Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Marshmallow Mollie]

13 hours ago, jjane said:

Does anybody have any experience with dense breast tissue? My mammogram came back with abnormalities and mostly the report talks about dense tissue and calcifications. Is this a big deal? Trying not to freak out and people on this board are such a diverse and thoughtful group I figured I'd put the question out there. Have to go back for another mammogram and ultrasound Monday and was fine till I got the report in the mail. Thanks in advance for any information you may have.

Your resident breast cancer survivor here. Your dr wanting to get a different type of imaging doesn't set off any alarm bells for me.  The report would have said, for instance, 2mm mass seen in blah blah blah location, recommend biopsy, if there was something specific to be concerned about.

For young women and women with dense breasts, an ultrasound is better screening tool.

@Arwen Evenstar at the end of the month, my mom will be six years NED from ovarian cancer. Thinking of you!

[jjane]

A huge thank you to the lovely people who responded regarding dense breasts. It really helped a lot and I promise not to go on the internet and make myself crazy. It always helps to get answers from people who have been in the situation before.  I've had a bad year, all my siblings flooded in the great flood of 2016 down here in August and I just got the last two out of my house two weeks ago, plus one of them, my little brother, died in January just as his house was almost redone. I was starting to take care of things I'd put off to take care of  and help them, including doctor visits, and this hit me harder than it normally would have. Anyway, I appreciate the support more than you know.

[lookeyloo]

@jjane- we moved from Baton Rouge a year ago in December and know a  bunch of people who were flooded out and still not back in their houses.  So sad.  Re; breasts and internet, you are right to stay away from that.  I had the diagnosis, and started going on line and it terrified me.  I have a sister in law who is a vet, so she offered to do that for me and just answer my simple questions without going into danger territory.  Huge help.  So sorry about your brother.  I am sending good vibes and will wait to hear all is well.

[Happyfatchick]

@jjane,  I have dense fibrous boobies myself and I've had to go back more than once to get the deep tissue thing done.  Cancer is not common in my family, but the first couple times I was scared nevertheless.  One of those trips, the tech was dedicated to her cause - the original scan lasted over an hour.  She had me wait while it was reviewed and then I got called back for some more.  I won't lie, I was sore and the girls were offended the next day but hey, it was a small price to pay for peace of mind.  I hope it goes just t same for you.  (Maybe I even hope you're a little sore after - it means they were thorough).  ?

[GeeGolly]

21 hours ago, jjane said:

A huge thank you to the lovely people who responded regarding dense breasts. It really helped a lot and I promise not to go on the internet and make myself crazy. It always helps to get answers from people who have been in the situation before.  I've had a bad year, all my siblings flooded in the great flood of 2016 down here in August and I just got the last two out of my house two weeks ago, plus one of them, my little brother, died in January just as his house was almost redone. I was starting to take care of things I'd put off to take care of  and help them, including doctor visits, and this hit me harder than it normally would have. Anyway, I appreciate the support more than you know.

Yikes so sorry for all your stressors and the loss of your brother.

Dense breasts here too. Same as all the other posters said - the ultrasound did not find cancer. Good think is the ultrasound causes no pain and is over real quick. I hope your appointment is soon to help ease the worry.

[Sew Sumi]

You mean they don't squash your boobs into a pancake with u/s the way they do with the standard mammogram machine? I want THAT when I go for mine in August (last year's was a red-letter day...I found out about Joshgate II -and read the changing blog posts -while in the waiting room LOL).

[emma675]

Dense fibrous tatas here, too! We should start a club. I had my first mammo this year and while they didn't find anything they did recommend doing ultrasounds from here on out, just to be safe. My maternal aunt is a breast cancer survivor, so I try to be careful and stay on top of screenings.

[Love2dance]

3 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

You mean they don't squash your boobs into a pancake with u/s the way they do with the standard mammogram machine? I want THAT when I go for mine in August (last year's was a red-letter day...I found out about Joshgate II -and read the changing blog posts -while in the waiting room LOL).

Yes, but you usually have to go through the squash again mammogram at the diagnostic appointment, then you do the much more comfortable non squishy ultrasound. (Sorry, @Happyfatchick, it's usually not uncomfortable,) The jelly they warm up for the wand that does the ultrasound usually feels good. Will be thinking about you tomorrow, @jjane. (( ))

[Sew Sumi]

I had to go back for a second time maybe 7 years ago. Different facility, so I assume I got an ultrasound. All I remember is that they fucked up my appointment time, pushing out the worry even farther. Turned out to be...fibrous tissue. Everyshishy mammogram I've had since has been clear. 

[zoomama]

btdt with the mammograms, fibrous tissue and the u/s....scared the life out of me. 

[Readalot]

On 5/5/2017 at 5:07 PM, jjane said:

Does anybody have any experience with dense breast tissue? My mammogram came back with abnormalities and mostly the report talks about dense tissue and calcifications. Is this a big deal? Trying not to freak out and people on this board are such a diverse and thoughtful group I figured I'd put the question out there. Have to go back for another mammogram and ultrasound Monday and was fine till I got the report in the mail. Thanks in advance for any information you may have.

I'm skimming  through so I don't know if this was mentioned. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE insist on a Breast MRI!  My friend had dense breasts, dr ordered a MRI, insurance denied it. Year later dr ordered MRI again, this time dr got approval. MRI found cancer. Her manmograms were always clean. Only needed to remove one breast. No chemo or radiation, caught it early. - I have something that been detected for years. I have mammos and ultrasounds every single six months. I'm supposed to have MRIs too. First one, had reaction to contrast with long term effects so I'm hesitant to do again. But Im finally sucking it up and doing it in two weeks. - if you do it talk to the radiologist about taking ibuprofen before hand. Your ribs will be very sore. You lay on your tummy, your chest goes up a slight ramp that has boxes for your boobies. About 40 mins. - I can do this. BC has taken family and has affected friends and family (BRCA negative- whew). - I hope they find no serious issues with you! 

[Temperance]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say that if you check the SNL story (here on Previouslytv) about the recent Chris Pine episode (5/6/17), they did a skit that was tribute to Ru Paul's drag race. (it's the mechanic skit). I know how much some of you love Ru Paul, so I wanted to let people know that it was there. Stay strong, @Arwen Evenstar!

[jjane]

Hi guys, just a quick update. I went back for another mammogram, this one hurt like hell. Because of the position of the abnormalities they wanted to look at they had to squish me top to bottom and side to side. The first compression wasn't bad but the second hurt so much I blurted out "holy shit".  On the third I told the technician she could stop apologizing for the pain, it wasn't her fault, but please run back to her machine the minute I was set so it would be over as soon as possible. The fourth and fifth compression were even worse, but I survived. Radiologist still wanted an ultrasound after he saw the mammogram results. The room was quiet and cool, there was music, not a bad experience at all.  That is,  until the technician went to bring the scans to the radiologist and came back to tell me he had called my internist and I would have to go upstairs to see him for the results, which were that they want a biopsy now because there were several small areas that concerned them. Upshot is that I see the breast specialist tomorrow and possibly have a biopsy in the office, if not, outpatient at the hospital.

Okay, so the update wasn't so quick, sorry. Just had to get it off my chest, so to speak. Hopefully the biopsy clears me, if not, I'll do what I have to do. Anyway, thanks to all the people who responded to the situation with support, prayers, good thoughts and information. I'm always amazed at the outpouring of love this group lavishes on each other, especially since we are such a diverse group.

[zoomama]

wishing you great results tomorrow and an end to this scariness.

[crazycatlady58]

I second that. Warm  thoughts are with you.

[Nysha]

Praying that your results are good tomorrow, jjane.

[Barb23]

Add me to the list of well wishers. Praying for good results for you.  

[lookeyloo]

Sending good thoughts as well. 

[HooHooHoo]

So sorry. I know how scary this is. I hope you get good news tomorrow. 

[emma675]

jjane, let us know how it goes. Sending positive thoughts your way.

[Love2dance]

@jjane, I have been through the biopsies two times, also....turned out fibrocystic. Hoping yours will be the same. Thank you for updating us. Sending positive thoughts and well wishes to you. And hugs.

[bigskygirl]

@jjane {{{HUGS}}} and sending good thoughts your way.

I am starting physical therapy again on 5/25 because my back pain and stiffness is not getting better. It hurts to move, lift, bend up or down. I had PT in 2007 and 2008 for job related neck and back injuries, and my back/shoulders/neck feel the same way it did back then. I see the eye doctor next Tuesday morning because the prescription eye drops are not working. My eyes are hurting, dry out quickly, and some blurry vision. The insurance company will pay up to $900.00 for different eye drop prescriptions, but they will not pay for new glasses with progressive lenses. Seriously... I feel like something the cat buried in the yard and decided to dig back up again. My blood tests yesterday showed my total cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels were slightly higher, but my good cholesterol levels are good, so no new cholesterol medication to take. Some good news in some of  my medical issues craziness.

[Marigold]

Just catching up.

@JJANE  hope things are going well for you. 

[jjane]

Hi Guys, sorry it took a while to get back. So, my internist thought the breast specialist could do a biopsy in the office but he can't because of where the irregularities are and the way they are grouped. They will have to do the kind where I go the hospital and they sedate me. Unfortunately they can't do it till a week from Friday, so yay, ten more days to worry.  Then they won't know anything for two to three days. All I can do is wait. He said these things are usually 85% benign. We'll see. Not a lot I can do right now. I'm bummed that we will have to reschedule our anniversary vacation that we take every year at this time, but its just a matter of throwing myself at the mercy of the reservations people. I've found if you have a good excuse and are nice to them they will do all they can to help you. In the meantime, the pain management doctor I guilted my internist into sending me to because he couldn't figure out how to handle my fibromyalgia pain or the pain from my bulging discs wants me to have two MRIs.  I'll slide those in next week, along with talking about anesthesia at the hospital. The breast surgeon said I could do it over the phone but the hospital says no.

In the meantime, thanks again for all the info and support. I hope all the mothers on here have a great Mother's day and that those who aren't can celebrate with their mothers. For those like me who have lost their mothers, I hope you have great memories of her, like I do of mine. I miss her every day.

[lookeyloo]

@jjane- I'm hoping that the waiting will be the worst part and that you will be in the 85%.  

[Jynnan tonnix]

59 minutes ago, lookeyloo said:

@jjane- I'm hoping that the waiting will be the worst part and that you will be in the 85%.  

Hear, hear!!

[Marshmallow Mollie]

@jjane ugh!!!!!! I'm so sorry to hear it all has to be so drawn out. I have a high pain tolerance, yet I was crying out in pain for the core biopsy. I hate that you have to have surgery for what most likely will be benign, but being under for that biopsy will be nice!

[jjane]

@Marshmallow Mollie, I have to admit, my first thought when he said I would have to be sedated was that I would finally get some sleep. I feel like the last time I really slept was when I had a colonoscopy years ago. That was when they were still using propofol  for it. I don't  remember getting dressed and I slept for the rest of the day when I got home. That was the best.

[Love2dance]

@jjane, waiting is the hardest. Hoping you get the best result. You'll be in my thoughts.

[Barb23]

5 hours ago, Love2dance said:

@jjane, 

5 hours ago, Love2dance said:

@jjane, waiting is the hardest. Hoping you get the best result. You'll be in my thoughts.

Ditto.  You will be in my thoughts.  Hopefully you will be able to reschedule your anniversary trip to  when things are better.  You will need it.

[GeeGolly]

Yikes 10 days. Do one day at a time and before you know it, it will be the day after. Sounds like you have some stuff to keep you busy. Warm thoughts for you @jjane.

[MunichNark]

Oh you poor thing. All the very best to you, hopefully it will be nothing.

[Barb23]

Happy Mother's Day!!

[frenchtoast]

@jjane my mom had the same thing--dense tissue, some stuff showed up and she needed a biopsy. All came out fine, she just needed to go back regularly for check ups. 

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!!

[GeeGolly]

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommas. Warmest thoughts to all of you missing your Mommas.

[jjane]

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas, near-Mamas, and Aunts who act like Mamas. For those of us who have lost our Mamas, I hope you have great memories.

[Love2dance]

4 minutes ago, jjane said:

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas, near-Mamas, and Aunts who act like Mamas. For those of us who have lost our Mamas, I hope you have great memories.

@jjane that was the best Mother's Day message ever.

[Sew Sumi]

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmas, mothers and Grandmas to-be, and mothers to fur babies. ❤????

[Portia]

On 4/9/2017 at 9:21 PM, Portia said:

I can't find the thread(s) where we've discussed this in the past , so I'll put it here and hope it's appropriate. We've talked before about the awkward fundie wedding photos where the newlyweds and both sets of parents pose kissing. So...yesterday my son and his longtime GF tied the knot, and during the photo shoot, the photographer sprang a dreaded Intergenerational Smooch Shot on us! When she was shooting the B & G with both sets of parents, she unexpectedly chirped, "Everyone kiss!" What could we do? My husband and I gave each other "Oh shit!" expressions and then obediently locked lips. Fortunately, this came up in conversation later at the reception, and the MOB said, "Yeah, that one's not going on social media," to which the FOG and I replied, "THANK YOU!" Ugh, is this becoming a thing everywhere? Who actually thinks this is a good idea? 

 

On 4/9/2017 at 10:11 PM, Love2dance said:

@Portia, Congratulations! I would sure like to see that picture.  ?

Can't believe I am doing this, but here you go.  This is the forced intergenerational kiss pic from my son's recent wedding, with me second from the left. Good Lord, I look even more awkward than I feared.  Listen, y'all, we're no longer allowed to make fun of the fundies' closed mouth kisses, because look at me! It looks like my lips are sewn shut!  I swear the old man and I know how to kiss properly--I just freaked out because I knew no one really wanted to see this!  Note to wedding photographers everywhere:  NOOOOOOPE.

 

Edited May 14, 2017 by Portia

[Mollie]

9 minutes ago, Portia said:

 

Can't believe I am doing this, but here you go.  This is the forced intergenerational kiss pic from my son's recent wedding, with me second from the left. Good Lord, I look even more awkward than I feared.  Listen, y'all, we're no longer allowed to make fun of the fundies' closed mouth kisses, because look at me! It looks like my lips are sewn shut!  I swear the old man and I know how to kiss properly--I just freaked out because I knew no one really wanted to see this!  Note to wedding photographers everywhere:  NOOOOOOPE.

 

Congratulations!  Beautiful couple and your outfit was perfect!

[Portia]

1 minute ago, Mollie said:

Congratulations!  Beautiful couple and your outfit was perfect!

Aw, thanks!  I was hoping it wasn't too close to Mechelle's TinMan monstrosity.  My new DIL is 5'11" (JEALOUS), beautiful, talented, and a perfect addition to our family.  

[Mollie]

1 minute ago, Portia said:

Aw, thanks!  I was hoping it wasn't too close to Mechelle's TinMan monstrosity.  My new DIL is 5'11" (JEALOUS), beautiful, talented, and a perfect addition to our family.  

No way does your dress remotely resemble the tin man costume!  You and your husband look perfect together.  Ditto for the bride and groom.  The in-laws look great, too!  Nothing to be ashamed of in that picture.  

[Love2dance]

On 5/11/2017 at 2:25 PM, GeeGolly said:

We had a horrible weather event in our area a while back. My family and I lost just about everything. I was going threw a Dunkin Donut drive-thru a couple of days after the storm with just about everything we could save packed into the back of my car - debris and all. The employees had no idea my house was hit and they also didn't realize they hadn't shut off their the mics. There were saying something to the effect of the tornado hitting some neighborhoods and not others and maybe people should rethink their faiths.

@GeeGolly, so very sorry to hear that. I can't imagine the kind of cruelty you are describing. What is the matter with people? Where has empathy gone?

I hope you are getting the help you need to restart. It is devastating. We have close family in Joplin and have seen what weather can do. Sending hugs and wishes for a new beginning for you and your family. Please let us know what is happening and how you are.

(i don't know how to move this to Small Talk thread, but that is where it should be.)

Edited May 14, 2017 by Love2dance
Add sentence

[ginger90]

Very nice picture!

[BitterApple]

You looked very nice Portia, and you're a good sport!

[Portia]

Okay cut it out, you guys.  ;-)   Thanks, but enough!  hehehe

[GeeGolly]

1 hour ago, Love2dance said:

@GeeGolly, so very sorry to hear that. I can't imagine the kind of cruelty you are describing. What is the matter with people? Where has empathy gone?

I hope you are getting the help you need to restart. It is devastating. We have close family in Joplin and have seen what weather can do. Sending hugs and wishes for a new beginning for you and your family. Please let us know what is happening and how you are.

(i don't know how to move this to Small Talk thread, but that is where it should be.)

Thanks so much for your concern. The tornado happened just a couple of weeks after Joplin. We rebuilt and are doing fine. Well, except for when the wind is blowing hard are we have a tornado warning. 

And, yes for sure there are some idiots out there, (like those DD staff) but many wonderful people rallied around us and were very kind and supportive.

[Love2dance]

Thanks to whomever moved my post to this small talk thread since I didn't know how.

[Sew Sumi]

@GeeGolly Those DD employees should have been reported and fired. I'm glad you're back on your feet, but damn, human beings can be so cold, even so-called compassionate Christians. 

Fuck 'em (well, not the really compassionate people of any faith or non-faith). 

[zoomama]

on  different topic, my middle son had been working with me in the front yard for two days and it looks beautiful!!   we have been planting a little, leveling soil, spraying weed control, then laying weed cloth and finally topping with mulch. we have one island to finish but that is going to require professional intervention. trying to get it all done within the next week so when our landlords come home, they will see it all and think we are taking good care of their property.  even as a renter, i treat it as my own and want it to look like i care for it as an owner would.