body!!!!!

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Absolutely!!!!
Not enough is being done to educate men about Prostate Cancer, and most men only know of the worst part: "That they won't be able to have sex after they get it."

But of course we women know that, that is not always the case, especially if caught early enough. And with treatment breakthroughs being made all the time things are improving.
At least here in Australia there is ongoing campaigns to make men more aware but it is still up to us women to make sure our men have regular prostate checks, even though the procedure isn't very nice, it can save their life.

Hugs and roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Congratulations Conqueror!!!!

Not 'survivor' because survivor makes you a victim, "conqueror" make you a VICTOR.
Hugs n roses, Meganne

by meganne 20 Feb 2011

The lump could never be felt even when it grew to 2.5 cm x .6 x .6 (1" x 1/4" x 1/4"), it was like a square sausage.

The digital mammogram found it, then an ultrasound confirmed its abnormal appearance. They did a needle biopsy to break a piece off and send to pathology and they would only say it was a papiloma, not cancer.
All this happened on the same day at a (very expensive) specialist breast cancer clinic that I had been visiting regularly for over 30 years.
The prognoses from their pathology was Papiloma. They said papiloma's normally become cancerous and I should have it removed. When pushed further they said that I probably had ten years before it became cancerous so there was no hurry.

At the time I was battling with a very stubborn jaw infection, so I was in a lot of pain and taking massive doses of antibiotics, but I still felt there was something else going on.

I went back to my GP and he sent me to another, (second choice bc specialist, as the one he wanted me to see was on maternity leave), she looked at fresh ultrasounds and agreed that it wasn't cancer, just a papiloma, that I should have it removed, but no hurry, sometime next year would do.

I went back and told my GP that I did not feel RIGHT, not like myself at all, and I believed there was something more going on in my body than the jaw infection, I couldn't put my finger on it.
I was also getting shooting, electricity like, fine lightning type, pains, beginning from where the lump was out through the nipple.

Finally, in November I got to see the (first choice) Doctor, Deborah Cheung, who took one look at the ultrasound and had me booked for a biopsy, then the lumpectomy, then the double mastectomy all within three weeks.

The lump had three types of cancer, one at the core, a different one at the shell and it was sitting in a bed, of what is called ductile carcinoma in situ.

The first two cancers were deadly (grade 3 on the Australian scale), and if not removed within six months would normally metastasise through the body, after which there is very little chance of survival.

So, how did I know? I know my body and I knew there was something wrong inside. I just did not feel like myself!

STUPIDLY!!!! I kept putting off having my annual mammogram, something kept telling me I wasn't going to escape this time and emotionally I could not cope with losing my boobs. This is so silly compared to losing one's life!!!

But a funny thing kept happening, I kept receiving invitations from the local free breast cancer clinic, to have a free mammogram. It was like I was being TOLD to do something and yes, I do believe in signs.

After everything was over I phoned the local clinic and thanked them for sending out their pamphlets so regularly because they really did push me into action, even though I didn't use their service.

So, how can you know? If I could answer that I would be a millionaire.

I had trusted the Sydney Square Breast Clinic for over 30 years and in the end they failed me miserably.

Now, I must tell you, my Sister, (who has had bc twice and was undergoing 6 monthly mammograms), found the lump herself and three mammograms failed to find it because it kept moving.

So please don't just rely on mammograms, you also need to do a self examination, standing up and laying down, once a week, once a month, anything is better than nothing.

Sorry to be so long winded but I hope by sharing my story I can save other lives, I was EXTREMELY lucky, I should have died and I didn't, for whatever reason....
who knows, this post itself may be the one that saves the life of someone destined to become the mother of the person who finds a cure for cancer........

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

I hope it was all clear.
hugs and roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

I'm glad your result was a good one, I hope it continues that way for you for ALL of them.

I had 31 years of good ones before the nasty one. I am so glad I kept having them.
hugs n roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Yes I agree, it was a digital image that found my cancer.
Hugs and roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Yes that's a great idea Gerry. I click whenever I remember and I discovered I can do one from my laptop and one from my pc on the same day so it is a double vote.
:-)))

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Yes life is so fleeting and it can change in an instant we need to cherish every day. Hugs n roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

I know they are painful, but the pain doesn't last long and the alternative is much more permanent.
Hugs n roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Thank you Claude, you are very dear to my heart. hugs and roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

She is my "Winning" Betty who I used all through my battle. Older Cuties will recognise what she stands for, of course I had to reinstate her on this anniversary. :-))

hugs n roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

We can all beat cancer if we get it early enough. I am so glad you are here to talk about it too.
hugs n roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

Yes Shirlene, time is moving so quickly it is hard to believe it has been three years.
I remember that day so vividly, and for someone who is so forgetful of most daily events, that is REALLY something. LOL!!!!

My Cute Family got me through and I know only too well that HE listened to all the prayers said for me.

I am so thankful to be alive.
Hugs and roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

I will pray it stays that way.
Hugs and roses, Meganne

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

me too Helen. :-)))

by meganne 19 Feb 2011

me too. hehehehehehe!