My first annual mammogram is on 21/8 - the actual anniversary of surgery, and the time is about when they would’ve actually been taking the cancer out!
When I left active treatment, they said that I’d only have the five annual mammograms on the boob that had cancer.
I did have surgery on both boobs - I had a bilateral mammoplasty as apparently, because of where the cancer was, I would’ve been a very odd shape if I’d only had the boob with cancer done. I don’t regret having both boobs done - it was a wise suggestion by my surgeon.
However, when the letter came this week, it says “mammogram both breasts”. Is this usual? Have guidelines changed? In one sense, it’s got to be good having both boobs checked out, but in another sense it seems a bit puzzling, and possibly a tad worrying.
I have just had my first annual mammogram since my diagnosis/surgery lumpectomy on right breast /chemotherapy / radiotherapy and both breast were done . X
I think its pretty standard to do both, unless you’ve had a mastectomy. Can’t see why they wouldn’t, as having cancer in 1, increases the risk to the other. Sounds odd what you were told - like someone got it wrong maybe?
I have my third annual mammogram two weeks on Monday and yes they do both, thankfully, as I don’t want something growing in the other boob and not being checked.
Thanks @jopo64, @Tigress, and @entropy.
I distinctly remember being told by the ‘open access’ nurse that my left boob was now under the care of my GP whilst my right boob remained under their care for 5 years. I’m pleased to know that this doesn’t apply with the 5 annual mammograms - in the bigger picture, who wouldn’t want a mammogram on both?