I had my physical, with the doctor, about 2 weeks ago. I already know that my PAP was normal and that's great. Today, I had my mammogram and it seems to me, on prior visits, that I got to find something out, before I left. Today, I got handed a card that says it will be 7-14 business days, before I find out anything. Doesn't that seem like a long time? Geez. I hope it's on the earlier side of that range.

So, that makes going through the actual exam, the easy part. Waiting is never easy and your mind goes through many horrible scenarios, while you wait.

On the other hand, I managed to schedule this exam between having my period and ovulating again, so my breasts weren't in the sore period, today. So, the test was really a breeze.

By Jackie on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 11:44 am:

Well I did not get the results to my mammogram the same day. They told me it would be 3-4 days.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 12:08 pm:

I'm just whining because it's hard to wait. I'll just have to try to put it out of my head.

By Marcia on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 02:18 pm:

I've never been called about results for my mammos, and I've had 3. I've really just expected to get a call if anything was found.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 03:12 pm:

I'm supposed to get something in the mail, eventually. I'm guessing they will only call, if there is something to tell me about.

I had to go back for more studies, one other time, although it turned out to be nothing. Maybe it's when I went back the second time, that I got to look at the x-rays with the radiologist. My details are hazy, because that was a few years ago.

By Breann on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 04:23 pm:

I've had one done, and it took about a week to get the results in the mail. After about 5 days, I called the doctors office and the nurse was able to look it up and tell me that everything was fine. Then a few days later the letter came in the mail.

ITA, waiting is the worst part. The actual mammogram is pretty simple and painless for the most part.

Good luck!!

By Dancermom on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 04:44 pm:

I hope everything is ok.

I need to make an appointment, I've never had a mammogram.

By Karen~admin on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 07:06 pm:

I've always had to wait 7 to 14 days to get the results of mine.

By Happynerdmom on Friday, June 29, 2007 - 10:38 am:

I've always had to wait, too. Waiting is the hardest part, isn't it?

By Dawnk777 on Friday, June 29, 2007 - 12:32 pm:

Yes, it is!

By Hol on Saturday, June 30, 2007 - 06:30 pm:

I am 58 and have been having mammograms since age 39. I have always gone to the same place, since they can compare my films from year to year. I ALWAYS get a letter telling me that everything is okay, but it takes about 10 days.

Two years ago, I was driving to see an orthopedist to arrange surgery on my knee. As I was driving, my cell phone rang and it was my gynegologist! He said that there was a "suspicious spot" on my recent mamo, and that he was going to arrange for me to have a needle biopsy. I was shocked and scared at the same time.

I asked to go to Providence to the women's hospital, to see a breast specialist, and he arranged it. Turned out, I had an ultra sound first that revealed that the "spot" was a lymph gland because I had active Lyme Disease at the time, so I didn't need the needle biopsy.

I appreciate the letter, and knowing that if there is something wrong, that my gyno will notify me right away. The doctor that I work for says to never take it for granted that everything is okay (no news is good news). She said that things can fall through the cracks. She said to always follow up with a phone call, whenever you have ANY test, including PAP smears, if you don't hear within two weeks.

I guess mamos are read by a radiologist and then, where I go, they are digitally examined, as well.

By Hol on Saturday, June 30, 2007 - 06:31 pm:

And for you young Moms, they really are no big deal. They don't hurt. Cancer hurts a lot more.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, July 1, 2007 - 09:53 am:

Ditto, what Hol said. It really doesn't hurt.

By Karen~admin on Sunday, July 1, 2007 - 10:09 am:

Another ditto - doesn't hurt. I DO know that women with larger breasts tend to experience *some* discomfort or pain, but sadly, I don't fall into that category. LOL!!! But generally, it's just slightly embarassing and does not hurt.

I know many, many *younger* women put off having them because they've heard all the horror stories of how much it hurts - and a lot of these women SHOULD be having them due to one reason or another.

So.........Ladies, get your mammos when your doc suggests having them. The reality is, it could very well save your life!!!!! And get them every year once you begin getting them. It's important to follow up and get them on a regular basis. It's your health and your body - taking care of YOU should be a priority!

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, July 1, 2007 - 11:30 am:

At my clinic, they warm up the little wipes that you use to clean off fragments of deoderant and they put a heating pad on the platform where they put your breast, so that makes it more comfortable, too. They just remove the heating pad, right before they do your xray.

By Hol on Sunday, July 1, 2007 - 10:52 pm:

Where I go (a radiology practice), they now have the "soft mamo" pad that they put on the plate. It is cushiony and more comfortable. And, the tech says that it is made from a material that doesn't interfere with the "picture" in any way.

Before they had those, they also used to warm it up with the heating pad.

My gyno keeps his speculums in a warming drawer, also. That is very much appreciated, as well. LOL!

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, July 5, 2007 - 01:55 pm:

All normal! I got the letter today! It didn't take as long as they predicted on the card, thank goodness!

By Jjandmom on Thursday, July 5, 2007 - 11:03 pm:

I went for a mammogram today I was a little nervous but once they did the 1st picture I was ok . They wanted me to go for it 2 weeks ago but I didn't want to go for it without finding out what was done wasn't bad at all. I did try getting out of it by telling the doctor I was not 40 they said they do them at 35 I was like ok I said if I went with having 4 kids I guess it couldn't be that bad (lol). I just hope everything is ok but I guess I will have to wait and see.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, July 5, 2007 - 11:49 pm:

I hope yours is okay, too!

By Dancermom on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 08:12 am:

I'm glad everything was normal Dawn.
What a relief.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, July 6, 2007 - 08:28 am:

Yes, it was. Thanks!