Date:    Tue, 27 Mar 2001 14:28:36 -0800
From:    Laurena Typusiak <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Mammograms

Hi all,
I have been approached by a mom of a 12 mo baby for weaning tips because
the
DR (and Radiologist) has told her she must wean and be weaned for six
months
in order to have a mammogram  because of "microcalcifications" in one
breast, in a clump.  She really does not want to wean.  They want her to
not
nurse on either side, either, but completely wean, ASAP.  Any info?
Laurena

Laurena,
  A few years ago a friend of mine found a lump in her
breast and was still nursing. Since there was a history
of breast cancer in her family, she was not taking any chances.
But she was able to find a doctor to work with her to do
all the necessary testing without weaning. I think she was
asked not to nurse on the affected side for a couple of days
before the biopsy part, but otherwise she continued nursing.
It turns out that she had some kind of plugged milk
duct that looked like a lump. The next time she felt
a similar lump, she didn't even bother going in to be
tested.
 If it would help, I'll ask her for the name of her doctor
(in RI) who may have some info or references on this.
  What are they worried about? What happens if she doesn't have
a mammogram for another year or 18 months? Are they worried about
the microcalcifications being malignant somehow? I would
also recommend getting a second opinion about how
important it is to do the mammogram now (i.e. in 6
months as opposed to in a year or two.)
  Naomi Bar-Yam

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