Mammograms

Jen · 07-02-2007, 06:24 PM

Are mammograms painful? I am almost 32 and my Dr wrote the order for me to get one last May but I have been putting it off. The thought of having my boobs squished between 2 plates just doesn't sound very pleasant. Is there anything I can do to minimize discomfort?

Becky · 07-02-2007, 06:44 PM

Taking some Advil about one hour before seems to help. If you need to get one, go - and go now. Don't put it off just because you think the big squeeze will be painful. It's not that bad - some discomfort. But a mammogram can save you life.

Mary Jo · 07-02-2007, 07:16 PM

I couldn't agree more. The mammogram is an important tool and needs to be utilized. Honestly, I never found a mammogram painful at all. A bit squishy but "pain" is not a word I'd ever use to describe it. It's "tight" and no, you wouldn't want to stand their like that for a long time but 1, 2, 3 it's over with.

Go get it done. You'll be happy you did.

Mary Jo

Jen · 07-02-2007, 07:22 PM

Both my Mother and her Mother have had breast cancer. I guess part of me is afraid that if I have the test done that I could have it also. I know that might sound silly but I do worry about it.
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Mary Jo · 07-02-2007, 07:41 PM

Jen, It doesn't sound silly at all. It sounds VERY understandable. However, not knowing is wayyyyyyyyyyy worse. You're always wondering, I am sure. You need to do this for your peace of mind AND if ever a problem does crop up you catch it early. You can do it Jen. Please go.

Mary Jo

DonnaD · 07-02-2007, 07:53 PM

Hi Jen,
Please, please, please, get the mamogram. I am a bit older than you, 55 now, but went every year. Last year I was diagnosed with stage II BC that would never have been found without a mamogram. The tumor was near the chest wall, and even when the surgeon knew where it was he was unable to feel it. The pain is not that bad, and Advil does help. Early diganoses is soo important. You'll be fine. Keep in touch and let us know how you did and the results.
Donna

Jen · 07-02-2007, 08:12 PM

Thanks Mary Jo and Donna. I know this is something I need to do but I am scared. I know my Mother (Sheila) is disappointed with me because I haven't gone yet.

Jeanette · 07-02-2007, 08:22 PM

Time to get your big girl panties on Jen. Nobody was more afraid that I was to get it done, but if I had gone sooner maybe, just maybe I would not have had to get an MRM. You may feel a little uncomfortable, but believe me it's worht it. Please go and have it done, Hugs to you,Jeanette

Jen · 07-02-2007, 08:41 PM

Thanks everyone. You're right I do need to go "get er done" I just wish I wasn't so scared.

Bev · 07-02-2007, 09:05 PM

It really is only a 20 second squish times 6 views. I'm a scaredy cat and I don't need to take ativan for mammos.

The techs are usually great. The center I go to now is almost spa-like. It really makes a difference as the center that didn't pick up my tumor was 3rd world like. (Long waits, indifferent staff, etc)And don't be afraid to complain if they're making you too uncomfortable, ie squishing your collarbone.

It really is OK. Obviously a woman didn't invent this machine. Advil is a good suggestion as I sometimes have a little soreness, but less soreness than you might feel from working out.

You can do it. I have heard of no cases of anyone expiring or having damage from a mammogram. I hope by the time you're 40, they have less squashing testing in place.

Good luck, Bev

Jen · 07-02-2007, 09:32 PM

Post deleted

Leslie's sister · 07-02-2007, 09:41 PM

Jen:
I am a BIG baby. Really big baby. I major stress over going to the doctor's office for a Pap. Getting my teeth cleaned is an ordeal. I don't even think twice about getting a mammogram. They really don't hurt at all.

Jen · 07-02-2007, 09:58 PM

Thanks Leslie's sister. I don't like getting Pap tests either but unfortunately my Dr won't prescribe my Yasmine w/out having it done although I did try to skate by last time by quoting a pamphlet I read from the American Cancer Society stating that women who have had normal Paps in the past didn't need one EVERY year but that was a no-go.

SoCalGal · 07-02-2007, 10:08 PM

"Jen"
I am having a hard time believing that you are for real. I cannot believe that you are brave enough to post on a site with woman fighting for their lives to survive cancer yet you are too scared to have a mammogram

I invite you to spend a week at my house. I will teach you to take care of yourself and to be a grown up.

You need more than a mammogram - you need a reality check.

Jen · 07-02-2007, 10:33 PM

"Flori"
I do visit this website and post on here occasionally. BOTH my Mother and Maternal Grandmother have had breast cancer. I started this thread because I am scared about having a mammogram maybe not as much about the procedure (although I am not looking forward to it) as I am about being at an increased risk. Everyone else on this thread has been very encouraging and supportive EXCEPT for you. Before you tell me about how you would teach me to be "grown up" maybe you should walk a mile in my shoes. I have taken care of my handicapped daughter (who at times has been near death) who went through open heart surgery at 2 and a 1/2 months of age and has countless other surgeries including back surgery every 6 months for the last 2 years.

Jean · 07-02-2007, 10:45 PM

Jen,
Consider this...you mention your baby daughter...you know that you
have to remain well and take care of her...so do please go and have your mammo, it is really important for women to catch this disease in the early stagers and this is possible with regular mammo's. I had my yrly mammo
in Sept. 2004...only five months later I felt an ache deep in my arm and
called my dr. and insisted on another mammo. went in and well the story is below...caught it early...look what happened in my case in just 5months.

The ladies that have responded to you have given you very wise advice...please do take it.
Good Luck.
Jean

Jen · 07-03-2007, 01:01 AM

Jean,
Thank you for your reply and you are right I have 2 daughters ages 9 and 10 and they deserve to have a Mother who takes good care of herself. I never meant to offend anyone on here that has/or have had breast cancer with my thread. I thank you all for your support and encouragement. I will call the hospital tomorrow for an appointment.

Jennifer

Ruth · 07-03-2007, 01:25 AM

Jen:

It's OK to be scared. I think that you may be more afraid that they will find something rather than the pain of it and I understand that fear. That is one good strong reason to go ahead and have it done and put that fear behind you. The earlier you catch anything, the easier and best chance you have and most likely everything is OK anyway. Your Dr is wise to have it done early. I wish looking back that I did have a reason to have one earlier...even with the minor discomfort (and I was nursing at the time!) that I experienced.
Take care and please post again and let us know how it goes.
Peace ~ Ruth

mts · 07-03-2007, 05:38 AM

Hey Jen-

Like you said- its not really the mammo you are worried about- but the results. I can see you nibbling your nails down to the knuckles in anticipation of the results. Just get it over with... it will also set a good example to your 9 and 10 yr old daughters. this is your baseline mammo, so make it count !

Maria

Hopeful · 07-03-2007, 07:20 AM

Jen,

I may be biased about the value of testing, because that is how my bc was found - on my annual mammo. It was not palpable at the time and in a place that was hard to check (behind the nipple). I do believe the test saved my life. Sounds like bc runs in your family, which means you not only need to get this test to be there for your daughters, but to set a good example for them. They will no doubt have to have early mammos, too. How you approach this can color their opinions about having the test themselves. The most important thing is to make sure you all stay healty.

Best of luck to you,

Hopeful