Mammograms

[disneychrista]

I started whenever the recommended age was when I hit that. I get them done every year. I had one finding, that required additional diagnostic mammography and ultrasound, which lead to a biopsy. It turned out to be a benign mass.

 

[Mommb]

I was kind of anxious about my 1st one, but it didn't hurt at all. To me the most awkward thing about it was having another person grab them to put them in the squisher properly lol. But I nursed 2 babies for about 3 years total, so modesty and embarrassment went out the window then.

I recommend going to a womens' health center for your first (and subsequent) mammograms if you can. I go to a center attached to a nearby hospital that features ample parking, comfy robes, complimentary coffee and tea in an attractively-designed waiting room that is solely for the women waiting for radiology (that is, separate from the main waiting room where I check in), and technicians who explain everything slowly. Is it comfortable getting squished? No, of course not. But it doesn't last long and I leave knowing I am taking good care of myself.

 

[LynnTH]

I need to start getting them (I'm 42) but for some reason I have severe anxiety about the idea of doing it. Like crippling anxiety. No idea why.

Once you do one - you will realize it is not that big of a deal. It takes more time to check in and put the gown on then the actual mammogram. It is very quick.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Get the mammogram! I have 2 very good friends that were diagnosed thru mammogram only. Thankfully, their tumors were small and the prognosis is excellent.

 

[JBRB828]

I started at 50 and get one every year, so far everything has been good, I'm 74

 

[mumto3girls]

Yes. I get at least one yearly. There is something in my left breast that they do a 3D mammogram and an ultrasound on every six months for a year or so and then tell me it’s not changing and go back to yearly and then a few years later I am back to every six months fke a while. Just had my yearly well woman exam this morning and got a prescription for my next one but not due until January.

I think it is well worth it.

 

[shh]

started at 40 - 3d mammo PLUS ultrasound. Never miss a year.

Unfortunately, every year, I also waste time fighting unpaid bills and collection threats by provider and back and forth calls to my insurer, as they try to deny payment on ultrasound, despite it being covered under their own plan regulations!

They eventually pay, but it's always a chore to get them to do so.

 

[dez1978]

I recommend going to a womens' health center for your first (and subsequent) mammograms if you can. I go to a center attached to a nearby hospital that features ample parking, comfy robes, complimentary coffee and tea in an attractively-designed waiting room that is solely for the women waiting for radiology (that is, separate from the main waiting room where I check in), and technicians who explain everything slowly. Is it comfortable getting squished? No, of course not. But it doesn't last long and I leave knowing I am taking good care of myself.

Oh, I am not bothered by it at all. I never understood why people made it sound so scary. But I do understand not everyone has the same experience, so just because it didn't hurt me, doesn't mean it isn't painful for others.

 

[disneyseniors]

Do you ladies get yearly mammograms? How old were you when you started? I keep reading that they can cause cancer due to radiation and I wonder if we are doing more harm than good? Thoughts?

I just received my yearly mammogram this week. I am an RN and I admit I dont go to the doctor or have tests done regularly, LOL. But the One thing I do religiously every year is a mammogram. My Mother had a history of problems with this so I am diligent in this one test.

 

[georgina]

I recommend going to a womens' health center for your first (and subsequent) mammograms if you can. I go to a center attached to a nearby hospital that features ample parking, comfy robes, complimentary coffee and tea in an attractively-designed waiting room that is solely for the women waiting for radiology (that is, separate from the main waiting room where I check in), and technicians who explain everything slowly. Is it comfortable getting squished? No, of course not. But it doesn't last long and I leave knowing I am taking good care of myself.

Just went this morning to a place like you described. It is a brand new facility for this hospital, they also validate the parking. Was in and out in 20 minutes so I wouldn't have had to pay for parking anyway.

My doctor always orders the 3D imaging, and I always get the 'heterogeneously dense tissue which may lower the sensitivity' message. While I have no family history of breast cancer, he claims the most common age range for it to strike is 55-69 (I'm 62)

 

[Magical2017]

I started in my 40s (I am cystic). I get them yearly. I had a scare once and am so thankful for being able to get them each year. My doctor recommends I continue to get a mammogram annually.

 

[nancipants]

Yes, started when I was 39 due to family history (should have started earlier). I get one yearly at the same time as my pap smear, which is very convenient.

 

[barkley]

I was adopted and back then I had not found my bio family yet to learn if there was a history so I didn't want to take any chances!

i just want to encourage people to consider speaking with older family members and inquire about GENERAL family cancer history. i'm in my early 60's and it was VERY common when i was a kid for people to speak of cancer in hushed tones, it was called 'the C'. breast cancer esp. was never spoken of aloud-and even close extended family was never told. i have a much younger family member by marriage who was diagnosed in her early 20's. she/her mom never knew of any family history until they started digging around after her diagnosis and talking to cousins/older aunts where they learned that many of the great aunts, grands and such had lost their lives to it but embarassment kept the diagnosis a family secret

I started whenever the recommended age was when I hit that. I get them done every year. I had one finding, that required additional diagnostic mammography and ultrasound, which lead to a biopsy. It turned out to be a benign mass.

just yesterday i went for my second mammogram in a week along with an ultrasound. the one i had last week detected something that was not present last year. all is good though but much better to have caught it early for evaluation.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I got my first one at age 41 and plan to go yearly. The radiation really isn't that much. It's an important screening tool.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

I am a 7 year breast cancer survivor. Yes. I also have little tolerance for people who know better and get caught anyway and then expect sympathy for not dodging a bullet that is fairly easy for most to see coming. Sad but true. Don't be one of them because you're scared of a scan. HUGS!

 

[bluezy]

I need to start getting them (I'm 42) but for some reason I have severe anxiety about the idea of doing it. Like crippling anxiety. No idea why.

Have you talked to your doctor about the anxiety? They might be willing to prescribe an anti-anxiety med for you to take the day of the mammogram to help with that. It might help you enough to get through that first one and you'll be less anxious about the next one because you'll know what to expect. I have anxiety (not about mammograms...but definitely about CT scans that are above my abdomen), so I totally understand.

 

[bluezy]

I started getting them at age 40 and have had one every year since then. I don't skip mammograms or colonoscopies (which I have to do every 3 years based on previous results). I'm adopted and don't know my biological medical history so I make sure to do whatever screenings are available. Catching things early is soooo important.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I need to start getting them (I'm 42) but for some reason I have severe anxiety about the idea of doing it. Like crippling anxiety. No idea why.

I was the same way. I almost chickened out the day of the appointment. My BP was probably through the roof. I told the tech how nervous I was and she was so sweet. Regular manual breast exams can be painful for me so I was super scared about the pain.

I watched videos and read a lot beforehand to prepare myself and I do think that helped. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. It didn't feel great but it was more like a pinching feeling that wasn't very extreme at all. It didn't last long. The tech releases the squish as soon as the pics are taken. There were two "squishes" for each side. (I've read it's more if you have implants, however.) The entire process was super quick. (Also, there are certain times during your menstrual cycle where it's likely to hurt less, I just can't remember when but you could Google it.)

 

[NannyBeBe]

In November, I will be 10 years cancer free. My mammogram saved my life. Whatever danger there might be from the radiation is worth the risk. I also recommend that ladies pay the extra charge for a 3D imaging.

 

[anniemae]

In November, I will be 10 years cancer free. My mammogram saved my life. Whatever danger there might be from the radiation is worth the risk. I also recommend that ladies pay the extra charge for a 3D imaging.

Yes, I have to keep thinking of the benefits vs. the small amount of radiation. Thankfully the place I go to only does the 3D mammogram.