I had a mammogram today because of Elizabeth Edwards.

[undeterred]

And I was due for one anyway. Not worried about anything, no family history, but I have insurance right now, and she said something a few weeks ago that hit me: This didn't have to happen. Something about wishing she'd gone in for regular checkups and found the first lump when it was smaller. So I did it because she said that. I've never found a lump but if something turns up on my mammogram it will be small indeed.

And if you are due for a mammogram- you know who you are- and you are lucky enough to have insurance- go ahead and schedule it before the week is over. Do it because of Elizabeth Edwards.

[graywarrior]

1. I have to pay for mine, but I am scheduling one soon

[undeterred]

4. How much is it without insurance?

I never had one when I wasn't covered. Later on I found out about state programs where I could have had one for free or low cost, but I didn't know about them at the time. Now its the only thing my insurance covers 100%.

[graywarrior]

11. I have no idea, but I figure it's my health.

I just pray I never get sick.

[Longhorn]

15. I found an article from last year that says the average cost is $100.

http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/screening2.asp

That sounds right because I paid about $75 a few years ago when we didn't have insurance.

[truedelphi]

16. If you do not have insurance but you live in a County where things are

Progressive - I would suggest calling the Health and Human Services people.

If you don't want to go the Medi-Cal route (the local program for the poor who can't afford insurance) some Counties have programs that let you have various assorted women's health procedures. For instance: mammograms and pap smears. Often the amount of money you are allowed to earn and still be considered is rather high - the County governments are aware that an individual who makes $ 25,000 might have pre-existing conditions that would cause their insurance to be over $ 2 K a month.

Marin County in cA had this - I had it apply for me bevfore my spouse's employer-paid insurance kicked. I didn't want to wait out those six months because of a suspicious lump (Which ended being benign)

[shaniqua6392]

2. I know you are right.

I have been putting it off for months. I have a benign cyst that hurts and I just have not had to courage to put it in that mammogram machine and have it squished to the size of a pancake! OUCH. LOL! I just can not put it off any longer though.

[shireen]

3. ow! it's so uncomfortable!

It hurts to get your breasts squashed between two glass plates.
Had a scare couple of years ago, turned out to be a pesky little lump of tissue, completely harmless.
I'm overdue for one too, thanks for reminding me.

[oldtime dfl_er]

5. I just had one

hurts like hell but I'm "high risk" so have to do it once a year. PLEASE if you don't have insurance, find a place that will do one for free. The programs ARE out there.

Elizabeth Edwards for first lady!
http://www.cafepress.com/scarebaby/2821663

[eleny]

6. I did the same thing last Wednesday

I was a little overdue for one and decided to do the right thing.

Good luck with your results! :pals:

[Beaverhausen]

7. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month- low/no cost mammos are offered

To women who need them that month. Not saying for anyone to wait, but be aware that if you have no insurance you have a choice.

I get the big squeeze every August.

[Cairycat]

8. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection

Program provides mammograms for low-income, uninsured women. Here's a link to info: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm . You can ask your doctor or his/her nurse if there are other programs you might be eligible for that can pay part or all of the cost - most offices will do what they can to help you get screened. I got my first mammo for $40 some years ago through some breast cancer foundation, then since have gotten them through the NBCCED program.

As for the pain, it helps to go mid-cycle (if you're still menstruating). But no question, it's harder for smaller-breasted women. But it's what, 5 minutes out of your year? Not fun, but bearable.

I sure wish all who need it could get mammos without worrying about the cost. Breast cancer hurts or kills too many wonderful women.

C.
daughter of a breast cancer victim, & sister of a 5-year survivor (whose lump was not detectable through breast self-exam)

[FuzzySlippers]

9. Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

If you're uninsured or underinsured, see if you qualify for breast and cervical cancer screening through this program. If you meet income guidelines, it will pay the costs of all testing up through diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through this program, you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage for treatment. This is an amazing program. Please check it out.

[OzarkDem]

29. Yes it is

The best option for uninsured women. We're currently working in Ohio to have the treatment program expanded to cover all uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.

Sign our petition to the governor. Thanks!

http://www.nobcc.org/id46.html

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

10. I worry about my health,...but, can't do anything about it because,...

,...I'm not a child and I'm not over sixty-five. I'm unemployed. The only preventive care I receive is my own via diet and life-style. I wish that granted me a guarantee of health but I know better.

It's just too damned bad the productive who have misfortune have no means of ensuring our productivity because we have no access other than an emergency room which patches and puts.

[FuzzySlippers]

12. I don't know what your gender is, but if you're a woman

please see my post above. You should qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screening.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp /

I know this may not meet all your health care needs, but these are important tests which you can have done for free.

[Tinksrival]

13. Wow! ME TOO!

That's so weird to see this post today because at 7:45 AM I had my appointment that I made the day after her announcement. I am 43 and it was my first and it was a piece cake. I probably would have put it off another three years if it wasn't for Elizabeth insisting we go.
I am so glad she yelled at me ! ;)

[eleny]

14. Congrats on your first!

Nice that it was easy. Mine was, too.

[undeterred]

17. It was my 2nd, but its been too long since the first.

And as soon as I heard her say 'this didn't have to happen' I knew I had to get myself back in. Sure its a little uncomfortable but we are lucky enough to have it available to us, so lets take care of ourselves.

[K8-EEE]

18. I have an appt for a long overdue mammo because of her too!

Thanks Elizabeth....

[TahitiNut]

19. I felt up my girlfriend last night because of Elizabeth Edwards.

:evilgrin:

Not really. Nope. I just couldn't help saying it. Bad. I know.

:rofl:

Seriously ... we should all encourage the women in our lives to get mammograms.
I do. Tastefully and respectfully ... if you can imagine it.

[Beaverhausen]

20. Apparantly lumps are quite often found by a woman's partner

so feel away!!! Don't forget to squeeze the...

[TahitiNut]

21. I know ... I've even said that to my (now ex-)wife.

But (sigh) she still preferred getting her exams from other guys. :grr:

:evilgrin:

Seriously ... I do know that. There are a LOT of reasons that people in loving relationships should engage in loving and repsectful touching and fondling. It's actually best done in the shower ... and it saves water, too!! It's HEALTHY in so many ways it's not funny. (No matter how strange a sense of humor I have.)

When I was a much younger and more libidinous young man, I considered wearing a button that said "Free Moustache Rides!" My social conscience, however, impelled me to choose "Free Breast Exams!" instead.

:rofl:

[FuzzySlippers]

22. Please everybody, don't put this off!!!

I found a lump over a year ago and I kept putting off seeing to it, partly out of cost concerns, but mostly through fear and denial. I told myself it was probably just a cyst, it didn't feel like what the self-exam instructions said a malignancy feels like, no family history of ANY kind of cancer, etc. Well, I finally went for a clinical exam a week ago Monday, and yesterday I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. Luckily, after all my procrastinating, it is still in the early stage. But many malignancies grow more quickly. So PLEASE get an exam NOW!!

You may qualify for free care through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp /

[undeterred]

23. kick!

[undeterred]

24. kick!

[eleny]

25. My mammogram results were good!

Found out today at my regular 6 month checkup. My shoulders feel 10 pounds lighter.

Have that mammo, ladies. Don't put it off!

[cally]

26. Just do it...I found my breast cancer very early

I could relate to what Elizabeth Edwards said. I put off my first mamogram and finally had my first one at 47. I'm so lucky that they found early cancer and not later stage cancer. I regret that I didn't get a mamogram earlier and I know I'm very fortunate. I'm basically fine now. I'm very happy the cancer was caught early. Get your mamogram and do a monthly exam. What I'm learning is that Doctors rely on us to notice changes. Just do it.

[undeterred]

27. Good for you cally

I told the tech I had no anxiety at all- just doing this because it was the right thing... I cannot imagine what it is like to go through a mammogram/biopsy and wait a day or two for the results after having found a lump. My anxiety would be through the roof, even though I know that many times it turns out to be nothing or highly treatable.

Getting regular exams is being good to yourself and the people who love you.

[OzarkDem]

28. Govt program for breast and cervical cancer screening for uninsured

Every state has a program to provide regular screening for breast & cervical cancer if you don't have health insurance. Income guidelines vary by state, but most cover women 40-64, uninsured up to 250% of the federal poverty level.

If diagnosed, you'll be covered by a special Medicaid program during treatment and follow up care. You can still work and have an income. Check guidelines in your state.

More info at the Centers for Disease Control National Breast And Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

Find your local program here:

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp

Some states match funds and provide screening for higher income levels

[rasputin1952]

30. Kick...This is so important it should not drop...

:kick:

:grouphug:

[DesertRat]

31. Good for you! I get one every year

It's such peace of mind for me. And like you said, if something does show up, I know that it will be early stage.:kick: