What should I expect with a mammogram?

[TaraF]

The thread title asks it all. What should I expect with a mammogram?

[TaraF]

Nevermind. This thread can be deleted. Thanks.

[Lynn49]

Good heavens, Tara, has no one responded to your question?

Well, let me tell you all about mammograms:
You arrive at the location, they tell you to slip out of everything above your waist and put on a cute little short robe (or hospital gown, depending where you go). You sit in a waiting room until someone cheerfully calls you in. Go go in, she asks you a few questions, then tells you to slip out of your robe or leave one arm in, positions one of your breasts between two clear, horizontal plates, and she slowly lowers them to squish your breast, tells you to hold your breath, snaps a picture, then does the same for the other one.

Does it hurt? It can be mighty uncomfortable, and you can't wait for her to release you from those plates' grip, but it's not painful in the sense of ...well, pain. More like really being squished. I finally felt pain the last time I went when they found "something", sent me for another one, which we're not just in a watch and wait state.

I've taken a Tylenol or two before going and perhaps that helps, but it really depends on your technician. Sometimes it feels like not much at all. I have heard that it's a good idea not to go at that particular time of the month because we're more sensitive then.

In preparation, you will of course shower in the morning, but don't apply any deoderant, creams, powders, etc, as they can interfere with the results.

So there. Nothing to worry about..it's not a fun event, but you can treat yourself to something yummy after it's all over! You've been through so much, Sweetie...this will be a piece of cake.
Hey! Cake! Nevermind.....

When are you scheduled to have this done?

[Shwa Girl]

Here's a link - What happens when you have a mammogram?
http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-a...cer/?region=bc

[walkonby]

plenty of ouchy squishing!!

[Lynn49]

plenty of ouchy squishing!!

Okay. That's putting it succinctly!

[Shwa Girl]

If you can go to Women's College Hospital, they have 2 regular mammogram machines and 3 digital mammogram machines. It is possible that the digital mammogram machine = less ouchies.

http://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/...imaging/#ultra

Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Halton Health Care and Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton all have digital mammogram machines

[Nina1]

Not my favorite but I have to say the alternative (not knowing) won't get you treatment should you need it. Just get er done. Nobody knows your body better than you but getting the heads up if there is a problem lets you be in control and ultimately may save your life. Take care.

[TaraF]

Thanks for the responses ladies. I was only asking as I was due for my first one ever last Tuesday so I was curious how it would all go down. It went rather fine and the only hiccup was that my appointments (mam.ultrasound) were during that awful snow storm and the bus we were taking to the hospital got stuck in the snow. Seriously. lol We did get there on time and it really wasn't that bad. Other than you have to be a freaking contortionist to get into the positions they want you in. haha. I mean it wasn't something I'd want on a daily basis, but it actually wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

[Zonny]

I've done a few 'screening' mammograms, those are a breeze. Where I've gone, you don't get any cute little robe though. You go in, peel off your shirt and bra and you're hangin' out. Just the technician is there though, and I'm sure she's seen so many she doesn't think much about them except from a clinical point of view.

The 'diagnostic' one is more squishing and not fun at all. Biopsy isn't fun either, but not as bad as you'd think.

[Mia001]

sorry , Tara, i didn't see your post before
i sure would reassure you about it ....

personnally i'm not an expert but
having had my first when i was still in high school and
since then
had mammograms, breast echograms, biopsy, kist punctions....and even fybroms surgery

hearing other women speaking while waiting to see the dr for follow up

IMHO, different women = different experiences = different comments

+ it also depends on how you feel, the time of your period calender etc....and also on the technicien and dr experence


P.S. Zonny, in my hospital, we have nice fluffy-cozy pink robes....
compliment from the hospital fundation

[Nina1]

lmao