Mammogram update

I got up bright and early this morning, showered - followed the directions given to me and did not put on any kind of powder or deodorant - and got dressed ready to go for my mammogram.

I googled the address for the facility (Precision Imaging) the night before so I was quite sure where I was going. As it turned out, it was very easy to find and I got there right on time.

I have to say that the interior of Precision Imaging was beautiful. I was immediately bummed that I didn't bring my camera. It looked like and felt like the interior of a really really nice home.

My appointment was for 8am. I arrived at 7:45 as instructed.

I filled out the forms.

I was led into the back to change from my shirt and bra to the "gown" with the snaps in the front.

I didn't even get to sit down before I was called to the x-ray room.

I had looked the night before on a website that showed the equipment used and I was glad to see the same equipment. I knew, sort of, what to expect. The woman explained the machine, the views she needed to get, the reason for the squashing of the boob in the machine and if it was too much pressure to just let her know.

She placed this little removable foam pad on the bottom of the plate and explained that helped cushion the breast and makes for a more comfortable experience.

So, I'm standing in front of the machine, gown open and she tells me she is going to position my breast into place. She was totally amazing. She moved my boob around so quickly and gently that I hardly had any time to react or be uncomfortable. She took two pictures of each breast and then took another picture of the right side because she noticed she didn't get the muscle she wanted in the first photo. That was fine with me. I thought the mammogram was going to be slightly painful (from what I'd heard from others) and it wasn't. Not even a little. Uncomfortable for a few seconds, yes - but not even close to painful.

After the X-rays she asked if I wanted to see them. Sure do!

She said that my breasts are fatty (I knew that!) but that was OK - it made for a great picture. My veins were not massive, which also made for a great picture. I saw a few specks that weren't veins or fat, but honestly, those specks didn't frighten me. She said that 40% of new folks get a call back for a second exam just because there isn't a previous picture to look back on - fine, fine with me. She said not to be alarmed if they called back.

If they call back, that will be OK with me - I didn't see anything scary in the x-rays so I am quite confident that if there is anything wrong, it can be caught immediately.

I was actually quite pleased with the way my breasts looked. I don't think they'd make great wall art, but they looked nice.

I was out of the office by 8:08am. Less than 30 minutes from when I arrived.

It was a very positive experience and I'm very glad that I went.

If you are thinking about scheduling a mammogram and are a bit nervous, please don't be. The peace of mind is worth it. Completely worth it.

Have a fabulous day!
Kristin