Mammograms & Dexa scans

[HangWithMerida]

I have fatty breasts which I have been told is easier to pick up on any abnormalities

I will look for a different place for next year. I was not at all happy with what I went through. I asked the tech and was told it was fine. Not in my mind.

Fatty breasts are easier to read, with less overlapping tissue and places for abnormalities to hide. I would still recommend the 3D as I have seen cases where tiny cancers were seen on the 3D images only in patients with fatty breasts.
Your perception of your experience is important. If you don't feel you got a good mammogram there, definitely try a new center next time.

 

[maxaroni]

Fatty breasts are easier to read, with less overlapping tissue and places for abnormalities to hide. I would still recommend the 3D as I have seen cases where tiny cancers were seen on the 3D images only in patients with fatty breasts.
Your perception of your experience is important. If you don't feel you got a good mammogram there, definitely try a new center next time.

Thank you for all of your insight, I truly appreciate it and am sure all of the other women do as well. Back when 3D came out, my insurance company charged a co-pay of $75 for the 3D and I paid it. For me, it was an important tool for my piece of mind. My mom had breast cancer twice and I’d rather be safe than sorry.

 

[piglet1979]

Thank you @HangWithMerida. This has been very helpful. I go next week to the OB and will ask for the 3D one.

 

[disneychrista]

I have my annual mammogram tomorrow and they gave the no deodorant, lotion, powder, perfumes spiel both when I made the appointment and when they called to confirm. I am pretty sure I’ve always had two sets done of each breast top and side. And occasionally they’ll have to redo one or more. I have large breasts. So there is a lot to get up and one the plate. The compression is always moderate, at least compared to when they did the diagnostic mammogram a few years ago. That one I felt like they were trying to literally make my breast thin as a pancake. And the one they did after they placed a marker after biopsy where they barely did any compression.

 

[lifesavacation]

@HangWithMerida question for you. I had my mammogram recently and I got really faint during the procedure. Is this unusual? I either held my breath too long or the compression pain triggered the episode. I wasn't particularly nervous and this has never happened before. I told the tech I was feeling faint and sat down and then felt better. But it happened again on the next scan (at the point of compression where you are told to hold your breath).

 

[HangWithMerida]

@HangWithMerida question for you. I had my mammogram recently and I got really faint during the procedure. Is this unusual? I either held my breath too long or the compression pain triggered the episode. I wasn't particularly nervous and this has never happened before. I told the tech I was feeling faint and sat down and then felt better. But it happened again on the next scan (at the point of compression where you are told to hold your breath).

It sounds like a vasovagal reaction, which can be triggered by pain in some people. It happens, though not super commonly. Chances are, it won't happen again. Make sure you have had something to eat before you show up for your mammogram, take any meds you usually take (like blood pressure meds), and wear something comfortable.
You did the right thing to warn the tech so she had a chance to get you to a chair.

 

[anniemae]

It seems to b be the consensus that 2 views of each breast is the norm and I did not have that. Also, did not have much compression or pulling and manipulating to get as much tissue in the scan.

If they did not get clear pictures, chances are you will get called back for additional views. If the radiologist cannot read them, they will need to redo. Did you get results?

 

[maxaroni]

If they did not get clear pictures, chances are you will get called back for additional views. If the radiologist cannot read them, they will need to redo. Did you get results?

No, did not get results. It was done this morning and was told early next week. I am contacting patient advocacy to voice my concerns.

 

[HeatherC]

I just had my yearly appointment last week. My dr does 3D mammography with tomosynthesis. Apparently, that gives both a 2D and 3D imaging. I also have dense breasts.
They usually take two different shots of each breast. Luckily, everything was great.

They always remind you before the appointment not to wear deodorant or zippers for dead scan. This time they also questioned me on when I had the Covid vaccine.

 

[LuvOrlando]

A man invented that machine,right?

I always say that if there was a similar test required for male parts it would be on a gentle seat made of warmed gel.

Think about it, what is the birth control they get? A warm bath