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Mammograms
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?
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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.
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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 |
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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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 |
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 |
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.
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mammo
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
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Thanks everyone. You're right I do need to go "get er done" I just wish I wasn't so scared.
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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 |
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Nothing to it
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. |
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.
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Are You Serious?!
"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. |
"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. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Well I just got off the phone with central scheduling at St. Mary's Hospital. I scheduled my mammogram for Friday July 13th at 2:30PM. I hope Friday the 13th will be my lucky day!!!!
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Woo Hoo, way to go Jen. You will be just fine my dear. You are doing yourself and your daughters a big favor by doing this. I'm sure you will get good results. Big hugs to you, Jeanette
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Hi Jen,
Good for you. I was happy to read your post saying you have scheduled the appointment. Please don't let anyone make you feel as if you are somehow "not right" because of your feelings of apprehension and fear over having the mammogram done and what the results might be. Having had family members with cancer can be and is very frightening. The fear of the unknown is also very frightening. I know me personally, sometimes I have the "I'd rather not know" syndrome. We're human for goodness sake and fear is part of who we are at times. That being said, I'm happy you've decided to "tackle that demon called fear" and get the mammogram done. Think how happy you'll be when the results come back and you are told you are fine. Hugs to you Jen and a prayer for courage and peace, Mary Jo |
I apologize
Jen,
I am sorry for my sarcasm - from where I sit it is maddening that with so much incentive (honoring your mom, your grandma and doing whatever it takes to stay healthy for your children) you have put off a test that can save your life. I hope you get the support you need. I am a tough chick with high expectations of myself. I forget that not everyone is like that. You have not walked in my shoes, but you have come pretty close with your family history - so while you have the opportunity for early detection I send you the courage and strength to take advantage of it. My 17 year old daughter just found a "lump" and had to have it followed w/a surgical consult and an ultrasound. She was scared, but did what she had to do. I will tell you what I told her: "Your mom has cancer. You will be watched like a hawk. At least IF something is going to happen, it will be caught early. We share genes but we don't have the exact same upbringing, diet, stresses, etc. AND I believe there will be a cure in your lifetime". Jen, I hope that you get your test. It will give your mother peace of mind as well. And I apologize for my less than supportive posting. --Flori |
Re: I apologize
Flori,
No need to apologize. I can see that you have been through a lot. I never meant to hurt or offend you or anyone else with my thread. I am very thankful for each and every one of you guys' posts because it gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to pick up the phone and make the appointment. I will be sure to report back with my results after I have the test done and find out. You guys are the BEST!!!! Jennifer |
Well Tomorrow is the big day. I will be sure to post my results when I get them.
Hugs to all, Jen |
Best of luck, I really think everything will be fine. If I were you, once you start pushing 40, perhaps ask for a MRI. Plenty of us have had tumors not detected by mammo.
You are doing the right thing. We are all cheering for you. Better to rule things out than living in fear. Fear stinks. We all have our little demons, things we would never do. I hated going to Drs, but I've decided my life depends on following up and being civil. Just hang in there and do what needs to be done. BB |
JEN we are all proud of you
AND glad you are going. Try not to over-think things and just know that everything will turn out fine. Really. (For real.) --Flori
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Best of luck to you, Jen - looking forward to you posting those good results.
Hopeful |
Had the mammogram done today as well as a breast US and the Dr said that everything looked OK.
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That's great Jen. I'm happy you had it done. Did you find the mammogram painful? Some women describe it that way, but I never found that to be the case.
Well either way........it's over and done with and all looks good. Stay with them now. It's worth it. Mary Jo |
Superb!!!!!!!!!! And continue to check your boobies once a month!
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Actually I didn't find the mammogram painful at all. All in all I am glad I had it done.
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Jen, good for you! As Mary Jo said, stay with it!
Congratulations, and best of luck to you in the future. Hopeful |
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