Made appt. for my first mammogram

[Sandy V.]

Luvwinnie, I'm glad you're going. Every woman should go!

I had a baseline done when I was 28, and have faithfully gone every 2 years since. Breast cancer runs on both sides of my family; my mother had a double masectomy at my age (44). I had a fibroedenoma (fibroid tumor) removed from my left breast when I was 24.

Any minor discomfort is well worth it when you think about what you may detect well before you would discover it in the shower.

Best of luck!!

 

[suzannen]

I had my first baseline one at 35 and the next at 40. My first cousin died at age 37 of breast cancer leaving two children under the age of 4 without a mother. Her doctor did not think an "early" mammogram was warranted because of her young age. We'll never know if it would have made a difference, but I'm all for going at 35 - you're doing the right thing!

(And it only hurts for a few seconds!)

 

[WDWLVR]

As a survivor of Ovarian Cancer I've been doing yearly ones since I was 33. It is not the most comfortable procedure, but one hour or discomfort is worth the peace of mine.

Cruise04 - that about sums it out. The machine was definately delveoped by a man!

 

[Gramto6inPa]

I just had a mammogram today!I had my first one at 40.I get one every year or ever other year.I was scheduled for my yearly checkup(pap smear) today and was asked if I had a mammogram last year.Said no ,and there was an open appointment 1 1/2 hour later.So I said might as well.What a fun morning.A pap smear and a mammogram in 2 hours time.But seriously,neither one is all that bad. luvminnie Especially the mammogarm.There's just some pressure,not even painful.Good for you for taking care of yourself with the early exam.

 

[faithinkarma]

Originally posted by Pugdog007
It doesn't hurt. Don't believe people who tell you differently.

I have been having them for years, and honestly wondered what all the fuss was about. I thought maybe it was just me not feeling anything. Good to hear others have the same experience.

 

[froglady]

The amount of discomfort varies depending upon the patient and technician. I've had a couple that were a breeze and didn't bother me at all. My last one left bruising, and I had one that tore my skin. Most of them have been someplace in the middle.


However, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind, or a jump start at treating a problem.

I had a baseline done at age 35, which is a good thing because it showed some areas of calcification that haven't been picked up the last few years. It's shown up again, but the fact that it was there almost 20 years ago is very reassuring.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Originally posted by luvwinnie
My dr. recommends the FIRST one at 35, then the next at 40, then every year. Anyone else go that early?

absolutely....and it's a piece of cake....

 

[wdw4us]

I had my first at 34. My mom died from Breast Cancer. Went every few years and then didn't for 4. Our Sylvia reminded me to go and get checked again. If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would've gone and started the yearly process again. Now she's gone.

I went on the 22 of May (yes they schedule them on Saturday here) and got my results today, all clear for another year!

Let's go girls, get them checked and then your can relax!

denise

 

[SplshMtn99]

I have my appt for the end of this month. I'm turning 40 this yr...and this will be my second time.

I just wanted to pass along some tips given to me by the doctors office & others.

1. Doctors office told me NOT wear deodorant that day. Some ingredient in the deodorant effects what they can see on the films. Same goes for talc powders I'm told.

2. Easy up on the caffiene intake for a few days before. It supposedly won't be as painful if you are large bossomed like I am.

Don't know how much of that is true, but I followed them.
On my first visit...it wasn't too bad. They had me wait to make sure they could read the films ok. They had me come back in to take a couple more of one side at a different angle. YIKES, that one HURT!! I was sore for days on that side near the upper rib area.

But it's worth it!! I lost my maternal grandmother to breast cancer before I was born. She was only in her 50's...and died of it even though she had had a double mastectomy.

My boss, also in her 50's, it fighting breast cancer now for the SECOND time. She also had a mastectomy & a partial on the other side. She was a 10 yr survivor when it re-occured. It's tough to watch!!!

Get it done everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

My mom had breast cancer at 69, her mom had it at 71, her mom's sister at 70, mom's sister's dd at 69. All on my maternal side. So, is it any wonder I have mine every single year?? At one point they advised me to get it done every 6 months! That lasted for 3 yrs. Now, back to every year. Will I get BC?? Most probably. Am I terribly concerned? No. I figure that by the time I'm 70 great strides will be made and I should be fine. So, all of you out there that don't get your mammo every year.....GO!!!

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

Giving this thread a bump!

Every woman should read this and if they are over 30, schedule that mammogram!!!

Wishing everyone a "magical" day!!

 

[julybride]

Gentlemen,

Make sure that the women in your life get those mammograms done!

 

[browneyes]

I had my first one last year, when I was 33. I went to my GYN and told him I was having problems with my gallbladder. He was supposed to put on my dr's orders to have a gallbladder scan, but he goofed and checked off to have a mammogram. I told the receptionist he made the goof and he told her to just leave the orders as they were, just to add on the gallbladder scan. I was scared to death. I thought he found something and didn't want to tell me until we had the mammogram. The tech that did the mammogram didn't ease my fears at all. She said I was really a couple of years too young to have it done and just looked at me kinda sadly. I think my GYN was just trying to make sure I was ok. My grandmother had breast cancer, so that increases my chances. I'm big busted and some places feel like knots, but I've been told that's normal. Luckily, my results came out normal.

If you do forget and pu ton deodorant, they usually have something to help remove it, but it's best to not forget. And relax. I felt like a contortionist, but after I told myself to relax, it didn't seem to hurt as bad.

Good luck.

 

[pjlla]

Maybe this thread should inspire me to call my GYN. I will be turning 40 VERY SOON ( ) and have never had one. I also haven't had a pap or routine exam in about two or three years! I know... shame on me! My Mom had BC diagnosed about two years ago... very small lump, but two surgeries to remove it all. Six months of radiation, but no chemo, thankfully. Was given an all clear last year on my birthday, but of course, needs to be checked every 6 -12 months from now on. I suppose that should have motivated me to get my first mammo, but it hasn't! Anyhow, I will try to remember to call today and set myself up an appointment. I shouldn't be neglecting my health.... if it were my mom, daughter, MIL, or best friend, I would nag them to go!! So I guess I should nag myself! Thanks to you all for the reminder!........P

 

[luvwinnie]

pjlla, I'm nagging you to make that call!!