Mammogram, breast cancer history and no medical...help!!!

[elk_huntress3]

 Today my dear friend Jo Lynn called me with some concerns about my boobs, yep you read that right. She had been told that someone with a large chest has a bigger chance of having problems ie. breast cancer etc. because of the fact that the big boobs can hide a number of problems, so she has a concern over mine. Ok without sounding dirty or sexual, we were all sitting around talking about chests and Brett mentioned that my  nipples go in different directions because Im so "old" lol-we all laughed about it and went on to the next joke or what have you, you know how it is. Anyway when Jo found out that, that could be a sign of problems she immediatly thought of that conversation-thank you so much Jo, you are a great friend. but the kicker is, is that I have no insurance, I did do the self exam and did not see anything different ( no they dont point different directions thank god) but it really got me thinking that its about time for a mammogram. So i started to look into a free or in-expensive mammogram, and can you believe it you have to be 40 or older to get any help???? WTF? So know Im not sure what to do. Im just frustrated over our states medical crap, I mean there has got to be alot of woman out there in the same situation!!!! I dont take advantage of the "system" I dont do drugs, dont beat my kids, but yet I cant get any insurance help for medical or even a free mammogram because someone my age shouldnt need one yet?!?! I have to wait 6 more years?? Just not fair! Whats the world coming too????

[masue]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 7:46 AM

let them know that there is a history of breast cancer in your family and alot of times they will get you in.

[lynz63]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 7:52 AM

Is there a charity hospital in your area? Try going there. Good Luck,,,

[cookiedough100]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 8:27 AM

Take a deep breath....okay, now. I agree with lynz a charity hospital is a good start. Have you talked to your local Job and Family Services? You may quailfy for Medicaid, since you can't get other insurance now. If you haven't tried, please do. Its worth it. Also, what about your husband's job? Does he have insurance through them?

If not, please consider our suggestions.

[muda1954]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 9:30 AM

Kelly call your local hospital and ask if they know of any free clinics or maybe something on a sliding scale.

[dollface817]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 9:39 AM

I agree with the other girls, check for free clinics or if you have a health department try there they may be able to give you some ideas. I actually had my very first mam at 35 then again at 41 doc tells me every 2 years now till I hit 50 just be sure to do your own monthly exams you know them better than anyone and if there is something there be sure to get it checked out.....Hugs

[my4pinkroses]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 10:03 AM

I am proof that you need to get checked, I was 28 when dx with breast cancer.. I had the big boobs like you as well ( i was called Dolly Parton in school) . I am now a 5 yr breast Cancer survivor..  See if theres a planned parenthood in your area they go on a sliding scale....            If you are sick you need to do something get state ins if you have to... I thankfully had ins through my husbands work but I saw the bills... After my 2 chemo treatment he bill was over 16,000.. I had 4 months of chemo ( everyother week) , 7 surgerires in 1 1/2 yrs.....

[OliviasMom0306]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Kelly, please call the hospital, a local doctors office, or the health department.  With a family history you can normally get yours done earlier.  I know the health dept here does a sliding scale and a mam is offered.  Just keep calling and calling and calling!

[Nixshix]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 2:14 PM

actually the reason they don't like to do mammograms before 40 is not because you shouldn't need it.. but because it doesn't work very well on younger, still dense tissue. It won't be able to pick up a lot, especially if you have larger breasts. After 40 the tissue in your breast is easier to see through with the mammogram.

Your best bet is to try for an ultrasound and have a doctor do a breast exam.

[mcqueenmom]

Mar. 20, 2010 at 4:34 PM

I am 34 and had the same problem. I ended up going to a free clinic and they sent me to a place where they did one for free.

I can help you, please Pm me where you live, Ibet I find a place that will help you. I was in your shoes and I got it done with the help of a cafemom mom. I would love to repay the favor. My name is Christine.

[Lb128f]

Mar. 21, 2010 at 1:38 AM

I hope one of these may help.

The United States Government’s National Cancer Institute can direct you to a local resource for free mammograms. Call them toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). Be ready with your zip code. Click here.

The American Cancer Society. Go to cancer.org, find the blue box on the upper right (“Find ACS in Your Community”), enter your zip code, and it’ll direct you to your local ACS office. They can tell you what resources are available in your area. Or call the ACS toll-free: 1-800-ACS-2345.

The American Breast Cancer Foundation’s Key to Life Breast Cancer Screening Assistance Program
provides financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured women and men of all ages for breast cancer testing. Call their toll-free enrollment hotline, 877-Key-2-Life (877-539-2543).

Finally, try calling your local hospital. Ask to speak to a social worker. He or she will be the one who’ll know about the availability of free or low-cost cancer screenings and/or special campaigns in your community.