Mammograms?

Question

I'm going in for a mammogram tomorrow. I'm scared! I've never had one...what to expect? Is is very painful? This isn't just routine, I may have a problem so I'm most likely more nervous than need be. Just tell me, is it bad? How long for results?

Thank you very much. I just may contact you after I get some info. from the doctor. I'm just scared right now and trying to learn all that I can. Don't think I'm ready to face the possibility of death yet....it makes me so mad.

Answer 1

I can empathize with you because I was very nervous when I had my first mammogram too.

Please make sure you are not wearing underarm deodorant because that can inhibit them getting good pictures.

As to what to expect, the tech will have you stand to the side of the machine with your breast on the plate where they flatten the tissue out as much as they can and then bring down the other section that holds it in that position and then take a picture.

Then they will turn you with toward the front of the machine (the arm goes up on top of the machine like you are holding it but the breast now will be flattened again but like a straight on-but from the front) shot) and then take a picture.

They repeat these steps for the other side.

It takes about 5 minutes to do it. I did notice a bit of pain afterward in the upper chest wall for a few days afterward but this I found out is pretty common for many women.

As for how bad it was other than a bit of pain for a few days afterward it wasn't too bad and one reason why was because of the fact that the machine they were using was the digital mammography machines.

As for the results to come back it can be about a week or two.

My very first mammogram ever was for a problem situation so I was very nervous as well at that time. With the second mammogram (now due to a family history of breast cancer) I wasn't as nervous about what was involved, just the bit of pain afterward.

If you have other questions please feel free to e-mail or IM me off site any time.