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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGMA & ABC reporter Amy Robach had a mammogram on tv. She announced her results today.
She has breast cancer and will undergo a double mastectomy. She's 40 and Robin Roberts pushed her into having it done.
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ABC anchor Amy Robach had avoided a mammogram screening for one year, by her own account, when a Good Morning America producer called her at the end of September and asked her to consider undergoing a televised mammogram.
Reluctantly, she agreed. You know what, Amy, her colleague Robin Roberts, a breast cancer survivor, told her, if one life is saved because of early detection, its all worth it.
On Oct. 1, as all the major television networks promoted the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ms. Robach submitted to the screening live on the show. A television camera discreetly showed the procedure. Normally, these morning-show segments end there. But unbeknown to viewers, the mammogram turned up evidence of cancer. On Monday Ms. Robach announced on Good Morning America that she would undergo a double mastectomy later this week.
While everyone who gets cancer is clearly unlucky, I got lucky by catching it early, and there are so many people to thank for making sure I did, Ms. Robach, 40, wrote in an ABC blog post that accompanied her announcement. Every producer, every person who urged me to do this, changed my trajectory. The doctors told me bluntly, That mammogram just saved your life.'
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http://nyti.ms/HNcTJ9
redstatebluegirl
(12,265 posts)Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 01:41 PM - Edit history (1)
She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38, it was discovered after the birth of her third daughter. She leaves behind three beautiful daughters under the age of 10, a husband who loved her more than life and her Mom who had to bury her only child.
Many young women do not have mammograms and do not do self breast exams. Those tools save lives! Good for Amy for having one on air, good forthose who encouraged her. I wish her the best in her fight against this horrible disease.
EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY!!!!
Response to redstatebluegirl (Reply #1)
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jehop61
(1,735 posts)You or a loved one never face serious illness
redstatebluegirl
(12,265 posts)I appreciate your opinion on tests and "big Pharma" but in this case I do not agree. I guess I am not as cynical or I have lost some folks close to me to this awful disease. Either way welcome enjoy your time here.
spanone
(135,831 posts)Aristus
(66,349 posts)a sinister form of art.
I have a license to practice clinical medicine, so I will repeat the advice that you find so repugnant: "Early detection is the key."
On edit: Ah. The post was removed. I suppose the poster took the last rocket back to whatever planet he/she came from...
Response to Aristus (Reply #7)
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hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)redstatebluegirl
(12,265 posts)Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 04:28 PM - Edit history (1)
her daughter discovered the cancer when she had trouble nursing, she went to the gynecologist who found a lump during her exam. It was a very aggresive form of cancer.
theHandpuppet
(19,964 posts)Yet the GOP would do anything to cut the funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides breast cancer screenings and referrals for thousands of women every year.
Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)...always liked her back then and, given the courage she showing now I like her even more!!!
Contrary1
(12,629 posts)I found my own cancer during self-exam. The problem was that it had also been detected on the mammogram six months earlier. The suspicious area on the film had been circled, with a question mark next to it. There was nothing in the written report to indicate there was anything at all that needed to be investigated further.
I was mailed the all clear post card.
As uncomfortable as the whole experience is for some, It is important to ask questions. Don't worry about how much of the doctor's time you are taking up. Ask to see all films. Also request a copy of the radiologist's report. Get a folder, and keep track of any changes from one year to the next.
If possible, get the mammogram/exam done by breast care specialsts. They are more likely to detect it sooner.
Remember, you are your own best advocate.
Me? I'm still here causing havoc 16 years later. I was extremely fortunate that my cancer was very slow-growing. The six month delay most likely kicked me up to a Stage 2, but the outcome could have been much worse under different circumstances.