What a Boob
A week ago Friday, I went for a mammogram. I’m embarrassed to say that it’s been 12 years since my last exam. I’m not sure why I haven’t gone all these years, especially given the fact that both my mom and my maternal grandmother had breast cancer (post-menopausal).
Maybe I’ve been in denial all this time, because I hadn’t even realized how many years had gone by. But it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and my friend Angela convinced me we should make a day of it—mammos in the afternoon and then dinner with Joy (Behar), our buddy from The View.
So there I was that Friday afternoon with my breast squished like a pancake as the technician told me to "relax." I never expected what would come next.
The radiologist called me into her office to take a look at the images of my breasts. She held up a magnifying glass and placed it over "Lefty" and said, “Do you see the white dots?” Did I see them? There were dozens of them, including some that were clustered.
As I stared at the image, I could feel my heart starting to pound, scared of what the doctor might say next.
“This doesn’t look normal,” she said. “It may be nothing, but we need to do a biopsy.”
My doctor tried to be reassuring, but I’m not sure I really heard anything from that point on. Now my mind was racing…Why did I wait so long? What if I have cancer—then what? I deserve to be sick for being so irresponsible.
The first available biopsy appointment with my doctor wasn’t until the following Thursday. After I got off the phone with Richard, I debated whether to tell Angela but I did. Turns out she had just had a needle aspiration because of a cyst and the results were being sent to a lab.
The two of us left the office and started walking. And walking. And walking. We made one pit stop at a runner’s shop to buy a sports bra. My doctor said I would need to wear one after the biopsy for at least 48 hours.
Somewhere along that walk to the restaurant to hook up with Joy I made a decision: I would hold off worrying until I had something to worry about—that would be my coping mechanism for the time being. Still, Thursday couldn’t come soon enough.
I’d never had a biopsy before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was told to lay face down on a table that had a hole in it. My left breast was placed through the hole, and then compressed. The doctor gave me a shot of anesthesia, inserted a needle, and retrieved several samples of breast tissue. The whole thing took about an hour.
My doctor told me she’d call me with the pathology report the next day, Friday, sometime between 1-5PM.
On Friday, Richard made a point to meet me at Rockefeller Center, even though I had told him I could handle the news alone. He knew I was lying.
At 12:30, as we were heading to lunch, my cell phone rang. I barely got the word "hello" out of my mouth when I heard these words: “This is Dr. Drossman. You’re fine.”
She went on to tell that what I had was a form of calcification that’s often associated with hormonal changes in the body. Mine just didn’t look like most do. But she assured me it was absolutely normal, and not pre-cancerous, and made me promise to get a yearly exam from this point on. After I hung up with her, I called Angela to share the news—that’s when she told me her results had come in a few days earlier, and everything was normal. She just hadn’t wanted to tell me she was okay until she knew I was as well.
I found myself crying on Saturday and I think it was because I had held in a lot more than I had thought. I realized I’m incredibly lucky, that what I had done by doing nothing wasn’t just irresponsible for me, but for my entire family.
I’m sharing this because I don’t want any woman to make the mistake I did—to wait so long for a procedure that could save your life. Don’t be a boob like I was. It’s nothing to get a mammogram. If you’re due for one, don’t put it off.
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From a man who lost his mother to breast cancer, I urge all women to get tested. Early and often.
And Meredith, you continue to inspire--even though you are a boob to have waited so long.
Good for you - and thank you for sharing your experience. If it gives just one woman a push to get examined, you have served us well!
OK, OK, I'll go. Seriously, as I was walking out the door this morning, pondering whether to ask off next Friday for a vacation day, the ole inner voice said, "and also, what day are you going to stop by the clinic on your way to work and get that mammogram?"
Now your blog is on that subject. I get the message. Your inner dialogue is exactly what I would be saying to myself if something were to show up.
So thanks, I'm one person your urging is well-timed for.
So glad everything is fine.
Hi Meredith - I am really happy to hear that you're okay. Thank you for sharing your story. I'll be sure to pass this along to my mother. Take care.
I'm shocked. I would have never thought that someone like you would not follow through on mammograms. The View always made a point of discussing breast cancer in October, plus with all of the medical coverage you've done. Glad you did it.
Whew! I'm glad your story had a happy ending. One of my Bored Buddies (who was on prime-time "Millionaire') just had a cancerous lump removed about six weeks ago. Her prognosis is as good as it can be. I've had a mammogram and needle aspiration biopsy myself (yes, men can get breast cancer!) so I know what you went through.
Now all you need to do is to have the other end checked.
Wow, what a scare!
As women, we just don't take the time to do the things we need to do for ourselves. If it were Richard, you would have nagged incessantly until he did what he was supposed to do!
Congratulations on your good news!
Ohhhh tears of joy when I read you were ok....Thank goodness.
I just went through a biopsy & then removal of my thyroid(2 weeks ago)...and I know what the waiting to hear those words...'you don't have cancer' feels like. Like the quarter ton invisible weight has just been lifted off your shoulders.
Yeah! I am sooo happy for you!!!!
Thank you Meredith for sharing this. I was 38 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I did everything I was supposed to and one day I found the lump. On October 3rd I had my 5 year PET scan and I am blessed to say I am cancer free. I admire you for telling a story that I am sure was not easy. It is never easy to admit being "irresponsible". Also I read your article in Good Housekeeping this last weekend. It was great. I loved and admired the comment about being spiritual not religious. There is a world of difference, as you know. Thanks again for reminding women to have mammograms.
Hi Meredith...I just got home from a couple of stitches in my finger and then a mammogram. I clicked on to read your blog and it was on the same subject.....couldn't believe it! It kind of threw me when the mammogram technician came in after viewing my films and had to re-do one side. I sure am hoping it was her error and not something suspicious. My finger was throbbing, so I stopped in a store for some Tylenol and came out with a a really cool bright pink bottle of wine: Luna Di Luna Premium Pink Merlot. I'll toast all of us women tonight: breast cancer fighters, survivors, those who need to make mammogram appointments, and those awaiting results. Cheers!
Meredith
I had a similar experience as you - though I had not waited ten years between mammos. I was a nervous wreck during the aspiration. Even before I received the results, I was crying my head off because my mom had had breast cancer. I was so afraid. In my mind, I had myself already scheduled in chemo and radiation and was so totally confused that I went to the doctor's appointment a day too early. Luckily, like you, everything was ok. I no longer postpone my yearly exams. Thank you for your frankness and ability to inform us of your situation. I hope your courage to share your story will insipre other women not to wait on their exams.
I do get a mammogram every year - mainly because my mom had breast cancer. Thank goodness you had such a good result!! I love you on the Today show and watch you every morning. I also love you on Millionaire. Keep doing what you're doing. It works!!
I'm glad everything has turned out well. Waiting for your biopsy results is very hard.
I was 36 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I've been in remission for 2 years now.
Women every where need to be tested. I don't wish this disease on anyone. I was lucky to be young and bounce back from Chemo and Radiation.
I just walked in the American Cancer Society - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event this past weekend and 6,000 people walked in my area. It effects more than just you. It's your family and friends who care for you.
Please any of you who are reading this, go get checked. Mammograms don't hurt for long considering what it can detect and make early detection the best diagnosis for anyone.
Meredith
10/15/07
HI..MEREDITH
I, AM SO VERY GLAD, YOUR *BIO WAS *CLEAN!
I KNOW, I AM FORWARDING THE INFO
TO A LOT OF WOMEN FRIENDS...SO THEY
CAN *GET THE POINT...
THANKS FOR SHARING A REALLY PRIVATE
ITEM, BUT THE *NATION DOES CARE WHAT
IS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE!
GOD BLESS
TONI
i hope all women learn from you and elizabeth edwards. as a comment though, unrelated to this, i have to say that i was unhappy with your interview with Donald trump today. As a woman, i was hoping that you would defend Rosie and martha stewart. He is so chauvanistic and it makes me sad that women tlet him do this. Meredith, you just let him rant...
I'm happy for you, and your story couldn't have been timed more perfectly. I just had my yearly mamo, I'm 38, and my mom passed away from breast cancer, I've been getting mamo's since I was 27, and some years I skipped. I just got a call from the DR today that I had to go back in for another look, and now he tells me that I need a biopsy. Just as you said, he things it's just the calcification, but needs to be sure. I hope my results are the same as yours.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Julie - Illinois
Meredith,
Thank you so much for sharing. In August, my dear father,a non-smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Fortunately, it was caught early, and his prognosis is excellent. It is incredibly scary to realize, however, that his cancer probably wouldn't have been detected until it was too late if he would not have experienced a virus that had him feeling really dizzy one evening--which prompted every cardiac test known to man, including--thank goodness-a chest X-ray. Regardless of the discomfort, we should think of mammograms as blessings from above.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. As I read your experience I knew the anxiety you must have been feeling.
I had a very similar experience a 2 years ago at the age of 33. I had taken for granted that since I had no prior history in my family I had nothing to worry about and the I heard the words from my doctor that a lump seemed abnormal. It was like getting punched in the gut. I seriously could not sleep until I got word from my doctor that all was clear.
I count my blessings everyday for my health and ask for blessings for women that never got the phone call of everyhting being all clear.
Thanks again for sharing this story.
~~Nik
Sharing your story is quite powerful--you don't know how many women will decide to act since you did too. Twenty years ago this month, we lost my mother after a 10 year battle with breast cancer. So keep on getting the message out about early detection. I've been religious about exams and mammograms. Several years ago, I had the same type of biopsy you just experienced and then my surgeon did a more invasive biopsy to remove these micro-calcifications. Believe me, you'd rather have a scar than a mastectomy. This summer I had a fine needle biopsy and still everything is fine but I have to increase my appointments to twice a year now. I am considering visiting with a genetic counselor; depending on what they find, I may be a candidate for MRIs, which provide even more information for doctors.
Meredith,
I was editing in my office in October of 2002....As any TV person would.....I always had the TV on in the background....just as a habit.
It was October, and Oprah had her Breast Cancer Show on for that month.
Without thinking, I picked up the phone & made my appt. for a mammo......
Long story short, I was called into the office by a very overly kind,..... Dr..
I was shown these little white dots in my left breast.
Had a biopsy, 3 weeks later.....I was 38, very happily married with a 4 year old & I had breast cancer.
But....THANK YOU Oprah......I know I would have waited & I know it would have spread.......
Always, always......get a mammogram if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, if you have any concerns.....and if you would like to stick around for the ones that love you......
:)
Hi Meredith,
I was surprised to see that you said you hadn't been for a mammoogram in that many years. When you were on The View they made a point to tell everyone to take care of this every year and you didn't, I am glad for your sake your friend talked you into it this year and I hope you take care of it every year from now on. We don't want to loose you to something that can be taken care of if found early enough.
I had mine on Oct 2 because they saw something 6 months ago and now I have to go every 6 months, this time it wasn't there so it was probably a shadow but I am not going to take any chances, I want to be around as long as possible. What is strange to me is I have a twin sister who hasn't been for a mammogram for over 20 years, I think she must think if I am okay she is. I try to talk her into it every year to no avail, I don't know why some woman are this way but the exam is very easy to go through, a lot easier then other exams.
I am happy to hear that you are okay.
Love you, Meredith
Joan K.
I'm glad you are sharing this story. It helps for the awareness! My mom got diagnosed with breast cancer, and since then I get a mammogram almost every year. Now you know that around Columbus Day, you should get a mammogram!
Hugs from Berlin
Sally.
This is NOT to be taken lightly ... I just can't imagine not having a mammogram after having 2 cancer scares. I urge all women to just do it!!
So glad that it was good results. At the age of 22 I had a lump removed and tested (over an inch is size). I knew I had this large lump for years and was too scared to say anything because my family was dealing with my Aunt's fight for cancer and had just lost my Grandmother from it as well. Felt we didn't need this added to worry about. I know what I did was stupid and thank God that it came back negative! I urge everyone at all ages to get tested. The fear should not stop you from getting the test.
I'm walking in the "Making Strides for Breast Cancer" walk this weekend (Sunday). I'm so glad you're alright, and I hope my contribution to this cause will give women the strength they need to fight off breast cancer or any other form of cancer. Thanks for your story...sometimes we need to be pushed to do important things for ourselves.
Meredith,
As Nancy Snyderman has said, you should get a second opinion. I had a similar situation and celebrated too soon. Have to say that it's incredible that you let this go for 12 years, given your family history.
The doctors have told me that I should not drink alcohol or eat soy products for the time being.
It would be helpful to have someone on the program to address the connection between soy, estrogen and cancer.
I am 42 and have regular mammos even though I don't have any family history of breast cancer. The mammo is not a big deal at all. I don't understand why anyone would put off this test especially you, Meredith, who has cancer in the family and who has a smoking history. The test is simple and saves so many lives.
I went two years without a mammagram..then I went and they "found" something..I also had to have the needle biospy to my left breast...thank God ..it came back negative..But I know I will never miss getting my mammagram.. I just wish all women could be more informed about these changes that come with the aging process..I didnt know about calcium spots till my experience..
Gosh, You had me so worried there for a mintute. I'm so glad all is alright. And damn it Meredith, what do you mean 12 yrs ---- well I'm just glad all is ok now and hope you've learned your lession. And I hope all women out there have learned from your 12 yrs as well. Everyone needs to get their Boobies checked. Stay Healthly & PEACE!
Meredith,
There is no other face that I would rather see on my tv, first thing in the morning. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I wonder how many lives you just saved. You're the best!
So I take it righty is in good shape? Sorry I know this is a serious matter, couldn't resist. Glad you are ok Meredith!
Meredith,
Cancer haunts me like a ghost in the night. I lost a close friend to breast cancer fifteen years ago. She was 34. My mother was next. She died at my home of breast cancer three years ago. My sister had breast cancer five years ago. Recently, during a mammogram they found an unusual spot. Her health insurance will not allow her to have an MRI. We'll wait three months and she'll get another mammogram. Don't ever stop getting those mammograms. I'm not. -Pam
meredith- glad to hear all is well- mammos' are so important
Simple. Think of your body as if it is a car. Neglect it, and it will brake down!
OK, I'll bite. Boobs? Sine when do you have boobs??? (Adjusts television set.)
But seriously, happy to hear ths all turned out OK for you. While we're at it, let's also remind everyone that more men die from prostate cancer than women from breast cancer. No joke.
Thank you for the post..I had a lump for over two years, it was breast cancer, and I can't even tell you why I waited so long. I kept thinking it was a cyst... It'll be three years I'm cancer free in February and I'm thrilled. I agree you probably saved some lives with your post. You are our women's angel...
Dorothy from grammology
call your grandma
Hi Meredith,
First wanted to say how happy I am for you that you went for the "MammyGrammy" (as I like to call it), and that the results were fine. I bet you are so relieved, and I'm glad you did it!! :)
Thanks for answering my question about Millionaire last week. So I take it that you're taping the same number of eps you all did last year, but this year in a shorter span of time...........
.........Wow, Meredith, you are a REALLY busy lady!! I just don't know how you do it everyday!! Is it called coffee??
I didn't get to make it to NYC like I was hoping to a few weeks ago....I had to work for somebody. Major BUMMER!!!
That's why I was asking if you think Millionaire might be renewed for 2008-09 and get another shot at, at least, going to a taping.
I have to go to NYC some day (never been there before), since I live in upstate NY for college.
Again, congrats on your clean bill of health! Yaaaayyyyyy!!
Joe :)
I am a procrastinator myself, I confess I'm 49 and have never had a mammogram done and my last pap was done when I was pregnant with my last child, fifteen or so years ago. I made an appointment today at planparenthood to get one done. I pray to God, that everything turns normal. Thank-you Meredith for being yourself, I admire your strength.
Meridith,
I enjoyed reading your story and passed it on to my mom who has gone through nearly the same thing twice in the last 2 years. Like you, both of hers turned out fine, but your comments brought back many of the same feelings surrounding my mothers ordeal. Thank you for sharing your story as well as your regret at waiting so long. The more these things are talked about, the better chance people will take action! No lagging on boobie checks, no excuses!
On the note of breast cancer awareness month, I was remembering last years locks of love donation segment by Ann. I was wondering if you guys ever thought about doing a hair donation segment for breast cancer victims?
You are beautiful but looks like
you are getting too blond
why?
Hello, Like you Grandmother and Mother 'we' are prime canidates for annual mamogram! I had the little white dots and have had 38 radiation treatment. Thanks for sharing with us. Margaret
Your blog just goes to show us that we are all human, we all put off things and we all make mistakes. I am so relieved that you and Angela are ok, thank God. If you inspired just 1 woman to go and have a mammagram and she has her cancer caught in time, you have saved a life. Good for you and thank you for posting something very personal to save another mother, sister, daughter, aunts etc.. life. You are to be commended.
It's weird how little things bother you until you are faced with something like this, then you realize just how health is the most most amazing gift anyone can have. i'm sure it was such a relief. glad you're OK!!
Hey Meredith, thank you for the wake up call. Especially since breast cancer showed itself in my mother and 2 sisters. I have always told myself that 'you're never given more than you can handle' and after living with MS for over 20 years, I always tell myself that breast cancer will never be on my plate. My family is fine, but it has been 5 years since my last mamo and at our age it is supposed to be an annual event. Thank you again for the wake up call - we're all in this together. God bless.
I just wanted to let you know about a service that my partner and I extend to chemotherapy, radiation, alopecia and other medical problems and related treatments. For convenience of the patients we consult and fit wigs in the privacy of the their homes. Having gone through the experience first hand with my wife who is a survivior, I know only too well the emotion that is present with leaving the comfort of your home. I have been in the industry for over 40 years as well as my parnter.
We usually try to see the patients two weeks before the therapy begins to get a lock of hair for color matching and style. We give them a natural looking expertly fitted wig in the privacy of their own home. It has been our experience that some ins. companies will pay part of the expence, and if not the wigs are not that expensive. If they can not afford to purchase a wig we will donate one to them when available.I did't want this to sound like a commerical, just wanted to let you know of the service available.Enjoy today.
Katie Couric just got an award for breast cancer awareness. Isn't she known for colon cancer?
I am so happy your biopsy turned out to be ok. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of this year at 34 years old. I have a history of breast cancer in my family and started getting mammorgrams at the age of 30. I went in for a routine mammogram in January which showed only microcalcifications. I was told it was probably not a big deal but should have a biopsy. My biopsy resulted in my breast cancer diganosis. After my mastectomy in February, I found out my primary tumor was 6.3cm. I did not have a mass that could be felt or that was palpable. I am the biggest supporter of getting routine mammograms, because if I had not, my cancer would not have been detected. I am lucky that no cancer was detected in my lymph nodes and it does not appear to have spread anywhere. I have completed my chemo and radiation treatments and look forward to enjoying the rest of my life with my husband and our six year old son and our three year old daughter.
Whew! I held my breath reading your story, afraid there was bad news at the end. But seriously, were you told anything about excessive coffee-drinking causing the calcifications? I heard that is a contributing factor. And please remind people once in a while that men can get breast cancer also. My uncle just died of it.
That is sweet that your friend, Angela, was so thoughtful about your situation - the fact that she wanted to wait and make sure you were okay before she shared her news is very caring. :)
Good on ya' mate! I have been waiting because I felt something!! Talk about a Boob! Well, I just made appopintments for my partner and myself.
Peace out.
-Nance
(PS. I'v sent you (and the TODAY gang)an Octoberfest thank you for all the goodnes the show brings me each morning.
Meredith, Are you aware of the Breast Cancer Site where a "click" helps provide free mammograms for women?
At that same site, you will see the Hunger Site, Rainforest site, Literacy Site, Animal Rescue Site and Child Health Site. You can click daily. Sponsors then donate money to support these areas.
I've been clicking on all of them daily for over a year.
Altho there is not a history of breast cancer in my family, I have a mammogram every year (I am now 63). So far all is ok. I have had a Pap smear every year until this year when my GYN told me I could now go to every 3 years since I haven't had any problems. Women need to realize that it is very important to have these exams even if there is no family history - there is always a first time in a family.........October is Breast Cancer awareness month - go get a mamm - it might save your life!! I am an RN & know from whence I speak!
So glad all worked out well for you. I have had 2 aspirations and 2 needle biopsies, all with no cancer. I just finished reading Elizabeth Edwards book, which was wonderful, but really made me even more adamant about keeping up my yearly checkups. I pray you will do the same. Take care.
Question -- On Millionaire...HOW do you ever manage to keep quiet while the contestant struggles with an answer, especially when they are soooo easy! The credenza question tonight was driving me crazy. I was screaming at the tv! I don't know how you do it!!
Do you know about the Breast Cancer site website? You go to Breast Cancert site and click for support for free mammograms for women. There's also the hunger site, rainforest site, animal rescue site, literacy site and children's health site. Sponsors provide money based on the clicks. it's free.
After having watched Drew Carey host "The Price Is Right" in his first week, are you sure you wouldn't want to accept the emcee job if CBS sacks him? I have developed 40 pricing games that I want to sell to producer Roger Dobkowitz through an agent that would make your version of "Price" extremely distinguishable from that of legend Bob Barker. In addition, these pricing games will be included in the writing samples at the end of my autobiography, An Extraordinary Reflection, which focuses on my struggles with Asperger's Syndrome as well as those of my twin brother Wayne, a game show fan who is more seriously autistic. Proceeds from the book are to benefit the Autism Society of America. I have also submitted a resume to Endless Games and suggested to them that you host a third edition Price Is Right DVD, complete with only the new pricing games I have developed, which cover a broad range of topics. As Bob Barker would proudly say, have your pets spayed or neutered! Thank you for consideration!
Meredith - Please continue to be faithful. I have been getting mammograms since I was 30, my mother had breast cancer in her 30s, I'm now 53. I had a stereotactic biopsy in July 06 and was told I was fine. I had a follow-up mammogram in December 06 - everything OK. Another mammogram in June 07 - "slight change nothing to worry about but we're sending you to a surgeon." He also felt nothing was wrong but said let's take it out. It was cancerous - even he was shocked. I'm now going through chemo. I have a good prognosis because I was faithful about my check-ups. Please don't neglect your follow-up exams!
Meredith,
I am so glad to hear your calcifications are benign. I too had a stereotactic surgery 3/06 and mine were benign also. 9 months later I had my follow up mammogram in which more calcifications were found. They were biopsy and were deemed atypical ductal hyperplasia. I then had open excisional surgery to remove them. They were again biopsy and found to be the same diagnosis along with lobular neoplasia better know as LCIS, stage 0. Please make sure you follow up and I pray you will no longer have issues. Most woman have never heard of calcifications which can only show up on a mammography. This early prevention of biopsy will help detect breast cancer sooner. Take care!
Meridith, Thank you for posting that story. Our company is going to start giving us insurance, hopefully that will mean I'll finally be able to get a mammogram. Up until this point there was really no way I could afford to get one on my salary. I'm only telling you this because I want to thank you for helping me decide what the first thing I'm getting with that insurance is going to be. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's good to know that it is possible to read what the celebrities we admire really are the wonderful people we imagine them to be. --Thanks Sarah Colorado USA
Yeah Meredith....you really were a boob for not having a mammogram for 12 years! Being the child of a mother would have breast cancer I cannot even begin to understand how you could have put this off so long. My mom had breast cancer (also post menopausal) like yours. My sister and I (then in our 30's) started having annual mammograms for us and our mother. She was the one hounding us yearly to have it done. You have a daughter. Show her what she has to do to keep her health. Show by example.
Hi Meredith. I just discovered this blog and am delighted, but even more delighted that your tests came back normal. Thank God. I just actually saw a taping of Millionaire last Wednesday and thoroughly enjoyed myself as you are a hoot; constantly asking us "what was wrong with you?" when you kept flubbing. Thanks for always being so yourself. Its fun AND inspiring.
Blessings to you and your family always.
Timely topic.
But nobody wants to discuss the pain or myths about mammograms, and until those are addressed, I'm abstaining. At 40, I've never had a "mammy."
Too many first-hand horror stories about the pain and the insensitive staff who lie that it will "pinch" and ridicule you for crying.
At a revered Atlanta women's clinic, they re-examined my friend: moments after her biopsy and stapling, they performed another mammogram, grinding the staples deep into her flesh, sniffing at her for being a "baby" and gloating that they do "several of these every day" and that she's the only one who made "such a big deal of a little blood." Her bruises were livid for weeks.
Until I hear that the US has decided to accept sonogram screens (JUST as effective and routinely performed in England) or that we've re-educated the (mostly female!) staff (performing a mammogram on a newly-stapled breast MUST have been a collosal procedural error), I'll stick with manual tests rather than be traumatized by "caregivers".
hi meredith,
i,m glad that everything went well with your biopsy. i had cancer of the breast 2 years ago, had several biopsies before i had surgery on my right breast.then i had radiation for 37 days,it was difficult. Then every 3 months i have to go for mammogram and MRI of the breast.Now I,m going for diagnosis for my left, since the doctor found something that is inconclusive so i have to go more mri core biopsy that is more painful than anything. so i hope that you will be more vigilant in your check up. For me i,m single so it was only the pain and the need to work even though i'm tired to sustain a living. that is hard.good luck
Meredith: As a woman who is informed about so many things in our lives there is no excuse for you to be in denial. I should pat you on the hand and say good for you for overcoming your fear but no. Think of your children and the position you have put yourself in by the very nature of your exposure to the public. You are a role model. We don't always like where we are in life but our choices make us responsible. This story was probably better left to yourself in light of Robin Roberts and Hoda Kopke coming forward recently with their stories.
Meredith, I just read your article about your mammogram.....thank you for writing your personal story... I haven't had a mammogram in almost 4 years, because i just read your story, I will now make my appointment....contine your excellent and superior work on the Today Show..