Mammogram

LisaW Posted: Aug 20, 2003 07:13 AM

Mammogram

Did anyone ever have one? What should I expect? Does it hurt?

LizD Posted: Aug 20, 2003 08:26 AM

Re: Mammogram

Good questions. I am supposed to make an appt also and I have never been before!

NovemberSue Posted: Aug 20, 2003 08:27 AM

Re: Mammogram

I have never had one but I've heard that they squoosh your boobs into a machine so I would imagine its not too comfortable.

jenny11.9 Posted: Aug 20, 2003 08:27 AM

Re: Mammogram

My mom and sister get them - they told me it's uncomfortable and somewhat a tiny bit painful. But nothing TERRIBLE.

jenny11.9 Posted: Aug 20, 2003 08:54 AM

Re: Mammogram

yeah they flatten your boobie i think onto like a plate kind of thing, and another piece sort of sandwiches it.

Lovely

But BUT BUT - it's the BEST thing you can do for yourself in terms of precautionary care!!!!! My grandmother died of breast cancer when my mom was around 14 - so my family (all girls) is like mammogram savvy! I start mine next year I think....

JustJodi Posted: Aug 20, 2003 09:14 AM

Re: Mammogram

make sure you also get a sonogram done too!!
my mom went for her yearly mamo this year and they they saw nothing but a friend of hers had been telling her she should always have a sono done too.. so this is the first year she asked for the sono as well and low and behold they found a lump that the mamo didnt pick up.
Needless to say, she has recently had a breast removed and it undergoing Chemo...
Good news is if she hadnt asked for the sono god knows how big this thing would of gotten by the time she discovered it..
I went for the sono right away but cause Im pregnant will get my mamo done after the baby
GET A MAMO AND A SONO!!

Cira Posted: Aug 20, 2003 09:27 AM

Re: Mammogram

At what age do they start mammograms? I think it maybe earlier for those that have Breast Cancer in their family, right?

Good Luck!!!

JennRenee Posted: Aug 20, 2003 09:45 AM

Re: Mammogram

My friend had one recently, and she gave me the low down.

She said it was uncomfortable, but not at all painful, and relatively quick. So no worries!

Cira, unless you have a family history of breast cancer, or are a cancer survivor yourself, I think the recommended age to get your first one is 35. If you fall into the first group, I think it's 30, or possibly younger.

Jeanene Posted: Aug 20, 2003 10:45 AM

Re: Mammogram

I had two mammograms last year. I had two, because my first showed a possible problem, which turned out to be just a cyst.

I know that they are necessary and very important for our health. But I did not know that they were SO uncomfortable - yes it does hurt. They put your breast in a vise like machine and flatten it out like a pancake (sorry to be so graphic). I never knew my breast could be so flat!!! It may not hurt everyone, I guess it depends how sensitive your breasts are.

Though on the other hand I found the science of it very intresting! I got to see the results and my dr explained them to me - very interesting.

bearsbabe_113 Posted: Aug 20, 2003 11:34 AM

Re: Mammogram

If there's a family history, they'll send you for one at 35, which is when I went for one. I went first thing in the morning and the machine was cold, plus they squish your poor puppies and they hurt for awhile. Don't put any deodorant on and don't have any caffeine either.

Good luck!!!!

LizD Posted: Aug 20, 2003 01:59 PM

Re: Mammogram

This is not sounding like too much fun. I hope the tech's doing all this squishing are females (since men would never know what pain it could cause). I am not looking foreward to this, but it has to be done.

LisaW Posted: Aug 21, 2003 07:17 AM

Re: Mammogram

Thanks everyone! I have to go on Monday... Part of the pre-IVF protocol!

jennbaby Posted: Aug 21, 2003 10:52 AM

Re: Mammogram

I had one, they squash your boobs like a pancake between 2 metal 'pads'.

It doesnt hurt, just slightly uncomfortable. You will be fine.

Remember not to wear deodorant or perfumes for your test & good luck!