https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:22:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904929 Sat, 07 Dec 2019 11:38:53 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2904929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: that’s really tough but also great that you notice it even when you can’t control it yet. Wishing you the best. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904911 Fri, 06 Dec 2019 21:11:19 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2904911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update: I saw a breast specialist today. She said I’m at a normal risk level and that mastectomy would not be a good option in my case. She said to keep up with yearly mammograms and there’s really nothing else she can recommend since I’m not high risk. I still worry though, because of my dad’s prostate cancer. I know it’s mostly a mental issue. I hope I can somehow move past this crippling worry and anxiety and start to enjoy life again. It’s like I’m afraid to be happy. Like something terrible will happen if I’m happy. If I don’t keep worrying about breast cancer, I’ll surely get it. Of course, I know that’s completely illogical but it’s how my mind is working right now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904429 Wed, 04 Dec 2019 11:47:22 +0000 yellowbeach 2904429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: How long have you been on your current meds now? I think @JJ2626 is right... if it's been more than 8 weeks and things still aren't better, it's time to pursue a new doctor. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904362 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 23:37:15 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2904362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: my mom and aunt were tested first and had it so my sister and I tested. We have major family history plus the known mutation so it was an easy decision. I wouldn’t have done it without family history (3 close relatives). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904358 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 23:08:32 +0000 JJ2626 2904358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: I’m just going to echo everyone and encourage you to find a new psychiatrist/treatment program if what you are currently doing is not working. Asking these questions here won’t help you and you will find something new to be anxious if you decide to get BRCA tester. Please try to find support. We want you to get better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904357 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 22:51:37 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2904357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs Green Grass: what made you decide to do the BRCA test? In your opinion, should I be tested? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904071 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:42:02 +0000 jhd 2904071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: I’m on Zoloft. I felt a little better after a few weeks but it took upping the dose before I felt more normal. I’m sorry you’ve not seen an improvement with medication so far. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904070 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:32:53 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2904070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jhd: can I ask what medication you’re using? I’ve tried Prozac and lexapro with no change in my anxiety and depression </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904069 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:31:05 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2904069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: since there’s no family history of breast or ovarian cancer, do you think it’s safe to say his prostate cancer wasn’t genetic? I don’t think anyone else has had prostate cancer either </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904055 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 23:15:51 +0000 Sams Mom 2904055@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: yes prostate cancer is included in the ovarian, cervical, and breast cancer genetic panel. BUT your dad would have to of had the genetic factor. If it would put your mind at ease look into genetic counseling. Invitae is who we use at the high risk breast clinic I work at, but many other companies offer it too. </p> <p>A surgeon worth their clout will not do a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy just because of health anxiety. Look into if there is a High Risk Breast Clinic associated with the breast center you do your screenings at. </p> <p>If your current therapist and medication is not working, look into a new provider and/or medication dosage/type.</p> <p>I know all of this sounds harsh, but you can't waste your life away worrying about all the what ifs, and missing out on everything happening around you. You have 2 girls with one on the way, you need to take care of yourself to take care of them. If anything can change to accommodate the outpatient program you looked at, then do everything you can to make it work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904054 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:58:14 +0000 jhd 2904054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: i'm sorry you are experiencing so much anxiety. i have had a lot of anxiety over the health of my children. i started medication in the summer and i'm feeling so much better. i still feel nervous before big check ups but it's not out of control. i hope you are able to find the right medicine and support to feel better. :heart: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904048 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 21:25:38 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2904048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read today that having a dad who has had prostate cancer increases the risk of breast cancer. My dad had it at age 64. So, I’m spiraling in panic again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904034 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 14:51:00 +0000 ElbieKay 2904034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So the thing with any diagnostic screening is that the test doesn’t change anything. You either have an issue and catch it, or you still have the issue but you don’t catch it as early.</p> <p>I always felt very nervous about my trisomy screenings during pregnancy. I tried to remind myself that taking the test does not cause the syndrome. It simply identifies it earlier than we would otherwise.</p> <p>I think that is the only mindset that might help with a mammogram. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904030 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 12:27:22 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2904030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m BRCA2+ so I’ve been rotating a mammogram and breast mri for at least the last 7 years. I had a biopsy once which was scary. But I feel comforted by the monitoring. Breast cancer is extremely treatable in early stages and monitoring helps you find it early.</p> <p>After reading everything above maybe you can reframe things like mammograms as proactively taking good care of your health... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2904023 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 08:38:34 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2904023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: after my third I struggled with health anxiety. Recently I was again a bit. </p> <p>The health anxiety subreddit helps me because I can see others struggling and know I’m not alone, there’s also some good tips. </p> <p>The healthy anxiety podcast is also really good. Check that out. </p> <p>Going on walks helps too. Also I would suggest new meds or counsellor if it’s not helping. </p> <p>Just know you’re not alone and it does get better. </p> <p>Also RE mastectomy... I think if you did that you’d just find something else to worry about. I thought I had a brain tumour, then my head aches stopped, so it switched to colon cancer, diabetes, breast cancer, etc. Removing your breasts will relieve the worry of breast cancer, but it will be replaced with another worry if you don’t fix your anxiety in general. Honestly, this time last year I thought I would always feel so so anxious about my health and I’m doing a lot better now. Counselling is the major change for me, and I have completely banned myself from google. If I have an issue for a couple weeks, I make a doctors appointment. </p> <p>Good luck ❤️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903998 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 16:06:31 +0000 crazydoglady 2903998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: Also, I'm going to wall you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903997 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 16:02:00 +0000 crazydoglady 2903997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: After a panic/anxiety episode, it's normal to be exhausted. Our bodies can't tell the difference between real or perceived danger. So, when you are in the heightened fight or flight for an extended period of time, your body must be EXHAUSTED. Plus, you are pregnant. Take some time to rest. It's ok. Enjoying your life also means taking care of yourself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903995 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 15:42:44 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2903995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: I’m sleeping a lot today, trying to sleep away my depression and anxiety. I know I should be up enjoying my girls. It’s rough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903991 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 14:14:25 +0000 crazydoglady 2903991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: Of course! We care about you! I just want you to be happy and at peace. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903989 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 13:16:10 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2903989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: this means so much to me.. thank you </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903968 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 23:12:09 +0000 crazydoglady 2903968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: I mean, I don't want to freak you out, but the breasts aren't the only body part that can have cancer...you can't just remove body parts because they *may* develop cancer. </p> <p>Here's the thing: something may happen to you (or me) it's part of the human condition. We aren't going to live forever and we aren't immune to disease/accidents etc. We have this one life and worrying it away is doing yourself such a disservice. Yes, go to your screenings, get your mammograms, and be proactive. But you are being reactive to something that doesn't exist. The issue isn't cancer (or anything else,) but your anxiety/paranoia. That is the thing that is holding you hostage. I can't help but think what wonderful and beautiful things you could do with your time if you were able to stop giving power to your anxiety and enjoy your life with your girls. It begins with you deciding that enough is enough and doing whatever is in your power to start mentally and emotionally healing. You and your family deserve peace. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903964 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 22:22:55 +0000 gotkimchi 2903964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: with no other risk factors I’m not sure a doctor would do it. It seems like you might just channel these anxieties elsewhere then anyways. If your meds aren’t working change meds. If you need a new therapist or more therapy do it. You deserve to live without this debilitating anxiety </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903963 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 22:03:19 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2903963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m considering having a double mastectomy to reduce my risk. It’s worth it to me for some peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903958 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 19:56:43 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2903958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkcupcake: yes I’m on meds and in therapy ... neither of which have helped </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903957 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 19:44:23 +0000 pinkb 2903957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No it is not something I think about daily. I have anxiety about death and medical emergencies in general very regularly prob daily or every other day. I have Xanax for really bad days where I can’t get it under control. I take cbd oil daily for migraines and I think it has helped for the anxiety too. I just had my 3rd baby and I usually get so distracted taking care of the kids that it gets my mind off of anxiety triggers for me. After they are in bed is my worst time. Hope you can find something to help soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903948 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 18:31:38 +0000 pinkcupcake 2903948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I remember reading another post of yours where you mentioned you had a lot of anxiety about your health and breast cancer. I think it’s natural to have some anxiety or trepidation prior to a medical procedure, but the level of anxiety you mention in this post and others isn’t normal. Are you on anti anxiety meds? Therapy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903945 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 18:10:26 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2903945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbeach: same with me.. no family history or other risk factors... just a messed up mind that fixates on scary things. You're right that there are plenty of other things that could bring death at any moment. I don't know why I am so stuck on this. Your post is helpful. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903941 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 17:09:06 +0000 yellowbeach 2903941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve now had two done. I don’t have breast cancer anywhere in my family, so it’s not something I worry about but I make sure to schedule my screenings like recommended. Somewhat like @SweetCaroline there are other things I worry about much more since they are more common and I see them and diagnose them at work regularly (car accidents, pregnancy complications, etc). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903937 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 15:57:58 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2903937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: Thank you for responding.. I didn't end up doing the outpatient program. It was 9 hours per week and just didn't work with my schedule. I wish it did. How do you keep the worries away even when knowing you're high risk?<br /> @BUNBUN: Thank you for your response. Yeah, I guess I need to take on a different perspective. It just seems so daunting.<br /> @SweetCaroline: Thank you for the dose of perspective. I hope I can get to that place soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mammograms-for-you-ladies-40-and-over#post-2903933 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 10:01:03 +0000 SweetCaroline 2903933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get a 3D mammogram 1x per year and an MRI 1x per year, so I am being scanned every 6 months. I started this when I was 30, due to my high risk assessment. I always feel anxious leading up to the scan and afterwards until I have results. I have a tumor that was being monitored for cancer for 6 months before the doctors cleared me to TTC. That was nerve wracking.</p> <p>So yes, the process causes me anxiety. But no, not daily, not constantly. I focus on being present and living in the moment. I could also get hit by a car tomorrow, what a waste if I had spent a bunch of time riddled with anxiety and not enjoying the life I do have.</p> <p>I feel thankful that I have access to healthcare and that there are screenings for this disease. I hope that you can find peace and resources to help you move past this dark anxiety. Hugs. </p>