First Mammo in 2 weeks **nervous**

[brennasmom]

Okay, so going to any medical appts generally makes me nervous. I am a high anxiety person.

So, my first mammogram is scheduled for the 30th. I turned 40 last July so it's time to get it done. But I hear so many people say how awful they are

A lady I work with was just diagnosed and with breast cancer and said she didn't have mammo's for 3 years because they are so awful.

Really? Can they really be *that* bad. I have given birth twice. Can't be as painful as that, right?

[sueh]

I wish I had the answer for you. I have to go have one done. I have been putting it off. I turn 42 this year and my dr. has been trying to get me to have one since I was 38.

It just scares me to death.

[brennasmom]

Getting it done scares you?

[starsapphire]

They are uncomfortable, but they are not horrible. I have been through worse. Be sure not to have any caffeine at least a week before your appointment, and no deodorant the day of your appt.

I think it's like all the horror stories you hear about childbirth. People like to complain and make things seem SO much worse than it is, and anyone listening to their stories who have not gone through it yet get all freaked out.

[brenda67]

I say they are full of crap! I had one 4yrs ago and the reason was a had such a very very very painful lump..the Dr ordered a mammo asap..I told him there was no way I could have my boob flattened like a pancake with the pain I was in..within a hour I was having the mammo and I couldn't believe that I wasn't in any pain except you do feel the pressure but other than that I had no problem.. I'm one of the biggest wimp's you ever want to meet..I think it's mind over matter sometimes kwim? Hugs,you will be fine!


p.s. I have Fibrosis sp? disease that's why I had so much pain..

[brennasmom]

I wish I had the answer for you. I have to go have one done. I have been putting it off. I turn 42 this year and my dr. has been trying to get me to have one since I was 38.

It just scares me to death.

We should both go this month. We can be mammo buddies

[starsapphire]

Also, if you have large breasts, tell the tech that you need the larger plate.

[brennasmom]

I say they are full of crap! I had one 4yrs ago and the reason was a had such a very very very painful lump..the Dr ordered a mammo asap..I told him there was no way I could have my boob flattened like a pancake with the pain I was in..within a hour I was having the mammo and I couldn't believe that I wasn't in any pain except you do feel the pressure but other than that I had no problem.. I'm one of the biggest wimp's you ever want to meet..I think it's mind over matter sometimes kwim? Hugs,you will be fine!


p.s. I have Fibrosis sp? disease that's why I had so much pain..

At my last checkup the OB told me I have fibrocystic breasts... Is that what you have?

[brennasmom]

Also, if you have large breasts, tell the tech that you need the larger plate.

Hmm, I don't think so. Probably average-ish

[starsapphire]

At my last checkup the OB told me I have fibrocystic breasts... Is that what you have?

Definitely lay off the caffeine before your appt. It will make it painful.

[brennasmom]

What is inspiring me to go is the lady I work with said if hers was caught earlier it would have been lumpectomy/radiation but since it was more advanced she has to have the full deal (not sure all what that means as I didn't ask but I am guessing mastectomy + chemo.)

[dcompton]

I have had a fair number, and I think it also depends partly on how skillful and maybe experienced the technician is who is doing it. Occasionally I have had one that crossed over from discomfort to some pain, but it is of very short duration, only a minute or two, and I really think that is the exception. Also, there is no leftover soreness. Once it's over, it's over.

I would say on a scale of Ouch to OUCH!, most are about an Ouch or Ouch. The couple I have had that were worse, I would rate about an Ouch.

[ladykemma2]

i'm not going to lie, they hurt. but it's quick.

[June65]

hi,
seriously it no big deal.
i am also a very high anixiety person, so I throught it would be horrible, I have had one each yr for past 7 yrs, its a few moments of very slight discomfort for peacr of mind.
you feel a pressure for a few seconds and then its done, in and out within minutes.
I was more concerned about my modesty than any thing else.
sp please dont be scarred or nervous, have it done , and just think of the postive thing you have just done for your self.

[mamachop]

I had my first when I was just over 30. I promise you that they really aren't that bad or painful, you might feel uncomfortable, but that really is all. Good luck and I'll pray all goes well for you!