June 5, 2006 10:07 AM
My duty done
Had my mammogram this morning. Blech.
I actually found myself feeling sorry more for the technician than for me. She was an older woman and really sweet. She kept up a running patter of conversation that she probably does over and over all day to make the victims - I mean, patients - feel more comfortable. But who can feel comfortable having herself squished like that?
Like I said, blech. Still, just want to remind you all that women are supposed to start getting routine mammograms at age 40. More info here.
Comments
I had a mammogram and a biopsy done while pregnant with ds and I was only 27 too. There was a mass in my breast and dr's were greatly concerned. All turned out well but I really understand why woman don't like getting this done. Of course, it would be more unpleasant to have to go through chemo so I am thankful for technology such as this!
Good job for getting yours done!
Posted by: Mrs. DMG | June 5, 2006 11:52 AM
I am gathering up courage to do this very thing. I am HORRIBLE at caring for myself...I have not even done my Well Woman exam since my son was born 4 years ago. (I am so embarressed to admit that)...
Okay.....fine...I'll go make the appointment....
:)
Posted by: Suzanne | June 5, 2006 5:05 PM
And, if you're like me, you get them at 28 and every year afterwards. My mom had premenopausal breast cancer and then ovarian cancer 7 years later, which puts me in a higher risk bracket. I got my first "squish" this year....it wasn't too bad, but it wasn't much fun either!
Posted by: Lindsey | June 5, 2006 7:16 PM
Hi, I am 37 years old - I just had my first mammogram last year at age 36. I had several pictures taken then I was told that there was a problem and I would need a biopsy. On June 15th of 2005 I found out I had Invasive ductal carcinoma. By June 24th I was having a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Since then I have been through chemo and radiation and I am still having treatments every 3 weeks until the end of September 2006. Needless to say, I believe in every woman getting their mammograms every year even earlier than the 35-40 year old starting age. Maybe my cancer could have been caught even earlier than it was if I had gone earlier. A few seconds of pain is worth knowing if you have something life threatening in your body. Btw, breast cancer does not run in my family. I have a wonderful husband and family and church family who have helped us get through these difficult days. My husband and I have a little girl and a little boy - ages 5 and 3 at the time of diagnosis.
Posted by: Lynette | June 6, 2006 12:47 AM
Dear Lynette -
I'm sitting here thanking God that you had a mammogram in time! And that you had so much support. Blessings to you and your family and thanks for giving us the opportunity to pray for you.
Love,
Barbara
Posted by: barbara | June 6, 2006 8:04 AM
I would just like to add a caveat here. They train doctors to do breast exams *gently* because of the danger of breaking open an encapsulated cancer and spreading it. Does it then make sense to subject the breast to the mauling and trauma that a mammogram can cause? Sometimes the things that doctors save us from are the things that they cause in the first place.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 6, 2006 3:20 PM
This message is for Lynn who had a mastectomy. I would like to know if you are located in the Ashburn Virginia area and if so what doctor did you use? My daughter needs testing done and I am worried about finding one that is not suitable to do the stereotactic needle test. Thank you.
Posted by: jackie | September 23, 2007 4:51 PM
