--more women would be able to avoid cancer and costs would be less. Period. The end.<br /><br />My mother had a hysterectomy at age 39, and numerous fluid-filled cysts that needed aspirating (with a HUGE needle) all through her 40s and early 50s--until menopuase. Nothing was ever diagnosed as cancerous...until she was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 64.<br /><br />I don't believe in coincidence, gals. Women who have "female problems," tend to have them. How soon is too soon to screen? Never, as far as I'm concerned.<br /><br />And, as far as the guy versus gal thing: prostate cancer is much more treatable than breast cancer, right? And if it does require surgery, any disfigurement that might exist isn't visible to the whole world, right? Is it a coincidence that screening and treatment for prostate cancer is more advanced than that for breast cancer? You decide.<br /><br />And what about EKGs? Did you know that 35% of women over age 35 have abnormal EKGs because the machines and testing were designed based on men's hearts--which are significantly larger than ours? (Only in size, not in other ways!) I learned all this the hard way--and have the EKG, stress test, and nuclear stress test to prove it. Along with the bills. Over $4,000 worth of "tests" to find out my heart is PERFECT? These are the test that cost money and make our insurance so expensive--the ones that should be redesigned to be more effective. Why don't they design testing for WOMEN'S hearts? And maybe a better screening test for breast cancer?<br /><br />Sigh. <br /><br />Thanks for listening to the rant. And thanks, Kathleen, for bringing this matter to attention. We need to talk about it. A lot.LINDA FAULKNERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08059741905691302335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-76168507725589706322009-11-20T17:56:24.365-06:002009-11-20T17:56:24.365-06:00Absolutely, Kylie. The 1 in 1,900 makes all the d...Absolutely, Kylie. The 1 in 1,900 makes all the difference if you're the 1. How can they say that 1 in 1,900 is an acceptable death rate and 1 in 1300 is not? Especially when that 1 is a woman in her 40's.<br /><br />Insurance companies didn't start covering annual screening out of the goodness of their corporate hearts. A mammogram is a relatively inexpensive procedure, and it saves lives. Almost everyone who's been riding with us today has a personal experience or a close friend or relative to attest to that. Anecdotal evidence is powerful.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-12433556835502535852009-11-20T13:42:40.764-06:002009-11-20T13:42:40.764-06:00I'm a rule follower, too. I have the annual t...I'm a rule follower, too. I have the annual tests. Had a scare the first time, have had a biopsy...I'm less scared knowing that I'm getting a good report than I would be if I waited two years to hear.<br /><br />I think I read that they said the tests can cause problems. They are taking a hard look at all the xrays being done by dentists and doctors and finally saying what my dad has been saying for years...all those xrays can't be good for you. However, going once a year can't be that harmful. <br /><br />I was very disappointed they came out with this. It's sort of like the AMA almost reversing themselves on letting babies sleep on their tummies last Aug. They're constantly weighing new evidence. But I'm not willing to be one of the percentage of acceptable risk they're willing to let die. <br /><br />Call me cranky, LOL.KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-88234444095482459842009-11-20T12:18:24.692-06:002009-11-20T12:18:24.692-06:00Marcia, right on about the ED drugs! It's not...Marcia, right on about the ED drugs! It's not about what saves lives. It's about what brings in the cash. <br /><br />Ever tried to explain those cialis commercials to a 5-year-old?Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-47452131900508366282009-11-20T12:15:18.236-06:002009-11-20T12:15:18.236-06:00Deb, I saw the ACS prez on another show making bas...Deb, I saw the ACS prez on another show making basically the same statement. We need to come up with better techniques, but right now, mammography is the best there is. We're doing much better than we were 20, even 10 years ago. Don't cut back. Don't allow insurance companies to cut back, which is what they'll do if we give an inch.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-54881468594448230942009-11-20T12:09:56.348-06:002009-11-20T12:09:56.348-06:00Virginia, Lori-- I thought about posting the carto...Virginia, Lori-- I thought about posting the cartoon showing a guy with his tools in the vise, but decided not to go there. They've got theirs, we've got ours. <br /><br />Trouble is, they still think they should be able to make critical decisions about our bodies. Do we make decisions about their health care? I think not. Except to try to get them to see a doctor for anything that might improve their health. Starting from Day 1.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-85394336627111577692009-11-20T11:54:30.032-06:002009-11-20T11:54:30.032-06:00One last thought, and that was that I notice that ...One last thought, and that was that I notice that nobody told men to stop doing TSE. Hmmm....Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08250972350798310498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-64487960226055391182009-11-20T11:52:21.338-06:002009-11-20T11:52:21.338-06:00I have my pap test and mammograms done every year...I have my pap test and mammograms done every year in April, great birthday present. My grandmother died of breast cancer on my father's side. They always told me the risk were less coming through that side of the family but I don't believe it. I started getting mamograms at the age of 35 and I did have one come out bad but they desided it was from to much caffene. I had to have them every three months for a year after that. All of the rest have been fine. I do think men should have the pleasure of having at least one done on themself just so they would know what it was like. There should be an easire way to check for these things.Virginiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06924888528166831610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-58445484064675449522009-11-20T11:39:03.803-06:002009-11-20T11:39:03.803-06:00I loved the Larry King show in which the rep from ...I loved the Larry King show in which the rep from the Cancer Society was so diplomatic about respecting the Task Force and in the kindest way possible said, "They got this wrong."<br /><br />And he also said (paraphrasing), "Mammography isn't perfect but it's the best test we have. What we need to be focusing on is a better predictor. Women deserve a better test."<br /><br />Loved it.<br /><br />Also loved your post today Kathleen.<br /><br />Here's my mental process for anyone who hasn't had a mammogram and might be worried about all the "pain and discomfort" they're being told they'd be saved if they follow the new regulations... <br /><br />DD's thoughts during the mammogram. 'ow. Ow. OW. Oh, done. Next boob?'<br /><br />Way easier than being treated for breast cancer.Debra Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03992776098849029414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-7474884682543083732009-11-20T11:24:39.202-06:002009-11-20T11:24:39.202-06:00Absolutely, Linda. Feel away. We need to do what...Absolutely, Linda. Feel away. We need to do whatever works, whatever contributes to the decline is the mortality rate for breast cancer. <br /><br />When I searched Google images for the visuals I posted today, you know what else I found? Several photos--all different jokers--of men with a cardboard box over their head and a sign reading "Free Mammograms." Oh, and a big grin. Okay, I try not to take myself too too seriously, and I joke about the squisher. But sometimes I think the powers that be would put women in that cardboard box if it would add to their profits. After all, what's one in 1,900?<br /><br />Sadly, we're talking about women in their prime. 40-50? Those are some damn good years, girls.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-69059270728735597712009-11-20T11:23:04.183-06:002009-11-20T11:23:04.183-06:00I'm for the pre-screening tests and the self-e...I'm for the pre-screening tests and the self-examinations.<br /><br />At 27 I had part of my cervix removed with a laser because my regular pap exam and the subsequent "wait and see" paps and the biopsies identified rep-cancerouse tissue Level 4. This is the stage before they start calling it Cancer Stage 1. If the pap wasn't done regularly along with the cautionary follow-ups, I think it is possible I'd be dead from cancer. Lower possibility because of more effective treatments, but they still aren't great for Cervical Cancer.<br /><br />This past summer, I had a breast tumor removed that was finally found to be non-cancerous. I won't waste any time thinking about how scared I'd be if they'd told me to avoid the mammograms and other tests and just wait and see. They couldn't tell if it was cancer until the CUT IT OUT and tested it. What? I should have just waited to see if I started having OTHER trouble? Nope, the swelling, bleeding, draininage and PAIN were enough of a sign for me.<br /><br />I'm 44 now. I'm going back every year for my mammograms. I pray that my insurance continues to pay.<br /><br />Having said all that/this . . . I STRONGLY believe that better testing methods, equipment and treatments need to be researched for women's health issues. We have plenty of ED drugs avialable now. Redirect the research!<br /><br />Marcia in OKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-10592563175198479202009-11-20T11:10:05.284-06:002009-11-20T11:10:05.284-06:00Frankly I think this will just give the insurance ...Frankly I think this will just give the insurance companies another reason not to pay for something. We have to fight most of them now to get our bills paid. I heard them talking about self exams and how they were basically worthless. If I want to feel myself up to see if I have a lump, what business is it of theirs. After all, we know our bodies better than anyone. A lot of the time we know there is something wrong with us long before a doctor and if you don't insist they keep checking a lot of times things go unnoticed.Linda Hendersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06496464041656744569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-1406838011775123732009-11-20T11:04:44.442-06:002009-11-20T11:04:44.442-06:00LSU - I have that link on my website and have it s...LSU - I have that link on my website and have it set up to send me DAILY reminders to click. So easy to do.Cindy Gerardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13311224531297908704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-72229652805424340852009-11-20T10:48:20.822-06:002009-11-20T10:48:20.822-06:00go Kathy. not for profit healthcare. i'm with ...go Kathy. not for profit healthcare. i'm with you.lois greimanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05758677401591191607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-6433548200611526172009-11-20T10:35:53.857-06:002009-11-20T10:35:53.857-06:00I think it's unconscionable and hypocritical f...I think it's unconscionable and hypocritical for the medical community to discourage women from getting mammograms. We have so many victims of breast cancer. This kind of suggestion will negatively influence insurers. Here is a website I visit daily to help fund mammmograms for poor women: thebreastcancersite.com. It's free--just a click of the mouse helps those in need. Thanks, Kathleen, for calling attention to this in your blog today.LSUReaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10551147044529756940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-36012262560830227012009-11-20T10:33:04.674-06:002009-11-20T10:33:04.674-06:00Pamela, I think your case of a benign tumor is one...Pamela, I think your case of a benign tumor is one of those they put into the "unnecessary treatment" category along with my biopsies that revealed calcification. It only counts as necessary if they find and treat a malignancy.<br /><br />This part bugs me, too: discovering slow-growing cancer that probably wouldn't result in death is also considered "unnecessary." I can just hear some guy in a white coat saying, "It probably won't kill her so let's not worry her pretty little head over it."Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-6065109882587007432009-11-20T10:26:12.373-06:002009-11-20T10:26:12.373-06:00Right on sister girls!Right on sister girls!Cindy Gerardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13311224531297908704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-38496447758892450772009-11-20T09:59:47.040-06:002009-11-20T09:59:47.040-06:00In the past year I have had 2 friends who have had...In the past year I have had 2 friends who have had mammograms where cancer was discovered. The first friend needed a radical mastectomy at 48. The second friend is being treated with a lumpectomy and radiation. I think the statistics of breast cancer warrant the continuing screening. I had my first lumpectomy at 38 years old. Thankfully it was benign. I really don't want to play russian roullette with my health. What is all this talk about early diagnosis? Is that all to be thrown out with the trash?<br />Love & Hugs,<br />PamPamela Keenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14408322453014180737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-84998583329092032522009-11-20T09:44:39.927-06:002009-11-20T09:44:39.927-06:00Betina, this panel has been in place for 25 years,...Betina, this panel has been in place for 25 years, and according to news reports their recommendations influence federal programs AND insurance companies. Sebelius has said that this won't change federal policy. Insurance companies? Again, we're talking bottom line.<br /><br />I'm of the opinion that health care should not be a for-profit industry. There. I said it. The profit motive does not serve the patient. Thank heaven for whatever regulation exists in your state. MN requires insurance companies to cover these screenings. Thank heaven for the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons. Both disagree with the panel's new recommendations.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com