Benefiting From Breast Ultrasound @www.today.msnbc.com

Hi ya'll! Dr. Susan Drossman, Breast Radiologist was on 'The Today Show' (NBC)this a.m. She discussed mammos-vs-ultrasounds with Katie Couric. I was so thrilled to hear such an important subject broadcasted for thousands of women to hear! If you missed it, please take time to check the website 'www.today.msnbc.com' and scroll down to 'Benefiting From Breast Cancer'. Some of you know I had a core biopsy recently which was BENIGN! The mass was detected by ultrasound but did not show on the mammo. As most of you know, an ultrasound is usually only performed if something shows on the mammo. Because I've been in pain since my lumpectomy 2 yrs. ago, I requested an ultrasound which was the only reason it was done. Otherwise, this mass would not have been detected because it was not palpable. My 1st mass (2 yrs. ago)was not detected by mammo either, and it WAS cancer. Fortunately, it was palpable, & I found it 5 mos. later. I'm not knocking mammos! I plan to continue to have them. However, I think most women are not aware of the adv/disadv of each. Ultrasounds are very effective in women with dense breast tissue because the mammos can't always see thru the density. I didn't even know that I had dense breast tissue 'til after my cancer diagnosis, and I'd already had a few mammos in prior years. My guess is the tumor would've been discovered on an ultrasound. Instead, I found it accidentally! I wish that all women could have both. Especially us survivors & other women who are at high risk! Unfortunately, insurance companies think otherwise. I plan on continuing to ask for both even if I have to pay out-of-pocket. I've got a followup mammo & ultrasound scheduled for 6 mos. from now for a new baseline since my biopsy. I was so relieved when the dr. said 'and ultrasound'. If any of you can't get to the msnbc website or by the time you do, that subject has been deleted, e-mail me if you have any questions. Take care, Geral