Mammogram Question
- Thread starter dlsc
- Start date
I would love to know as well. I'm supposed to schedule my first one (the doctor said it was "time"). I've been really scared. I haven't actually scheduled it, but will be doing so soon (we don't have insurance to cover it, so I've had to wait until we could afford it!). Let me know what happens -- please inform all of us who have not yet had one!!
Hope everything goes well!
Hope everything goes well!
Mammograms are uncomfortable because your breasts are compressed between two plates of metal. It's not supposed to be painful so let the technician know if you feel any sharp pain which can happen if you're being pinched rather than compressed.
It's also a bit strange to have a stranger manipulating your breast (in a very clinical way) to get a good picture.
I'm much more apprehensive about a colonoscopy. My dr. reminds me every visit that I'll need one when I hit 50 (3 years). We're about the same age, so I think she's telling me to psych herself up!
Debra
It's also a bit strange to have a stranger manipulating your breast (in a very clinical way) to get a good picture.
I'm much more apprehensive about a colonoscopy. My dr. reminds me every visit that I'll need one when I hit 50 (3 years). We're about the same age, so I think she's telling me to psych herself up!
Debra
luvtorun
Cathlete
It isn't as bad as it use to be. My mammography center actually uses a rubber pad on the bottom plate that has been warmed. It feels like they are pulled you down from the neck and up from the navel but it only lasts a second. It saves lives. Do not, for any reason, skip this important screening. My mother had breast cancer at 59. She is a survivor, 70 this year.
I had to go for my second mammogram this year last week and back to the surgeon today. I found a lump last December. It is tiny tiny and they thought is was only a lymph node. It was confirmed again today by mammography, ultrasound, and clinical examination to be only a lymph node. I feel good about it now. Breast cancer kills, so don't let fear deter you from having regular screenings. It could be the difference between life and death literally.
I had to go for my second mammogram this year last week and back to the surgeon today. I found a lump last December. It is tiny tiny and they thought is was only a lymph node. It was confirmed again today by mammography, ultrasound, and clinical examination to be only a lymph node. I feel good about it now. Breast cancer kills, so don't let fear deter you from having regular screenings. It could be the difference between life and death literally.
It really isn't too bad. It is weird having someone handle your breast but every technician I have ever had has been very professional. The compression part isn't overly uncomfortable and the machine automatically releases you as soon as the picture is taken. One of my friends told me to practice for my mammogram by slamming my breast in the refrigerator door. LOL
--Lois
"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning" - Mahatma Ghandi
--Lois
"If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning" - Mahatma Ghandi
I don't think it is too bad either. They warm the bottom part here too so it is not so cold. It is a little strange having some stranger handling you breast. Feels a little uncomfortable having them compressed but it is worth it to know that everything is alright. I have had it done twice and I am 33.
allwildgirl
Cathlete
It's not so bad. I've had quite a few - they started me early because of the nature of my breast tissue.
I just always think "wow, who knew my breast could get so FLAT!"
I just always think "wow, who knew my breast could get so FLAT!"
Agree with what everyone said. I had to go back last time they found some calcification. Very scary but I figure they caught it early. They think it was nothing to be concerned about but I got back (6 months later).
Like others say. DO NOT put it off. The trick is catching it early.
Good luck.
At the center I go to they do the read while you wait. It's nervewracking of course but you find out quickly.
Like others say. DO NOT put it off. The trick is catching it early.
Good luck.
At the center I go to they do the read while you wait. It's nervewracking of course but you find out quickly.
I was nervous about it the first time, too. Actually, I was a little miffed at the doctor suggesting I have one because it meant I was at "that age". But my grandmother died of breast cancer so it's a very important screening. It wasn't bad at all....pain-free. As far as strangers handling you, after years of pap smears, two pregnancies, and two c-section surgeries, I think I've become immune to privacy issues. Everybody has seen everything anyway...what I got ain't nothing they've already seen a dozen times before!!
Angie
Angie
Well, in a related vein, do you all think regular mammograms are necessary for everyone? There seems to be some controversy about this.
I am going to be 38 (ugh) and I have never had one. There is no history of breast cancer on either side of my (very extensive) family, so I don't feel like I need to. One of my gf's, on the other hand, has a lot of BC in her family (including her mom), so she has been getting them since we were in our early 20s. It's so funny how I harass *her* to go every year but don't feel too compelled to do it myself....
What do you guys think?
Cheers,
Marie
I am going to be 38 (ugh) and I have never had one. There is no history of breast cancer on either side of my (very extensive) family, so I don't feel like I need to. One of my gf's, on the other hand, has a lot of BC in her family (including her mom), so she has been getting them since we were in our early 20s. It's so funny how I harass *her* to go every year but don't feel too compelled to do it myself....
What do you guys think?
Cheers,
Marie
atiman
Cathlete
>Well, in a related vein, do you all think regular mammograms
>are necessary for everyone? There seems to be some controversy
>about this.
Well, my father is an oncologist. This is one check-up that he wants to make sure we have done and on top of that, to also have extra views taken when we do. We do not have any type of cancer in our family history, but I guess it is something he feels is very curable with early detection.
Namita
>are necessary for everyone? There seems to be some controversy
>about this.
Well, my father is an oncologist. This is one check-up that he wants to make sure we have done and on top of that, to also have extra views taken when we do. We do not have any type of cancer in our family history, but I guess it is something he feels is very curable with early detection.
Namita
candi
Cathlete
Marie,
You are wrong to think just because there is no breast cancer in your family, you're not at risk. If you've read enough about this type of cancer, every woman is at risk. I hate the inconvenience of having to schedule them and go but will not do without, and I have no cancer in my family. In my experience they are uncomfortable, but not excrutiating.
Do you have yearly pap smears and pelvics? If you have, I'm surprised your GYN isn't after you to get that mamogram.
You are wrong to think just because there is no breast cancer in your family, you're not at risk. If you've read enough about this type of cancer, every woman is at risk. I hate the inconvenience of having to schedule them and go but will not do without, and I have no cancer in my family. In my experience they are uncomfortable, but not excrutiating.
Do you have yearly pap smears and pelvics? If you have, I'm surprised your GYN isn't after you to get that mamogram.
When I was 24, I'm 29 now, I had to have a mammogram. Unfortunately your doctor is wrong. The specialist I saw for my mammogram results said she keeps seeing younger women coming in with breast cancer. I think her youngest patient is 18. It is becoming a bigger problem in younger women too. I don't think you are ever too young to start getting mammograms. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Just my $0.02.
candi
Cathlete
Kristi,
That was my point to Marie. About four years ago, I was 46, they detected something on my mamorgram. I freaked out and started doing a lot of research on the Internet and at the library. This cancer does not discriminate via age or family history. Mine was a happy ending because after a tiny needle biopsy, we found out it was just a surface calcification.
I am not an alarmist by any means, but I believe in mamograms and pap smears. I never want to look back and know that I contributed to my own ill health because I didn't do a simple preventive exam or test.
This is just my $0.04
That was my point to Marie. About four years ago, I was 46, they detected something on my mamorgram. I freaked out and started doing a lot of research on the Internet and at the library. This cancer does not discriminate via age or family history. Mine was a happy ending because after a tiny needle biopsy, we found out it was just a surface calcification.
I am not an alarmist by any means, but I believe in mamograms and pap smears. I never want to look back and know that I contributed to my own ill health because I didn't do a simple preventive exam or test.
This is just my $0.04