I have to go in for my initial mammogram. I'm not really looking forward to this...
Give it to me straight - what can I expect?

By Trina~moderator on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 05:23 pm:

Flattened breasts, from top to bottom and from side to side. It's really not that bad. Uncomfortable for a moment but I wouldn't say it hurts. I've been going annually since turning 35.

They advise not to wear powder or deoderant as it can mess up the x-rays. I bring mine along and put it on afterwards in the changing room.

Have fun! LOL!

By Bea on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 05:24 pm:

It all depends on how sensitive your breasts are. The squeeze was never very painful for me. They will ask you not to wear deodorant. You'll take off everything on top and put on a gown, (paper or cloth) The mamographer will ask you to stand next to the machine. She'll help to position you in relation to the plates. She will press your breast and underarm tissue between the upper and lower plates. She'll shoot the mammogram, and then perhaps take one from another angle. Then she'll do the same with the other side. You get dressed and go home. It's not the most comfortable procedure, but if it helps me to find breast cancer early enough to survive...I'll take it.

By Luvn29 on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 05:28 pm:

I'm 25 and have had mammograms either once a year or twice a year since I was 18. I feel like a pro already!

My best word of advice: RELAX. If you tense up, your chest muscles aren't as pliant, and it will be more uncomfortable. Just let yourself go and let her move you as she needs to. I usually try to focus on something totally different so I stay loosened up.

Also, I know I had to schedule mine somewhere between my periods, don't remember exactly how it went, because your breasts don't show up as well if you do it at certain times.

It's not horrible like people say. I have very sensitive breasts, and very fibrous breasts, so it is not the most comfortable thing for me, but it's not something I totally dreaded doing.

You will feel like you are absolutely being squeezed in every way possible, but it is worth it for the benefits.

By Nicki on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 06:46 pm:

I dreaded going for my first one, but like the others have said, it isn't bad at all. And I feel good knowing I'm doing what I can to take care of myself.
Really, don't worry. It will be fine!
Nicki

By Imamommyx4 on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 09:06 pm:

Ditto to Nicki. Dreaded it horribly, heard all of the horror stories. Slightly uncomfortable for a moment but not painful, didn't flatten my boob to a pancake or any such.
Just relax.
I've had a few, but nobody has ever told me not to wear deodorant. That's interesting.

By Mommmie on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 10:24 pm:

It's a breeze for me. I take Vit. E and Evening Primose to stop the fibroid cystic breast disease (the painful lumps) and there's no pain with the squeezing. You have to take it for a month for it to work.

My flat chested friend says it's horrible for her. Very painful. More of a pinching.

By Sunny on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 12:46 pm:

Thanks everyone.
I'm a little apprehensive because I've never experienced it before so knowing what to expect helps.

By Bea on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 02:26 pm:

Mommmie, I started taking Vitamin E years ago and can attest to how much it helped with my fibre cystic breast tissue.

By Meltonmom on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 02:48 pm:

Hi.
I get them but I hate them. They really hurt. But they are necessary and we are lucky to have them. So GO! :-) M&M