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Questions to ask to ensure you are in good hands

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Question:  #1 11/16/2009		Q:	Hi All, I am currently on femara and nearing my 5 year....do you see me continuing this treatment after my 5th year? 2nd question, I have a enchondrama in my left shoulder when seeing an mri because of shoulder pain. Discovered I have frozen shoulder...we are deciding to redo mri in 6 months to check on matters...2 choices surgery to biopsy it, curette it out, or leave it. I had stage 1 bc, chemo and radiation in 05. Otherwise healthy, mild high blood pressure, on fosamax plus D, . Would like to hear what you think.
		A:	Hi there. Can't really comment on your shoulder as that is out of our realm of expertise , but would definitely continue to follow that with your doctors. As far as continuing femara, that is being actively looked at in clinical trials right now ie 5 vs. 10 years of aromatase inhibitors. We don't know the answer to that question, and insurance sometimes forces patients to stop after 5 years if they are not on a clinical trial as they won't pay for more than 5 years many times. I would discuss with your oncologist about this and ask him/her about clinical trials addressing this important question if you want to participate and potentially take it for another 5 years.
Question:  #2 11/8/2009		Q:	Does removal of ovaries help reduce recurrence of breast cancer? Diagnosed with 2-3 cm IDC stage II in 2006 at 47. 2 of 3 nodes positive. (two sentinel nodes). Had chemo, bilateral mastectomy, and radiation. Was on Tamoxifen for 18 months, now on Femara. chemo-induced menopause? At last visit, oncologist office suggested I talk to my gynecologist about possible ovary removal. Several cases of ovarian cancer and breast cancer in 2nd and 3rd cousins. I want to do all I can to reduce chance of breast cancer coming back, (would probably consider total hysterectomy if going through oophorectomy). But also feel strange for considering a surgery when scans etc are okay for now and am now a 3 year survivor. ER pos, PR pos, Her neg. My mind is spinning on what to do or consider!! Thanks....
		A:	hope you are considering genetic testing if you have family history of breast AND ovarian cancer. that said, getting ovaries out sounds quite reasonable and the oncologist can show you on a graph how that may benefit you from a risk reduction perspective. if you carry a breast cancer gene however the need to get ovaries out is really important unrelated to reducing your breast cancer risk. you want to reduce your ovarian cancer risk. by the time ovarian cancer is seen it can have already traveled elsewhere. so follow through and if not genetically tested yet, consider this strongly.
Question:  #3 11/9/2009		Q:	Is zometa twice a year now considered the best followup for trying to prevent bony metastases? thank you very much for your help to all
		A:	Currently there is no single correct method for zometa in this setting. Zometa and other drugs in its class are currently being studied to determine if other drugs are equal to or better than zometa and also the best dosing (ie how often)it can be given and still have effectiveness. Due to zometa's side effects and mostly osteonecrosis of the jaw, we are trying to not administer it so frequently if not necessary. Best and thanks!
Question:  #4 11/7/2009		Q:	I had a bilateral mastectomy on 4/6/09. I want to get reconstruction using my stomach. I went to see the first plastic surgeon where we live but he doesn''t do the micro. He sent me to another but they were so rude. I''m 57 have asthma and hypothroid. I do smoke but will quit. I did not have cancer. It runs on both sides of my family and I decided to have this done. They did find something on the ulta sound and did a lumpectomy but it wasn''t cancer. Can anyone there help me that is nice and not rude. We live in PA. God Bless
		A:	come to us. you aren't even far away!!! 443-287-2778. diep flap is what you need. we specialize in it and do it every day at Hopkins. even I've had it done and love it. best decision i ever made for myself. I look forward to meeting you. ask for Lillie when you come. L
Question:  #5 10/18/2009		Q:	When cancer markers CEA, CA 27-29, liver enzymes etc were never elevated, even with large tumor, why continue to monitor these every 6 months? and what symptoms should be considered worrisome? ie back pain, mild pain radiating outside of leg? forgetfulness? and when to report symptom?
		A:	tumor markers and liver enzymes tests are appropriate for someone dealing with metastatic disease but not for someone who has completed her treatment and had stage 0-3 breast cancer. that said, NEW symptoms that are not going away after 3 weeks and seem to be worsening.
Question:  #6 10/17/2009		Q:	Hi Lillie I have a history of breast cancer, dcis treated with mastectomy and reconstruction no other treatment needed I had a episode of post menopausal bleeding biopsy showed proliferative endometrium my gyn wants me to take cyclic doses of provera 10 mg a day 2 x day for six days every 2 months is this treatment safe with my history of breast cancer my gyn said it was ok by the way my dcis was hormone receptor negative. my oncologist recommends only 2 cycles of this .
		A:	there is tremendous controversy as to whether this would be considered safe. most oncologists wouldn't be comfortable with your doing it. time for a consultation WITH a medical oncologist to get that doctor's blessing before embarking on it with your gyn doctor.
Question:  #7 8/30/2009		Q:	Treatment taken 1. Right MRM(6th Nov08) followed by 2. 6 chemotherapy( Dec – 28march) (3 CFE + 3 DOXITAXEL) 3. Followed by 20 Fraction of radiotherapy to right breast 4. Left axillary clearance( 3rd July) 5. Taking 1/ 2 tablet warf 20 6. Tamoxifen started on 12 Aug 09 Now proposed treatment plan 1. Radiotherapy to left SCF , 25 fractions ( 2nd sep – 6th oct) 2. ovarian ablation 4 fr Histpathology Report • Infiltrating Duct carcinoma with Focal lobular pattern. • Modified RB Score 2+2+2=6 • In situ carcinoma of ductal type identified. DCIS is of solid comedo type of intermediate nuclear grade. • Lymphovascular emboli present • Tumor calcification present • Skin and nipple is uninvolved, tumor in deep dermis, but epidermis is free. • Base is uninvolved. • 6/20 nodes + for metastasis Left axillary clearance (3rd July) • 10/25 nodes + for metastasis Immunohistochemistry result • ER- Negative • PR – Positive( score 4) • cERB B2 – negative • E- cadherin – Positive Ques 1. earlier my doctor suggested taking Xeloid, but when I sent to another govt. hospital so that I could get xeloid at subsidized rates. The doctors there suggested the Radiotherapy to left SCF , 25 fractions ( 2nd sep – 6th oct ) along with ovarian ablation 4 fr. I am confused as to which treatment to follow? Please give suggestions 2. I wanted to know the stage of my cancer. as first it was dignosed as IDC grade three. on second openion it came as DCIS grade 2 ( above report. what do i understand from this about my condition and treatment plan.
		A:	having that many nodes involved with cancer makes it a stage IIIb. not sure what the original diameter of the invasive disease was in the breast as it wasn't mentioned. am a bit confused about the DCIS in second report you mentioned. invasive disease trumps any findings of dcis though. your risk of recurrence is high and you are battling a situation where your prognostic factors are what are termed "unfavorable" being triple negative. time for a formal second opinion at a comprehensive breast center. the decision about what additional treatment to now do, both radiation and chemotherapy, can only be addressed with a formal consultation. you should also ask the medical oncologist you see for the consultation about the use of tamoxifen given ER was negative and actually PR too is very close to negative. only a 4% isn't much to gain benefit from hormonal therapy.
Question:  #8 8/30/2009		Q:	I was diagnosed with ILC stage 1 right breast the margins were not clear, 2nd surgery with sentinal node- node(only one node removed) it was clear but the breast was not. Third surgery the surgeon suggest mastectomy (bilateral to ensure no cancer develop in left breast. I had bilateral mastectomy I ask that he do a sentinal biopsy on the left breast just incase cancer was in the left breast I didn''t want another surgery. only one node on that side was removed. The pathology report came back node clear. Right breast contained 5 additional area of cancer. The location of the cancer is in the right breast was medial/posterior. My question is it normal for only one node to be removed? and due to the location of the cancer shouldn''t the sternal nodes be a concern?
		A:	the sentinel node usually is one node. there are situations in which the sentinel node that is identified is a small grouping. so bottom line, the procedure was correct in removing just 1 node. risk of breast cancer in general for the opposite breast is just 5%. location of the cancer doesn't influence the sentinel node to be identified and taken.
Question:  #9 8/16/2009		Q:	Is it possible to have cancer when the MRI with contrast and BSGI came back with no hot spots? Prior to these tests I had a positive fna and negative stereotactic biopsy. I was told by 2 doctors that I had low grade ductal carcinoma and would need a lumpectomy followed by radiation and possibly drug therapy. Now they are telling me I may not have it. I am scheduled for an excisional biopsy on the 26th. It''s to remove a taller than wide 4mm x 5mm x 5mm noncalcified spiculated nodule in the upper outer quadrant. What are the chances that I do have cancer? Do I need to have this procedure?
		A:	the word "spiculated" is most commonly used when describing a lesion that looks like cancer. taller than it is wider is also a sign. MRI doesn't do a very good job of seeing DCIS and usually an invasive lesion needs to be nearly 1cm to be seen on this as well. no form of radiology imaging is 100%.
Question:  #10 7/27/2009		Q:	I had right breast mastectomy 8/06 and reconstruction/implant 12/07. During my routine yearly exam, my surgeon poked around on my left breast as usual only he pressed very hard, it was the first painful breast exam I ever had. But then he did the same exam on my right "breast" which is a saline implant. My oncologist never exams my fake breast. The surgeon also had aspirated a cyst (I have had many over the years, just a needle stick) he probed around with the needle finally getting only red blood, the process was very painful. So, I think this dr. is incompetent but don''t want to change if his procedures are accepted. He is not my original surgeon and I am concerned if I ever need surgery on my left breast, this new surgeon might not be a good bet or am I just being picky. Thanks for this wonderful website, I''ve recommended it to several friends.
		A:	I think I may have answered this question. I would say that examining both breasts, even the fake one is reasonable. The reconstructed breast has low risk for local recurrence so a clinical exam is reasonable. Not sure why exam hurt--was he pressing too hard, were you at start of cycle? Exams do require some compression of tissue. You could talk with surgeon at next visit for some feedback. ds
Question:  #11 7/27/2009		Q:	I had right breast mastectomy 8/06 and reconstruction/implant 12/07. During my routine yearly exam, my surgeon poked around on my left breast as usual only he pressed very hard, it was the first painful breast exam I ever had. But then he did the same exam on my right "breast" which is a saline implant. My oncologist never exams my fake breast. The surgeon also had aspirated a cyst (I have had many over the years, just a needle stick) he probed around with the needle finally getting only red blood, the process was very painful. So, I think this dr. is incompetent but don''t want to change if his procedures are accepted. He is not my original surgeon and I am concerned if I ever need surgery on my left breast, this new surgeon might not be a good bet or am I just being picky. Thanks for this wonderful website, I''ve recommended it to several friends.
		A:	If you don't like your surgeon by all means change! There are too many wonderful doctors around and it is your choice and right to be with the one you find most comfortable with and confidence in. Best wishes!
Question:  #12 7/18/2009		Q:	my friend has gone thru total mastectomy and reconstruction a couple of yrs ago. now they just found a complex cysts in pelvis. she is having uterus and cyst removed, what are the chances this is malignant too?
		A:	there are many many factors that would need to be known to answer this question. her fmaily history of breast and ovarian cancer, her age at diagnosis, the stage of the disease then, exactly where the cyst is and what the ultrasound report said about it. cysts in general are benign fluid filled sacs. they can't turn into cancer either. so more than likely your friend already knows what the odds are based on a consultation and studies already done by her doctor.
Question:  #13 7/12/2009		Q:	I am 35, and was considering having breast augmentation. After getting two stress fractures in my feet over the past year, I learned that I have osteopenia. I am taking extra calcium, vit D and continuing to exercise regularly. My GP wants me to try this course of treatment and then have another bone scan in a year to check prognosis to see if a different route is necessary. There is no family history of osteopenia, however, my mom is a breast cancer survivor. I am healthy and active, but want to find out if a person with osteopenia is still a candidate for breast augmentation. Do you know of any research studies and/or data regarding this issue that might be useful?
		A:	bone health and breast augmentation don't have any connection with one another so if you are a candidate for augmentation the plastic surgeon doesn't have to factor in your bone health per se. you need something more than overthecounter drugs though. you need bone building agents that are preion drugs. also vitamin D3. not just plain D. follow up would not be a bone scan it would be a bone density test.
Question:  #14 7/12/2009		Q:	I was curious, if some one was doing well except they find out the cancer has now spread to the liver, could the liver be removed? I''m not sure what happens when someone eats poisonous mushrooms and it ruins their liver. Is there a way to filter the body without the liver? If there is could this be done with cancer patients?
		A:	The liver is a vital organ. One cannot live without a liver. Cancer in liver can be treated with chemotherapy to kill the tumor cells leaving the liver intact. ds
Question:  #15 7/5/2009		Q:	Hello: On 6/1/09 a local cancer surgeon tried to aspirate what she thought was a painful cyst.Before the Novacaine took effect, she hit a blood vessel.She poked around and was able to get some cells.The next day a radiologist doing an ultrasound said there was a "large hematoma and significant trauma" caused by the procedure. Two days later I was diagnosed with Her2 Nu positive cancer, stage 2A. A breast MRI showed additional cancer cells near the tumor. The following week I saw a breast surgeon at Mass.General Hospital. She agreed that since I have very dense,cystic breasts that I should have a bilateral mastectomy. I''ve talked to a plastic surgeon about immediate reconstruction. My surgery was scheduled for 7/20, then cancelled and now I''m on a waiting list for 7/17. The tumor and hematoma are very painful and I''m wondering if the cancer could spread to the lymph nodes. Also, should I make sure the plastic surgeon is board certified? Thank you for you time. .
		A:	you want both your surgeon and plastic surgeon to be board certified and being at Mass General you can pretty much assume that they are. the dates you mentioned are very soon. cancer doesn't travel as fast as you might be imagining it can. this is an okay time frame-- a few weeks from now. even with a broken blood vessel from the biopsy, studies have been done showing that this doesn't cause or allow cancer cells to leap into the blood stream and travel. take care...
Question:  #16 6/21/2009		Q:	Six months ago I had a routine mamogram. I got a phone call saying that they needed to repeat the mamo on my left breast for abnormalities. When I got there the mamo tech stated that they had to repeat pictures on my right breast. I told her that the nurse said it was the left breast. She said that the way the computer prints out the results for some reason says it is the opposite breast of what it really is. But that she was sure it is the right breast. Anyway, the mamo on the right prompted them to do an ultra sound and the doctor said all was ok. I''ve googled "confusion about the right or left breast" and find nothing of the sort that indicates there is a computer problem with left breast or right breast results/reports. Have you heard of such a thing?
		A:	you thinking is correct. the computer doesn't screw up left from right. the tech is responsible to label the correct breast so that it appears on the screen when the computer prints the image. so if there is an error its a human error and not a computer error.
Question:  #17 6/20/2009		Q:	Hi Lillie I am 3 years post mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction for multi focal dcis hormone receptor negative. recent episode of post menopausal bleeding, seen by gyn endometrial bx done and estradiol level results being 36 of note also ovarian cyst on ultrasound after speaking with office follow up appointment is being set up and she suggested maybe some meds would be prescribed, my question is how safe is hormone therapy if that is what they want to do considering my hx of breast cancer
		A:	if you mean hormone REPLACEMENT therapy, then it is frowned upon for breast cancer survivors, even those whose tumors were hormone receptor negative. so discuss this carefully and thoroughly with the gyn and have the gyn speak with your oncology specialist before embarking on HRT.
Question:  #18 6/1/2009		Q:	Studies say tamoxifen might not be affective if used with certain anti-depressants. I took antidepressants for two months. I was on Tamoxifen, but was later switched to Femara (after 1 1/2 years on Tamoxifen). I think it said antidepressants "and other medicines" might reduce the affectiveness. My questions are..What are the "other medicines"?......and is Femara affected the same way? How do we know what we can and can''t take?....Thank you for answering our questions!!
		A:	Femara shouldn't be affected in the same way, though not as much study for Femara has been done. Any drug that can affect the metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6, may reduce tamoxifen's effectiveness, though this has not been definitively proven yet, though preliminary studies are strong. Two months wouldn't likely make that much if any difference and being on Femara is now a better choice for postmenopausal women, so think positive that you are now getting the best treatment!
Question:  #19 6/1/2009		Q:	I am a 30-y.o chinese female newly Dx Ca breast. good past health. No family hx. Mammogram showed 2.5 cm at the upper central left breast. no suspicious lymph nodes. USG measured 1.9x 1.8x1.4 cm. Tru-cut biopsy showed invasive ductal carcinoma of usual type 5-10% of the tumour cells form tubules. mitosis is not frequent (only 3 mitosis in included portion of tumor tissue. grade 3 nuclear morphology. estrogen receptor postive. intesity strong staining. >75% nuclei positve. progesterone receptor postive. intensity moderate staining. >75% nuclei positive. c-erbB2 oncoprotein negative. score 1. I have a relatively small breast size. Unfortunately, my left breast size is smaller than my right breast. My doctor offered both breast preserving therapy + radiotherapy vs. mastectomy + reconstruction. My family and I wanted mastectomy because we hope that will decrease the chance of recurrence. But, some concerned Dr. relatives said I should consider BPT + RT. I really don''t know how to make a right choice. They said that both methods come down to the same mortality in the end. How about recurrence? how about adjuvant therapy? Sorry, too many questions Thank you. a JHU alumni
		A:	You are providing information that sounds correct in terms of survival for the 2 surgery options is the same. Systemic treatment will be the same with either surgery. The decision can be difficult for many women and it was for me as well. Two questions to ask yourself: Will you worry greatly if you do breast conserving surgery? How important is your breast to you? Take time to consider the outcome a year from now, 5 years from now. It becomes a quality of life decsion. The decision you make will be the right one for you is what my nurse told me and it seems to be so for many. You will own your decision, listen to your own voice. Good luck. ds
Question:  #20 5/10/2009		Q:	I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, 1.3cm, node negative in March 06. Slow growing cancer never picked up on yearly mammogram. I had an MRI and mammogram every 6 months until the end of 24 months and then I had a mammogram. Should I request an MRI at least once a year until 5 years being the cancer was never picked up on mammogram. I found it myself because it was so painful. Am on hormones and Oncotype DX score was 5.
		A:	first, congrats on low oncotype score. the radiologist is the one to decide if mri along with routine mammogram should be done or not. if the mammo is considered hard to read (hope you are getting digital done) then he will probably automatically order it after reviewing mammo each year.
Question:  #21 4/26/2009		Q:	My wife and I are in seniors in good health at age 66. She has non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (indolent-no treatment) for 4 years and I had prostate cancer for 2 years (treated with seed implants) with nothing further and PSA below .01. What is your advice for taking the Zostavax vaccine to prevent shingles? We have conflicting information whether to have it or not. Thank you. JK
		A:	Hi. Sorry but I can't really comment on that as your two cancer types and the question of that vaccine are out of the realm of expertise here. I think these are tough and good questions and you may want to see one of our cancer experts who specialize in NHL and prostate cancer. Best wishes.
Question:  #22 4/20/2009		Q:	I wanted to comment on Tumor Markers ca2729. I hate those things!!! Mine jump up and down from 19 to 33 so far with the average being 26 or 27 for the last two years. My oncologist says as long as they are in the normal range or under 40 he says they are fine. When they go up it freaks me out. I am doing well and was doing much better with the fear of recurrance until my markers went up to 33 this time. Why do they still do these test if they are so imperfect? His reply is the whole oncology practrice he is with does them. I''m with you, I think they cause undo stress and worry. This is the highest they have been other than a 31. He says he isn''t worried. Can stress cause them to rise? My mother has Dementia and we are in the process of decideing what to do about assisted living. It has been very stressful.
		A:	Generally these tumor markers are not useful except for causing anxiety exactly as you describe. Most guidelines therefore do not recommend their use. You always have the right not to have them checked, but usually once you are getting them it is difficult to not keep checking them.
Question:  #23 4/19/2009		Q:	What is the shelf life for biospy specimen? i had a biospy dn back in 06. and was wondering if it cld be have a second opinion.
		A:	biopsy specimens are fixed to a slide so they can be looked at later. I am not sure what you are looking for in a second opinion 3 years later. ds
Question:  #24 4/5/2009		Q:	You answered a previous question regarding tests, xrays, etc. not being required and new symptoms were what would be looked at. Since I have had breast cancer (Mastectomy Dec/07 Stage IIB - ER+PR+ Herc-)and also am dealing with MS/Transverse Myelitis (no positive diagnosis yet) My question is how can you tell what may be a symptom of breast cancer and what may be a symptom of my other problems. Right now I have pain in my hips and sometimes in my chest and back. What are definite signs that it may have something to do with breast cancer.
		A:	good question with a complicated answer. new onset of joint pain that lasts 3 weeks and doesn't go away needs to be checked with a bone scan.
Question:  #25 4/5/2009		Q:	Hello and thank you for this wonderful site. After completing 5 years of tamoxifen for stage 3 breast cancer and being unable to tolerate any of the aromatase inhibitors, I would like your opinion about going on Evista for another 5 years? Also, even though I am 55 now and do not have osteoporosis, wouldn''t it make sense for me to be on a bisphosphonate for prevention of breast cancer recurrence? It frightens me that I am on nothing and I am so high risk. Thank you again!
		A:	if you stay on an aromatase inhibitor then do speak to your oncologist about done a dexa scan to measure your bone density and consider a bone building agent like you mentioned. inquire about going on femara.
Question:  #26 3/29/2009		Q:	Hi Lillie Great forum. I am 38 years old and have stage 1C Ductal -1.3cm, er+,PR+, Her-2 Neg, Nodes neg treated with mastectomy (bilateral) - contralateral for prophylaxis , FEC-D ( oncotype score 25) and now on tamoxifen ( bilat oophrectomies). My question is that my doctor says I don''t need any routine testing like x-rays or ultrasounds to rule out metastatic disease. She said it makes no difference in comparison to doing tests when I have problems. Is this the routine? not to do any tests after diagnosis unless you have problems? thanks
		A:	she is right. doing scans and xrays and blood work was discontinued from the NCCN treatment guidelines in 1998. symptoms are what we rely on and it doesn't make a difference as she mentioned to you. Additionally, your risk of recurrence is incedibly low. I'm kinda surprised you are even on tamoxifen. you've been very aggressive with your treatment. enjoy your good health!
Question:  #27 3/9/2009		Q:	Could I get a second opinion at John Hopkins within a week If I had the slides sent overnight? And what is the process of getting a second opinion on the chemotherapy to use? Thank you so much
		A:	To get a 2nd opinion from medical oncology, please call the referral office. They will guide you through the process of sending reports and slides. Call 410 955 8964. ds
Question:  #28 3/9/2009		Q:	Two years ago, I had a mammogram and ultrasound for a palpable mass. Both ultrasound and mammogram showed nothing. My doctor then had me go to a sureon who did a fine needle aspiration and a core needle biopsy. They both came back saying fibrocystic changes. I am now on hormone replacement therapy because I had a complete hysterectomy for a borderline ovarian tumor. Since my oncologist increased my estrogen, my left breast is a little tender (but not all the time) My family doctor sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound because I still have the palpable area and soreness. They both came back normal but my family doctor wants me to see a surgeon anyways for a biopsy. Does this seem like something I really need to do? The people at the breast care center said I didn''t need another mammogram for four year (I am 36 years old) It was the same place I had the first mammogram done at so I assume they compare the two. If it still looks the same as two years ago why would I need a biopsy? I''m very confused. Thank you so much for your time.
		A:	I agree with you. If the radiolgist feels everything is okay, then follow the recommendations. This may change if you have a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, ie screening by MRI for your breasts may be preferred. (I assume both your ovaries are out as well?) But though MRI is probably a better test, it also leads to more fals positives and more negative biopsies. I also would not recommend hormone replacement therapy unless your symptoms are absolutely miserable without it. Most studies have demonstrated too many negative health effects including increased cardiovascular events and potentially breast cancer, and there are other medicines available that can strenghthen your bones and potentially reduce breast cancer risk (Raloxifene)
Question:  #29 2/28/2009		Q:	My 41 yo sister-in-law was recently diagnosed with IDC stage IIIA with 1 of 13 lymph nodes involved. She is currently undergoing 8 chemo treatments (every other week) to be followed by 6 weeks of radiation x 5 days per week. Does this treatment plan seem reasonable for this diagnosis?
		A:	there are so many other factors to consider that it truly requires a formal consultation. being aggressive makes sense. sounds like she had a very large tumor in the breast too. if hormone receptor positive then hormonal therapy hopefully will be added at the end of radiation. If her2neu positive then also herceptin more than likely for a year. getting a formal second opinion consultation is the best next step.
Question:  #30 2/22/2009		Q:	I would like to know if I got for a Digital diagnostic mammogram every 6 months and the last time I had it done I had an ultra sound to, would this be enough to catch something in early stages? I also have a doctor check them at a 3 month period too, and sometimes a surgeon checks me after the mammograms too. I have dense breast tissue and a history of cysts.Im 51 and Im on a .05 Viville Estrogen patch , I have no ovaries. I get soooo nervous before every mammogram, I cant hardly eat or sleep..Thanks for your time
		A:	wow. that's a lot of checking! digital mammography has proven to be superior to anaolog film mammo nd works quite well for women with dense breast tissue. that combined with all of the other monitoring gives you a good shot for being diagnosed early. the bigger question though is what is your risk of getting breast cancer at all? no test is 100% but clearly you are doing the max to identify an abnormality if it were to occur. LS