I'm 44, have dense breasts, have a mother who was dx'ed with a late stage breast cancer
at 52, and a sister with various breast "abnormalities" (calicifications, cysts, papilloma). I
had a thermogram and it was mostly normal, but not barn door normal. It showed medium
risk areas in the left breast. An ultrasound was recommended by that doctor (who is a
qualified doctor but very alternative for a doctor!) but I've decided to get a digital
mammogram in addition. Digital are a little better with dense breasts and also lower
radiation, though certainly not safe.
I don't like the radiation either. Obviously, it is bad news.
However, the guy who is going to read the mammogram is a breast specialist. I will
request a copy of the films so I can show it to someone else if I want a second opinion.
DCIS has gone up because it is being detected, that's all. You can argue the point, I
suppose.
If my mother had some screenings in her 40's she may have had a better outcome (she
died) but maybe not.
If I get a normal mammogram I'll do another thermogram in 6 months, then 6 months
more if that is the same as before. If I start seeing anything further on those thermograms
I'll go get another mammogram. If they remain the same I'll wait a few years and get
another digital mammogram, maybe when I'm 47.
They have their use, in my opinion. You can be as damaging to the general public in
scaring them off mammograms as you can by insisting everyone get one every year no
matter what and, oh by the way, not even a digital one. So either extreme is probably not
so great. People have different opinions on the efficacy of thermograms. I got one, but I
don't think they are the be-all end-all. It's a hard call whether to get a mammo. But try
convincing someone to give you an MRI if you haven't had a mammo. Not easy!
It's a difficult cancer. Not easily prevented, not easy in any way. And I applaud those who
try to seek out alternatives to the mainstream, but I also am wary of alternative medicine,
too!
Marti
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