Monday, October 06, 2008

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

16 comments:

Sheila @ Dr Cason.org said...

Oh!

I'm glad i read this. I am going to get my first mammogram soon and I'm a little nervous! I feel better now though. :)

Kristin - The Goat said...

I'm glad you saw this as well!!

Kristin

Anonymous said...

G'Morning Dear Kristin,

I saw you stopped by my blog. Nice to meet you! The SSS creation was a fabulous idea on Georgie's part. I HOPE no one spoils it!! I will check in on you often. Have a fabulous day my new friend.

Denita

"J" said...

I'm glad you went!!! Sounds like everything is good to go! Wow that was one FAST in and out mammogram!!!!!!! Keep me posted if anything changes!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your experience. I turned 30 this year and I know it's about time for me to go in for my first. I had always heard people say that it hurts too, so I am glad that you didn't have that experience! I feel a little better now :)

Jeannie from Musings from Left Field sent me over btw! :) Nice to "meet" you!

Unknown said...

Good for you! I am very lucky...since Jody does mine. Not only is it not painful...she is very good..but it is not even weird when it is your sister at the machine. : )

Take care...Amy

Kristin - The Goat said...

Hi Amy! Glad to hear you're in capable hands!! Jody had been "bugging" me (casually mentioning it is more like it lol) for years.

Laurie - I think technology has caught up and the process is not painful any longer. Honestly, there was no pain involved at all. None.

However --- the website I linked to in one of the posts said that if you are very sensitive before your period, then you should schedule your mammogram for the week following your cycle.

J - I certainly will keep you updated :) :)

Denita - Hello and welcome!!

Kandas | GratitudeGeek said...

Thank you so much for this post!

I saw your comment on my blog. I'm glad I discoverd Secret Santa. :)

Jess said...

After all the horror stories I'd heard, I was so scared when I finally went for a mammogram. I shouldn't have been afraid at all because it didn't hurt at all. The radiologist did tell me that woman with very large breasts or very small breasts are the most uncomfortable during a mammo. I guess mine are "medium" in the grand scheme of things, which is perfect for testing.

Weeksie50 said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog.. Who knows.. We might just be each others Secret Santa..

Unknown said...

Hi I found your blog on SSS, looking forward to the fun!

Good for you for going for a mammo. Easy Peasy.

Tammy said...

Glad you had a good experience. I had my first one a couple years ago.

I looked at the lady and joked about her getting mine first-letter-of-the-alphabet breast in the machine. She said, "honey I can". And she did.
:-)

Flaming Lacer said...

Thanks to mine - I'm still alive. My cancer was caught early and dealt with quickly.

Any discomfort passes in moments and it is so worth it....

Anonymous said...

LOL! "wouldn't make great wall art." You crack me up!

GOOD JOB on getting that mammogram!!!!! I had my first one this year - prompted by my friend who is battling (and winning) against stage iv breast cancer. I'm clear!

Kristin - The Goat said...

Julie - I thought of your friend when I was in the office. So happy to hear she is winning!

Flaming lacer - Bravo to you!! It is a cancer that can be beaten.

Tammy - "first letter of the alphabet" You are so funny. They fit all sizes!

megryansmom - Nice to meet you, too!

Mrs4444 said...

My MIL and I go for our "BuddyGrams" yearly (though we missed this year, for some reason...better make an appt!)