The U.S. Healthcare system is not great for most people. The U.S. healthcare system is especially dysfunctional for issues that effect women specifically. Quite often, women face having legitimate concerns dismissed or downplayed by doctors who are not thoroughly educated in these areas in med school. Thanks for speaking up!
@@LifeDIYyou souls go to Mexico cross the border they do wherever exam you want of course you have to pay but is not expensive as if you pay here in the USA en Tj there are so many good doctor
Holly, I'm so happy you found a doctor that listens to you. I'm wondering if you ever looked into thermagrams? Totally non-invasive and no radiation. It is simply a "picture" that shows hot spots. They say that before cancer even starts, the area gets warm. If a warm spot would show up, then I'm sure they would go with the tests that they are more familiar with. I am 61 and have never had a mammagram. My doctor is satisfied with my thermagram results and never ordered a mammagram. I am so grateful because, like you, I really do not want radiation if it is not necessary.
Thank you for sharing this. I will look into it more. :) I am so glad you've never had any issues. I hate to say this, but the doctor who gave me that ultrasound referral, was really great for that first appointment - but is no longer like that. It's shocking sometimes to have such negative experiences with these doctors and nurses. They never cease to surprise me. All I know is that when I find anyone who is doing their job properly, truly helping their patients get to the root cause and to get proper screening, I am grateful. But, it seems like these people are so hard to find.
Thermography can be used as part of preliminary testing, but it is not a diagnostic tool for cancer screening. It's just one tool in the shed that is basically in line with mammograms.
Amen to this I really hope people start waking up soon some people think doctors are Gods 😅😂 so sad 😢 they need to respect our decisions and serves us because they work for us we pay them so we are the boss!!
I'm a guy that watches your channel and just wanted to say that I am glad you found a doctor that is listening to you. I have had issues with doctors telling me to stop taking supplements simply because they do not know what they do - even if they have positive effects, studies done on them, and I myself have given them the supplements for them to look into them. I started following you from your discussions around NMN and subscribed since you seem like a very honest person and described your experiences. The information you shared is good for everyone to know, regardless if you are male or female. It's good to know these things - even if you don't experience them, you can pass on this knowledge to someone who may be going through something similar. I am very happy that you found someone that was actually there to provide care!
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Sorry to hear that about your doctor. I've had such similar experiences when it comes to supplements. Medications are supposedly great, but some of them say "no" to the supplements. I have found one really great doctor and she's an integrative health doctor. I highly recommend finding one if you want a good doctor to help bounce ideas off of or to order you labs, etc. Unfortunately, the doctor I mentioned in the video (who gave me the referral for the ultrasound) has since reverted back to being like all the others. I am still grateful for that first good appointment. :)
Great attitude Holly! Not thinking anything bad was going to come of it. Adding negative thoughts to a situation that hasn't even happened yet is one of the worst things we can do. Shame you had to jump through all those hoops, but I'm so happy to hear your good news.
Thank you, Joe! I am glad I left that part in the video as I almost edited it out. I got more wrapped up in my mission to get that appointment and had no time to worry about the outcome. :) You are right about how stress and worry can have such a negative impact. I am happy it was all normal!
Thank heavens, that had a happy ending. I could hear the stress in your voice as you were reliving the whole thing, and I was getting more and more stressed in response. It seems outrageous that we have to fight so hard nowadays to have our feelings and choices respected by medical professionals. It's not as if you walked in there ignorant and uninformed - they must have seen that you were an intelligent adult who had invested considerable thought and research into the topic. I almost wonder if they behaved the way they did, not despite that fact, but because of it .. Whenever I encounter doctors, these days, I get the sense that "patients who do their own research" have become the modern medical professional's worst nightmare. And it's easy to understand why. But I think that some doctors - perhaps the ones with more egoic and/or controlling personalities - can become deliberately obstructive as a result, turning the whole thing into a battle of wills in which they feel compelled to override patients, in order to maintain their own authority. They don't have the self-awareness to question their stance, instead they rationalize it as medical ethics or some such. And it is easy to see how they could frame it like that. But in real terms, an ultrasound is still a thousand times better than no scan at all, and yet they almost drove you away completely in their determination to make you do as you were told. To my mind, that's not the behaviour of respectful, empathetic doctors, that's the behaviour of people who are letting their egos get tangled up in the process. I'm glad you stood your ground. #Holly the Indomitable.
I could not agree more! I've noticed that certain doctors or nurses can get really upset if you are an informed patient. That means you'll be asking questions, or you may even have more knowledge than them on your health issue. If I were them, I'd quickly brush up and do some research - rather than treat the patient horribly as a result. It seems that some of the medical professionals have really big egos and an informed patient is some type of annoyance and threat to them. I know two doctors who aren't like this, but the rest that I've encountered recently are all like you mentioned. They may assume that you "think" you know more than them on a topic. When in fact, sadly, you probably do. The doctor I mentioned in this video, who was kind enough to give me a referral for the ultrasound - has become like that now. So I will only go back there once a year as it's required by the VA. I'll find better options. :)
Thank so much you have given me so much clarity. I been dealing with the same issue since I was 25 years old. Every year I’m traumatized. I been told that I have to get mammograms and ultrasound. Every 6 months. It’s exhausting. I truly feel alone around times. But thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge.
I like that you speak about your faith Holly. One of the things , actually the only thing helping me to maintain my sanity is that I firmly believe the harpazo is going to happen at any moment . I listen to jd farag every week with his prophecy updates and it helps me . He’s one of the more biblically sound teachers and he does not sugarcoat things . I’m so sorry for the tremendous amount of anguish and stress you’ve been through and I’m praying that going forward it will not be such an ordeal to that extent when you find yourself needing reliable diagnoses . ❤
You may want to look into: Asprin (it’s an aromatase inhibitor but you need vitamin K2 with this), bioidentical progesterone (this helps excrete estrogen from tissues), active thyroid hormone - t3 (at least get your levels checked - this deactivates estrogen within your cells) and vitamin d status. ❤
Dense, and cystic breasts here… I’m currently having the same exact issues with the medical establishment. Twenty years ago, when I was first diagnosed with cystic breasts, the attending clinicians told me not to concern myself with mammograms, because the ultrasound was more effective, regarding imaging. Current year… Now every clinic that I have received consultation from is demanding a mammogram. I’ve been met with a lot of resistance, when I assert my diagnosis preference. They never tell me that my preference is medically incorrect, just that they will not perform an ultrasound without a mammogram first. I can also relate to the feeling of “burnout”. It’s so demoralizing, that as an adult, and paying client, that I’m not allowed to decided what happens to my body, and the only semblance of choice is a Catch 22 of forced mammography, or no screening at all…
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so frustrating. And, I agree that it's demoralizing to be treated so horribly by these so-called medical professionals. It feels like it keeps getting worse. So I tend to just shop around. Normally I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to get medical care, but I really felt like I needed this ultrasound. I really hope you can find a way to get an ultrasound done. :( This is messed up that it needs to be this horrendously difficult. I'm starting to think I need to make a website to share locations, listings and doctors who are proper medical professionals who are truly helping their patients. I know some of them exist out there, but they are really hard to find. In this video I mentioned the "good" doctor who I had such a great experience with - the one who referred me to get the ultrasound in the end. I appreciate his referral, but, since that time he's flipped a switch and is now just like the other doctors - very unhelpful and uninformed. I am still grateful that he did his job that one time for my first appointment. But, it's ridiculous that my standards have to be so low. It's also very interesting that 20 years ago they told you to have ultrasounds. I found a medical study from just 10 years ago and at that time it stated ultrasounds were the gold standard, like I mentioned in the video, especially for anyone with dense breasts or under 45. It seems that there's more money in mammograms. I just found this article: www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/breast-ultrasound-cancer-screening-charge-medicare/ about how some women are now being charged by Medicare for their breast ultrasounds. It will cover mammograms, but not always cover ultrasounds anymore. Try not to give up. I really hope you can get the medical care and screening that you need.
@@LifeDIY , thank you for responding. I have also have felt the overall decline in the quality of medical care. Recently, I have been trying to clear a minor skin issue , and cycled through 1 nurse practitioner, 1 GP, scheduled to see another GP, and a specialist. I try not to seem paranoid, but I’m concerned that milking the insurance companies, inside network, is why I have been put on a series of appointments, and diagnostics for something so minor, and this method of “milking” is the motivation for redundant, unnecessary testing, like the mandatory mammograms. Then, somehow, with time it just becomes an industry standard. Thank you for the linked article! I’m going to read it with my spouse, as he is very concerned about all this too. Again, I appreciate your response! Have a lovely day! :-)
Thank you too! I understand what you mean about being sent from place to place for care. I'm experiencing a similar issue right now. So, I am going to switch to a different hospital chain. I'm fortunate my insurance is accepted at both locations. The second hospital chain does not require doctor referrals. So, this way I can call a specialist's office directly and get my appointment made. At the other place, I was being pushed around like what you mentioned, without getting help. It's a waste of time for me. I hope you have a great day too!
I‘m from Germany / Hungary. Do I understand correctly that they don‘t do ultrasound without mammogam? That‘s crazy. Why?? In Germany the other way around. They send you to mammogram only if ultrasound finds something. Every doctor has their own ultrasound machine in their office.
Omg, I just had my first mammogram, and then the ultrasound (dense breasts too). Now after watching your video I'll know to proceed with only ultrasounds (they advised me to have screenings every 6 months, having bi-rads 3). Thankfully I moved to Mexico, where you can pay like usd12 and get it done the next day 😊
Thanks so much for sharing, I’m so happy for your results! I have a very confusing issue going on with my liver and other organs and declined the MRI contrast. Second guessing my decision but it is so hard to make the right call. Hopefully what they see is enough
I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds really stressful. Have you had the scan done yet? Even if you decide to have a different scan done, hopefully you could always go back and get the MRI with contrast, if you change your mind. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks. I really wish there were many other options, though the test options depend on what they're screening for.
I'm so happy for you, such good news and what a relief! I also had numerous CT scan, X-rays and MRI with gadolinium and, throughout those last years, I have become careful with those kinds of imaging exams (I calculated and I have received 49,729 mSv so far (and avoided 70,87 more by refusing other non necessary exams for me or by replacing them by other imaging exams), more may increase my risk of cancer according to some studies although it might depend on the area scanned), it has to be a very good reason for me to accept more radiation particularly. I managed through an "unorthodox" method I would say, to avoid a mammogram this year and to only have an ultrasound (and everything was fine fortunately) but I wouldn't be able to use to same tactic to avoid another mammogram next year :/
Thank you for the kind comment! I totally agree with you that it just has to be a very good reason for me to have more radiation. When you mentioned the 49,729 mSv - do you mean 49.7 mSv? We must be similar because I calculated mine as well. I wanted to compare it to the amount of radiation astronauts experience with space travel. Mine was 86 mSv. There could be more that I forgot about. It's interesting you used an unorthodox method to get out of the mammogram this year. ;) I'm happy for you that found a way that worked. It takes unorthodox methods and creativity and persistence to get the care needed.
@@LifeDIY Yes sorry, I use the way we write in Belgium, it's 49,7 mSv indeed. I feel relieved not to be the only one who calculates the total dose of radiation received so far through CT-scans and X-rays! There are many different studies about the risks of radiation, some say the risk starts at the slightest dose other would say from about 100 mSv if I remember well. As I'm almost at 50 mSv, I prefer not to go beyond 55 or 60 mSv, I reserve that for CT-scan or X-rays that would be extremely necessary, if needed I would be open to go even beyong though but I stay careful.
You're not the only one tracking the radiation. It's a good thing to do because sometimes we don't realize how many scans we've had done. I had no idea I had so many done until I put them in a spreadsheet. Now I am much more careful.
Makes no sense in the world for them to say basically nothing happens with stuff building up in our brains...?! They deny this everywhere for some odd everything and I'm not buying it, either. Good for you feeling abit better and standing up for yourself. Thanks for sharing
Thank you! It is a crazy thing to have doctors and radiologists tell me that it's ok to have heavy metal deposits in the body and brain. I feel like I'd have to be nuts to do that after knowing it - which is likely why they don't tell you about that "little" side effect beforehand. No one told me. I think that should be criminal. I've already had that done once and wasn't aware back then. Unfortunately, for some people this is the only test option they have for certain health conditions.
Unfortunately, inflammatory breast cancer can't be detected with ultrasound and mammograms, it's often misdiagnosed as an infection. By the time it's diagnosed, it's usually grown into the skin of the breast. And spread to other parts of the body. It is really hard to catch on time.
Wow this really does sound like a play about what hell is like. I really do feel like the medical field is causing you more harm than good, even if it's just unnecessary stress. Thank you for your service (maybe consider holistic or homeopathic alternatives?) Love listening to you even though it's such terrible things you have to say 😪 You have an angel watching over you, I see it 🙏
Thank you. 🙏 You are right about the medical field causing me some harm. I try to stay away from it as much as possible, but I need their help sometimes unfortunately. I have found great success with an integrative health doctor! You know there's something wrong when you have medical doctors warning you to stay away from getting medical care in the US: ruclips.net/video/k9QiEDS6YWs/видео.html (Dr. Suneel Dhand).
@@LifeDIY Yes, I've watched many of Dr. Dhand's videos, and many independent Dr.s during the pandemic. I needed reassuring advice (and still do) going through hard times. I was going to mention in an earlier video of yours that I had stopped buying many plastic goods, as well as clothing made from synthetic fibers, as this falls apart as lint in the dryer. I now also bag the filtered lint outside rather than inside, for example. I transfer whatever liquids I consume or rinse my mouth with to glass bottles now. I've always been a health nut, but I now know that the environment needs cleansing as well, for the full benefits of taking our health back. Kombucha tea, I believe, has subtle digestive benefits (but the first week it cleans much out of your bowls.) Glad to see your video, and I hope you have a lovely week!
@@LifeDIY No, and I'm in CA (worst state ever about these things). Not sure where you're located, but I pay OOP to get the Sono Cine whole breast ultrasound in-state.
I was in the same boat as you, but obviously not with the breast cancer, years ago. A lot of treatment and medication never made me feel better and after spending a lot of time off work, losing money, and time and just feeling ill I decided to go the natural route. I know not all doctors are bad, but jeez...the reason us folks go the natural route is because of the system in place. The TLDR is that I researched supplements and stayed on them and I swear, they work better than the procedures and medications that the doctors have given me. One of my doctors said the only way I'll feel better is by a transplant and I was so bad I was put on a transplant. He said that the transplants are always successful with minimal complications but at the time I just decided to do my own research. Turns out transplants are not very successful and relapse (that is you need *another* transplant) is quite common after just 5-10 years. Not to mention all the anti-rejection medication that significantly harms your body and lowers your immune system that I would have to take for life. I had no interest in that at all. This was years ago and I was diagnosed with my condition over a decade ago, but probably had it longer. I honestly do feel better now than I did with the medication and expensive and time consuming procedures. Obviously this is not medical advice and you need to do what's best for you, but I know that in my case I stopped those lousy MRIs years ago. Could I drop dead tomorrow? Sure. But I have a feeling I would be worst off following my doctor's advice of doing these procedures and taking the medication that did absolutely nothing for my life. They just don't want to hear of any alternative therapies and dismiss supplements as quackery. Hope you find what you're looking for.
Other countries don’t even use mammograms to diagnose because of the radiation. I’m So tired of Drs acting like they care about us, I’ve been waiting 1 year and 3 months for a biopsy since they passed it a year ago and said they would check it in a year then I went back to the Dr in April and waited until June 13th for the mri with contrast now still waiting on the biopsy and have to get another mri biopsy with contrast. I told them I want no breast marker and they tried to say no they don’t do it and then I told them I’m gonna call a attorney and then they decided to do it but I have to sign a consent first. Stay strong, you’re too smart for these medical nazis just like myself.
This might be an unpopular opinion but have you thought of going to Mexico or another country to get screening? It’s pretty terrible that America has terrible healthcare
Yes, that's not a bad idea. Thailand has great medical care options too, but that one is too far away. My mom gets a lot of stuff done in Mexico, especially dental care. In fact, many Amish people travel to certain clinics to get work done in Mexico too. I'm open to those options for sure. There are a lot of options in Los Algadones.
As I mentioned in another video of yours, taking a thermography is much much better. It detects any breast abnormality_if any_ in much earlier stage and when it’s very tiny so removing it would be easy and safe. ❤
I'm glad God is helping you the lack of trust for the medical care that is out there is warranted i think all of use have been hurt by bad doctors one way or another i'll say a prayer for you!
Thank you! The lack of trust isn't just warranted at this point, I think it is necessary to protect yourself. I am glad my son has witnessed the insanity through my experiences and my mistakes, so he can avoid as many as possible for himself.
Your being pressured because the hospital makes more money the more screenings you do. Doctors are hardly doctors anymore they are basically salesmen selling you drugs and health tests. They also try to poach clients with chronic health issues cause they know they can profit off them. My grandfather who has cancer has gotten calls from different hospitals trying to get him to switch to thier doctors. Its all about money in the end and their is little the averge person can do about it cause the pharma companies have lobbied the government. So everytime I walk into a hospital I treat it like I'm walking into a car dealership cause I'm not dealing with doctors I'm dealing with salesmen. Unfortunately finding a doctor with principles and integrity is very rare.
This exact thing has happened to me. for the majority of my adult life every mammogram leads to an ultrasounds because I have dense breasts, but they refuse to just send me straight to ultrasound. I’m in Canada
I just had something similar happened to me. Have they ever told you to have a 3-D mammogram? I have extremely dense pressed as well and also have the breast ultrasound but that sees a little bit better than just a typical 2-D mammogram.
Sorry for your experience. That’s horrible to be pressured to go that extreme and cut your breasts and your female reproductive organs just for having a genetic mutation. 😮 WTH 🤦♀️ I also have extremely dense tissue, but it sucks that I have to do the mammo first and then right after, the radiologist does the ultrasound. I skipped my mammo last year. All that radiation can’t be good for you. I think they don’t want to lose that profit from mammo. The radiologist also recommended I get a genetic mutation test, which I never got to doing.
Thank you and I am sorry you're having issues with this too. It does sound pretty crazy that I was pressured to get all my reproductive organs removed due to a mutation! That is nuts and the type of fear-mongering she was doing could really impact some people. I'm thankful it did nothing to me, other than shock me. When it comes to the genetic mutations - I bet there are so many thousands of people who have never been tested and who have some type of higher-risk mutation. It's helpful to know about, but it has caused me a lot of issues with doctors. I did my test on my own through Color Genomics (it's an at-home test that is recognized as valid/accepted by the medical community). That's great they let you skip the mammo last year. I bet they tend to allow that once, but will probably want you to do it next time. With my mutation, I think my risk is possibly marginally higher than average, though it's not really known. Your lifestyle also plays a big role. In 2023 I saw a news article come out about how the risk associated with the BRCA mutations is likely way too high - over-estimated. This was shocking to see the news story because women who have this one are often extremely concerned and many doctors recommend a double mastectomy if you have it. But in the article: www.healthday.com/health-news/women-health/breast-cancer-2665389116.html it shared that the risk was over-estimated. "But the absolute risk was significantly lower than most previous studies have reported -- as low as an 18% chance when no first-degree relative has had breast cancer. The findings, experts said, could help in giving women a more realistic view of their personal cancer risk." It would be really sad if a doctor convinced a patient to remove the breasts due to this mutation alone, and then this new data comes out showing the risk was so much lower.
I did genetic testing. If you're in the U.S. and want to do it at home, there is a test by Color Genomics and it's medically validated/accepted by healthcare professionals.
Sorry, I think this is the first one I've seen. Sometimes RUclips does this when someone makes a few edits...it has happened to me too several times. Or, it can happen at times if you post a link. Hopefully your comments will appear like this one has.
Holly, I think you look always with high pressure. This is very harmful for your body. I know it is hard for your situation. But I hope you can get better on this!
Hi there! I have been trying to contact you through your email address regarding some business offer... It seems like the email address is not valid - I would appreciate it if you could share the correct email address with me. Your videos are just great!
The U.S. Healthcare system is not great for most people. The U.S. healthcare system is especially dysfunctional for issues that effect women specifically. Quite often, women face having legitimate concerns dismissed or downplayed by doctors who are not thoroughly educated in these areas in med school. Thanks for speaking up!
I believe you're correct. This is my experience exactly. It's so difficult to find decent doctors, nurses, specialists, etc.
@@LifeDIYyou souls go to Mexico cross the border they do wherever exam you want of course you have to pay but is not expensive as if you pay here in the USA en Tj there are so many good doctor
Be on your toes ladies, there is an agenda .
Holly, I'm so happy you found a doctor that listens to you. I'm wondering if you ever looked into thermagrams? Totally non-invasive and no radiation. It is simply a "picture" that shows hot spots. They say that before cancer even starts, the area gets warm. If a warm spot would show up, then I'm sure they would go with the tests that they are more familiar with. I am 61 and have never had a mammagram. My doctor is satisfied with my thermagram results and never ordered a mammagram. I am so grateful because, like you, I really do not want radiation if it is not necessary.
Thank you for sharing this. I will look into it more. :) I am so glad you've never had any issues. I hate to say this, but the doctor who gave me that ultrasound referral, was really great for that first appointment - but is no longer like that. It's shocking sometimes to have such negative experiences with these doctors and nurses. They never cease to surprise me. All I know is that when I find anyone who is doing their job properly, truly helping their patients get to the root cause and to get proper screening, I am grateful. But, it seems like these people are so hard to find.
@@LifeDIY I agree!! ...and by the way, I misspelled thermogram.
Thermography can be used as part of preliminary testing, but it is not a diagnostic tool for cancer screening. It's just one tool in the shed that is basically in line with mammograms.
Same here. Never had a mammogram and never will. Ibelieve they are causing breast cancer, not preventing it. Thermograms are a good alternative
Glad it worked out in the end. It pays off to be persistent.🙏🏾
Thank you! 🙏
Holly tells the saddest or stories, with the happiest of endings .🙏
But GOd
Amen to this I really hope people start waking up soon some people think doctors are Gods 😅😂 so sad 😢 they need to respect our decisions and serves us because they work for us we pay them so we are the boss!!
Yes!
Holly, you continue to be an inspiration. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry you had to go through all this.
Thank you! 🙏
I'm a guy that watches your channel and just wanted to say that I am glad you found a doctor that is listening to you. I have had issues with doctors telling me to stop taking supplements simply because they do not know what they do - even if they have positive effects, studies done on them, and I myself have given them the supplements for them to look into them.
I started following you from your discussions around NMN and subscribed since you seem like a very honest person and described your experiences. The information you shared is good for everyone to know, regardless if you are male or female. It's good to know these things - even if you don't experience them, you can pass on this knowledge to someone who may be going through something similar.
I am very happy that you found someone that was actually there to provide care!
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Sorry to hear that about your doctor. I've had such similar experiences when it comes to supplements. Medications are supposedly great, but some of them say "no" to the supplements. I have found one really great doctor and she's an integrative health doctor. I highly recommend finding one if you want a good doctor to help bounce ideas off of or to order you labs, etc. Unfortunately, the doctor I mentioned in the video (who gave me the referral for the ultrasound) has since reverted back to being like all the others. I am still grateful for that first good appointment. :)
Great attitude Holly! Not thinking anything bad was going to come of it. Adding negative thoughts to a situation that hasn't even happened yet is one of the worst things we can do. Shame you had to jump through all those hoops, but I'm so happy to hear your good news.
Thank you, Joe! I am glad I left that part in the video as I almost edited it out. I got more wrapped up in my mission to get that appointment and had no time to worry about the outcome. :) You are right about how stress and worry can have such a negative impact. I am happy it was all normal!
Thank heavens, that had a happy ending. I could hear the stress in your voice as you were reliving the whole thing, and I was getting more and more stressed in response.
It seems outrageous that we have to fight so hard nowadays to have our feelings and choices respected by medical professionals. It's not as if you walked in there ignorant and uninformed - they must have seen that you were an intelligent adult who had invested considerable thought and research into the topic. I almost wonder if they behaved the way they did, not despite that fact, but because of it .. Whenever I encounter doctors, these days, I get the sense that "patients who do their own research" have become the modern medical professional's worst nightmare. And it's easy to understand why. But I think that some doctors - perhaps the ones with more egoic and/or controlling personalities - can become deliberately obstructive as a result, turning the whole thing into a battle of wills in which they feel compelled to override patients, in order to maintain their own authority. They don't have the self-awareness to question their stance, instead they rationalize it as medical ethics or some such. And it is easy to see how they could frame it like that. But in real terms, an ultrasound is still a thousand times better than no scan at all, and yet they almost drove you away completely in their determination to make you do as you were told.
To my mind, that's not the behaviour of respectful, empathetic doctors, that's the behaviour of people who are letting their egos get tangled up in the process.
I'm glad you stood your ground.
#Holly the Indomitable.
I could not agree more! I've noticed that certain doctors or nurses can get really upset if you are an informed patient. That means you'll be asking questions, or you may even have more knowledge than them on your health issue. If I were them, I'd quickly brush up and do some research - rather than treat the patient horribly as a result. It seems that some of the medical professionals have really big egos and an informed patient is some type of annoyance and threat to them. I know two doctors who aren't like this, but the rest that I've encountered recently are all like you mentioned. They may assume that you "think" you know more than them on a topic. When in fact, sadly, you probably do. The doctor I mentioned in this video, who was kind enough to give me a referral for the ultrasound - has become like that now. So I will only go back there once a year as it's required by the VA. I'll find better options. :)
wow Holly, what an exciting story. I can't wait for part 3.
Thank so much you have given me so much clarity. I been dealing with the same issue since I was 25 years old. Every year I’m traumatized. I been told that I have to get mammograms and ultrasound. Every 6 months. It’s exhausting.
I truly feel alone around times. But thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge.
You're welcome and I am so sorry you're dealing with this too. 🙏 It is traumatizing and horrible to deal with.
God bless you. Thanks gor for this info. So many people are behind you.
Thank you so much. 🙏
I like that you speak about your faith Holly.
One of the things , actually the only thing helping me to maintain my sanity is that I firmly believe the harpazo is going to happen at any moment . I listen to jd farag every week with his prophecy updates and it helps me . He’s one of the more biblically sound teachers and he does not sugarcoat things .
I’m so sorry for the tremendous amount of anguish and stress you’ve been through and I’m praying that going forward it will not be such an ordeal to that extent when you find yourself needing reliable diagnoses . ❤
You may want to look into: Asprin (it’s an aromatase inhibitor but you need vitamin K2 with this), bioidentical progesterone (this helps excrete estrogen from tissues), active thyroid hormone - t3 (at least get your levels checked - this deactivates estrogen within your cells) and vitamin d status. ❤
Dense, and cystic breasts here… I’m currently having the same exact issues with the medical establishment.
Twenty years ago, when I was first diagnosed with cystic breasts, the attending clinicians told me not to concern myself with mammograms, because the ultrasound was more effective, regarding imaging.
Current year…
Now every clinic that I have received consultation from is demanding a mammogram.
I’ve been met with a lot of resistance, when I assert my diagnosis preference.
They never tell me that my preference is medically incorrect, just that they will not perform an ultrasound without a mammogram first.
I can also relate to the feeling of “burnout”.
It’s so demoralizing, that as an adult, and paying client, that I’m not allowed to decided what happens to my body, and the only semblance of choice is a Catch 22 of forced mammography, or no screening at all…
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so frustrating. And, I agree that it's demoralizing to be treated so horribly by these so-called medical professionals. It feels like it keeps getting worse. So I tend to just shop around. Normally I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to get medical care, but I really felt like I needed this ultrasound. I really hope you can find a way to get an ultrasound done. :( This is messed up that it needs to be this horrendously difficult. I'm starting to think I need to make a website to share locations, listings and doctors who are proper medical professionals who are truly helping their patients. I know some of them exist out there, but they are really hard to find. In this video I mentioned the "good" doctor who I had such a great experience with - the one who referred me to get the ultrasound in the end. I appreciate his referral, but, since that time he's flipped a switch and is now just like the other doctors - very unhelpful and uninformed. I am still grateful that he did his job that one time for my first appointment. But, it's ridiculous that my standards have to be so low.
It's also very interesting that 20 years ago they told you to have ultrasounds. I found a medical study from just 10 years ago and at that time it stated ultrasounds were the gold standard, like I mentioned in the video, especially for anyone with dense breasts or under 45. It seems that there's more money in mammograms. I just found this article: www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/breast-ultrasound-cancer-screening-charge-medicare/ about how some women are now being charged by Medicare for their breast ultrasounds. It will cover mammograms, but not always cover ultrasounds anymore. Try not to give up. I really hope you can get the medical care and screening that you need.
@@LifeDIY , thank you for responding.
I have also have felt the overall decline in the quality of medical care.
Recently, I have been trying to clear a minor skin issue , and cycled through 1 nurse practitioner, 1 GP, scheduled to see another GP, and a specialist.
I try not to seem paranoid, but I’m concerned that milking the insurance companies, inside network, is why I have been put on a series of appointments, and diagnostics for something so minor, and this method of “milking” is the motivation for redundant, unnecessary testing, like the mandatory mammograms.
Then, somehow, with time it just becomes an industry standard.
Thank you for the linked article!
I’m going to read it with my spouse, as he is very concerned about all this too.
Again, I appreciate your response!
Have a lovely day! :-)
Thank you too! I understand what you mean about being sent from place to place for care. I'm experiencing a similar issue right now. So, I am going to switch to a different hospital chain. I'm fortunate my insurance is accepted at both locations. The second hospital chain does not require doctor referrals. So, this way I can call a specialist's office directly and get my appointment made. At the other place, I was being pushed around like what you mentioned, without getting help. It's a waste of time for me. I hope you have a great day too!
I‘m from Germany / Hungary. Do I understand correctly that they don‘t do ultrasound without mammogam? That‘s crazy. Why?? In Germany the other way around. They send you to mammogram only if ultrasound finds something. Every doctor has their own ultrasound machine in their office.
Omg, I just had my first mammogram, and then the ultrasound (dense breasts too). Now after watching your video I'll know to proceed with only ultrasounds (they advised me to have screenings every 6 months, having bi-rads 3).
Thankfully I moved to Mexico, where you can pay like usd12 and get it done the next day 😊
Thanks so much for sharing, I’m so happy for your results!
I have a very confusing issue going on with my liver and other organs and declined the MRI contrast. Second guessing my decision but it is so hard to make the right call. Hopefully what they see is enough
I'm so sorry to hear that. It sounds really stressful. Have you had the scan done yet? Even if you decide to have a different scan done, hopefully you could always go back and get the MRI with contrast, if you change your mind. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks. I really wish there were many other options, though the test options depend on what they're screening for.
I'm so happy for you, such good news and what a relief! I also had numerous CT scan, X-rays and MRI with gadolinium and, throughout those last years, I have become careful with those kinds of imaging exams (I calculated and I have received 49,729 mSv so far (and avoided 70,87 more by refusing other non necessary exams for me or by replacing them by other imaging exams), more may increase my risk of cancer according to some studies although it might depend on the area scanned), it has to be a very good reason for me to accept more radiation particularly. I managed through an "unorthodox" method I would say, to avoid a mammogram this year and to only have an ultrasound (and everything was fine fortunately) but I wouldn't be able to use to same tactic to avoid another mammogram next year :/
Thank you for the kind comment! I totally agree with you that it just has to be a very good reason for me to have more radiation. When you mentioned the 49,729 mSv - do you mean 49.7 mSv? We must be similar because I calculated mine as well. I wanted to compare it to the amount of radiation astronauts experience with space travel. Mine was 86 mSv. There could be more that I forgot about. It's interesting you used an unorthodox method to get out of the mammogram this year. ;) I'm happy for you that found a way that worked. It takes unorthodox methods and creativity and persistence to get the care needed.
@@LifeDIY Yes sorry, I use the way we write in Belgium, it's 49,7 mSv indeed. I feel relieved not to be the only one who calculates the total dose of radiation received so far through CT-scans and X-rays! There are many different studies about the risks of radiation, some say the risk starts at the slightest dose other would say from about 100 mSv if I remember well. As I'm almost at 50 mSv, I prefer not to go beyond 55 or 60 mSv, I reserve that for CT-scan or X-rays that would be extremely necessary, if needed I would be open to go even beyong though but I stay careful.
You're not the only one tracking the radiation. It's a good thing to do because sometimes we don't realize how many scans we've had done. I had no idea I had so many done until I put them in a spreadsheet. Now I am much more careful.
Makes no sense in the world for them to say basically nothing happens with stuff building up in our brains...?! They deny this everywhere for some odd everything and I'm not buying it, either. Good for you feeling abit better and standing up for yourself. Thanks for sharing
Thank you! It is a crazy thing to have doctors and radiologists tell me that it's ok to have heavy metal deposits in the body and brain. I feel like I'd have to be nuts to do that after knowing it - which is likely why they don't tell you about that "little" side effect beforehand. No one told me. I think that should be criminal. I've already had that done once and wasn't aware back then. Unfortunately, for some people this is the only test option they have for certain health conditions.
Unfortunately, inflammatory breast cancer can't be detected with ultrasound and mammograms, it's often misdiagnosed as an infection. By the time it's diagnosed, it's usually grown into the skin of the breast. And spread to other parts of the body. It is really hard to catch on time.
Wow this really does sound like a play about what hell is like. I really do feel like the medical field is causing you more harm than good, even if it's just unnecessary stress. Thank you for your service (maybe consider holistic or homeopathic alternatives?) Love listening to you even though it's such terrible things you have to say 😪 You have an angel watching over you, I see it 🙏
Thank you. 🙏 You are right about the medical field causing me some harm. I try to stay away from it as much as possible, but I need their help sometimes unfortunately. I have found great success with an integrative health doctor! You know there's something wrong when you have medical doctors warning you to stay away from getting medical care in the US: ruclips.net/video/k9QiEDS6YWs/видео.html (Dr. Suneel Dhand).
@@LifeDIY Yes, I've watched many of Dr. Dhand's videos, and many independent Dr.s during the pandemic. I needed reassuring advice (and still do) going through hard times. I was going to mention in an earlier video of yours that I had stopped buying many plastic goods, as well as clothing made from synthetic fibers, as this falls apart as lint in the dryer. I now also bag the filtered lint outside rather than inside, for example. I transfer whatever liquids I consume or rinse my mouth with to glass bottles now. I've always been a health nut, but I now know that the environment needs cleansing as well, for the full benefits of taking our health back. Kombucha tea, I believe, has subtle digestive benefits (but the first week it cleans much out of your bowls.) Glad to see your video, and I hope you have a lovely week!
I have always done the same as you... bypass the mammo, and get the ultrasound.
Thanks for sharing this. Have you had a lot of pushback on it?
@@LifeDIY No, and I'm in CA (worst state ever about these things). Not sure where you're located, but I pay OOP to get the Sono Cine whole breast ultrasound in-state.
Thanks for sharing this. I tried to find places to pay OOP in my state and surrounding states, but couldn't find any options (I'm in Wisconsin).
@@LifeDIY try looking up herscan, they may be in WI
@@LifeDIY I responded with the site link, but seems it got deleted twice. The name of the company is HerScan, and I believe they can be found in WI.
I was in the same boat as you, but obviously not with the breast cancer, years ago. A lot of treatment and medication never made me feel better and after spending a lot of time off work, losing money, and time and just feeling ill I decided to go the natural route. I know not all doctors are bad, but jeez...the reason us folks go the natural route is because of the system in place. The TLDR is that I researched supplements and stayed on them and I swear, they work better than the procedures and medications that the doctors have given me. One of my doctors said the only way I'll feel better is by a transplant and I was so bad I was put on a transplant.
He said that the transplants are always successful with minimal complications but at the time I just decided to do my own research. Turns out transplants are not very successful and relapse (that is you need *another* transplant) is quite common after just 5-10 years. Not to mention all the anti-rejection medication that significantly harms your body and lowers your immune system that I would have to take for life. I had no interest in that at all.
This was years ago and I was diagnosed with my condition over a decade ago, but probably had it longer. I honestly do feel better now than I did with the medication and expensive and time consuming procedures.
Obviously this is not medical advice and you need to do what's best for you, but I know that in my case I stopped those lousy MRIs years ago. Could I drop dead tomorrow? Sure. But I have a feeling I would be worst off following my doctor's advice of doing these procedures and taking the medication that did absolutely nothing for my life. They just don't want to hear of any alternative therapies and dismiss supplements as quackery.
Hope you find what you're looking for.
Thanks for sharing that. I hope things continue to go well for you. You know yourself best and it's good you're trusting your instincts.
Other countries don’t even use mammograms to diagnose because of the radiation. I’m
So tired of Drs acting like they care about us, I’ve been waiting 1 year and 3 months for a biopsy since they passed it a year ago and said they would check it in a year then I went back to the Dr in April and waited until June 13th for the mri with contrast now still waiting on the biopsy and have to get another mri biopsy with contrast. I told them I want no breast marker and they tried to say no they don’t do it and then I told them I’m gonna call a attorney and then they decided to do it but I have to sign a consent first. Stay strong, you’re too smart for these medical nazis just like myself.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your experience and sorry you're going through this! I really hope your results are good. 🙏
This might be an unpopular opinion but have you thought of going to Mexico or another country to get screening? It’s pretty terrible that America has terrible healthcare
Yes, that's not a bad idea. Thailand has great medical care options too, but that one is too far away. My mom gets a lot of stuff done in Mexico, especially dental care. In fact, many Amish people travel to certain clinics to get work done in Mexico too. I'm open to those options for sure. There are a lot of options in Los Algadones.
@@LifeDIY I personal know a few people who go to Mexico, you get the care you need and for much cheaper .
As I mentioned in another video of yours, taking a thermography is much much better. It detects any breast abnormality_if any_ in much earlier stage and when it’s very tiny so removing it would be easy and safe. ❤
I’m ALL FOR thermography but what you described is absolutely false. It is an excellent tool but not a good primary.
I'm glad God is helping you
the lack of trust for the medical care that is out there is warranted i think all of use have been hurt by bad doctors one way or another
i'll say a prayer for you!
Thank you! The lack of trust isn't just warranted at this point, I think it is necessary to protect yourself. I am glad my son has witnessed the insanity through my experiences and my mistakes, so he can avoid as many as possible for himself.
Your being pressured because the hospital makes more money the more screenings you do. Doctors are hardly doctors anymore they are basically salesmen selling you drugs and health tests. They also try to poach clients with chronic health issues cause they know they can profit off them. My grandfather who has cancer has gotten calls from different hospitals trying to get him to switch to thier doctors. Its all about money in the end and their is little the averge person can do about it cause the pharma companies have lobbied the government. So everytime I walk into a hospital I treat it like I'm walking into a car dealership cause I'm not dealing with doctors I'm dealing with salesmen. Unfortunately finding a doctor with principles and integrity is very rare.
This exact thing has happened to me. for the majority of my adult life every mammogram leads to an ultrasounds because I have dense breasts, but they refuse to just send me straight to ultrasound. I’m in Canada
I'm sorry to hear that. I find mammograms to be so painful too. We need more options.
Look for a thermograph place in your state.
Iodine-no more cycts.
Yes, thanks for sharing that! This is research to support it. I've been better about supplementing with iodine lately.
I have heard taking Iodine is imperative for women with cystic breasts. Have you ever tried that route?
Yes, thanks for sharing this! I have been consistently supplementing with iodine over the last 6+ months and will keep doing that. I hope it helps.
Did you get a 3D automated ultrasound or a normal one?
@@anonanonymous1970 I got a normal one. The tech was very detailed with it and it took at least an hour.
I just had something similar happened to me. Have they ever told you to have a 3-D mammogram? I have extremely dense pressed as well and also have the breast ultrasound but that sees a little bit better than just a typical 2-D mammogram.
Yes, they often recommend it. I had one a few years ago.
Sorry for your experience. That’s horrible to be pressured to go that extreme and cut your breasts and your female reproductive organs just for having a genetic mutation. 😮 WTH 🤦♀️
I also have extremely dense tissue, but it sucks that I have to do the mammo first and then right after, the radiologist does the ultrasound. I skipped my mammo last year. All that radiation can’t be good for you. I think they don’t want to lose that profit from mammo. The radiologist also recommended I get a genetic mutation test, which I never got to doing.
Thank you and I am sorry you're having issues with this too. It does sound pretty crazy that I was pressured to get all my reproductive organs removed due to a mutation! That is nuts and the type of fear-mongering she was doing could really impact some people. I'm thankful it did nothing to me, other than shock me.
When it comes to the genetic mutations - I bet there are so many thousands of people who have never been tested and who have some type of higher-risk mutation. It's helpful to know about, but it has caused me a lot of issues with doctors. I did my test on my own through Color Genomics (it's an at-home test that is recognized as valid/accepted by the medical community). That's great they let you skip the mammo last year. I bet they tend to allow that once, but will probably want you to do it next time.
With my mutation, I think my risk is possibly marginally higher than average, though it's not really known. Your lifestyle also plays a big role. In 2023 I saw a news article come out about how the risk associated with the BRCA mutations is likely way too high - over-estimated. This was shocking to see the news story because women who have this one are often extremely concerned and many doctors recommend a double mastectomy if you have it. But in the article: www.healthday.com/health-news/women-health/breast-cancer-2665389116.html it shared that the risk was over-estimated. "But the absolute risk was significantly lower than most previous studies have reported -- as low as an 18% chance when no first-degree relative has had breast cancer. The findings, experts said, could help in giving women a more realistic view of their personal cancer risk." It would be really sad if a doctor convinced a patient to remove the breasts due to this mutation alone, and then this new data comes out showing the risk was so much lower.
With 75% density and cystic breast ,my doctor gives me a referral to do mammo and ultrasound bilateral every year. Canada,Ontario.
How do you know that you have a genetic mutation?
I did genetic testing. If you're in the U.S. and want to do it at home, there is a test by Color Genomics and it's medically validated/accepted by healthcare professionals.
I've tried multiple times to share info with you, and my comment is deleted.
Sorry, I think this is the first one I've seen. Sometimes RUclips does this when someone makes a few edits...it has happened to me too several times. Or, it can happen at times if you post a link. Hopefully your comments will appear like this one has.
Mammograms are not safe.
Girl go to Mexico, much cheaper even paying out of pocket. Let me know if you need help with the communication part ❤
@@sjpd1416 Thank you! 🙏 I have thought about it.
Holly, I think you look always with high pressure. This is very harmful for your body. I know it is hard for your situation. But I hope you can get better on this!
Hi there! I have been trying to contact you through your email address regarding some business offer... It seems like the email address is not valid - I would appreciate it if you could share the correct email address with me. Your videos are just great!
Ok I will check - thank you!
Get HERSCAN, or 3D US. I have refused mammos too. No need for them. They don't work on dense breasts anyway.