My First Mammogram

Katesbff · ‎01-12-2013

Good evening everyone,

This is probably silly, but I thought it might be useful to share my experience having my first mammogram.

First of all - and most importantly - it's normal to be called back for additional testing if you are in your 40's. Evidently, this has to do with breast tissue density and creating a baseline for what your breasts look like, etc.

I didn't know this, so being called back terrififed me. Then, having the regular test done again, and then an ultra sound had me convinced I had breast cancer.

Those were the scariest 90 minutes of my life - testing and waiting.

Anyway - to all of the technicians out there administering these tests and trying to keep women calm, informed and heard - THANK YOU!

Lapdog · ‎12-18-2012

@Katesbff Welcome to the club!! I feel for you.

Every year, the wait in the room by yourself, in the hospital gown, waiting is the longest few minutes ever.....you are right the nurses are great

PMG055 · ‎04-26-2017

Yes it very frightening especially since my mother died of breast cancer. All I allowed to think to myself was Jeremiah 29:11. Please look it up. It was and is a great source of comfort.

Zhills · ‎11-15-2011

Good post! It doesn't necessarily have to be your first mammogram......when you get a letter or call for a follow up test it scares you to death..at any age!

Good technicians are worth their weight in gold! They seem to realize how scared you are and can be very comforting.

kivah · ‎03-11-2010

I've had mammograms for many, many years - and didn't think twice about it. A couple of years ago, I had a mammogram and when the doctor's office called my house I wasn't home.It was Friday afternoon - and when I called back, I got an answering machine. So - I had to wait the whole weekend - until Monday morning to call back. I actually went on this site to ask if people got called back - since that never happened before to me. Several women said - the machines are more sensitive now - and it's common to be called back to get another mammogram. That put me at complete ease and I didn't think about it. I went back to the doctor's office on Monday or Tuesday - then the doctor came into the room and said. Everything went well - and I said, "but" --- he said there's no but. I was amazed because I was convinced that I had breast cancer - as I'm an ovarian cancer survivor. As I left the office - I was thanking God - and I was in complete shock about the good news.

Yes - my breast tissues are very dense. Who knew???

embgm · ‎07-02-2014

Yes mammogram results are hard to wait for and being called back in for further testing is even scarier. I am a three year breast cancer survivor and lost my sister and an Aunt in their upper thirties to ovarian cancer. Believe me I almost needed a tranquilizer to get my semi annual mammogram s. I have now graduated to annual mammogram s but I realize I felt more comfortable having them twice a year for that great feeling when I get a clear report. A year is a long time for a possible reoccurance to grow. No one in my family ever had breast cancer and I have a negative BRCA test. My only advice can be try to think positively and keep it in perspective. Remember early detection is best. Em

embgm · ‎07-02-2014

@kivah wrote:
I've had mammograms for many, many years - and didn't think twice about it. A couple of years ago, I had a mammogram and when the doctor's office called my house I wasn't home.It was Friday afternoon - and when I called back, I got an answering machine. So - I had to wait the whole weekend - until Monday morning to call back. I actually went on this site to ask if people got called back - since that never happened before to me. Several women said - the machines are more sensitive now - and it's common to be called back to get another mammogram. That put me at complete ease and I didn't think about it. I went back to the doctor's office on Monday or Tuesday - then the doctor came into the room and said. Everything went well - and I said, "but" --- he said there's no but. I was amazed because I was convinced that I had breast cancer - as I'm an ovarian cancer survivor. As I left the office - I was thanking God - and I was in complete shock about the good news.
Yes - my breast tissues are very dense. Who knew???

Kivah, Congratulations on your good reports! Em

Vivian · ‎03-11-2010

I have had thyroid cancer and melanoma yet nothing makes me more anxious than my yearly mammograms. After the procedure, as I wait for results in my hospital gown, I’m a wreck. I actually asked my doctor to prescribe a Xanax this year and it did help.

Puppy Lips · ‎05-09-2010

For several years in a row, I got called back for further testing and even had a mamogram one year. It is very scary.

For the last few years, I just get the annual mamogram and that is it. But I have a question for some of you who responded:

Do you get your results right then and there? I always have to go home and wait for a card in the mail to tell me that it was normal. Doesn't a radiologist have to study the pictures for a long time to see if more tests need to be done, or it something looks different?

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead

PINKdogWOOD · ‎05-13-2010

@Katesbff Welcome to my world! I just got home from having my 25th breast sqweeze!!!!! Teresa my tech girl told me since I'm 2 months' into medicare they do cover the 3D ultrasound breast exam, did I wish to do this or the 'regular' sqweeze. I said sure let's see my babies in 3d! maybe they'll LOOK BIGGER!!! laugh really loud here.

I am very small but they tell me my littles ones are (still) dense. Not sure how that's possible but if they say they are....

Always continue to do your self breast exams - we are our first line of defense. Take care of those breasts, get your exam done annually faithfully. DO this for YOU always.