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My First Mammogram
Mar. 31st, 2023 11:35 amI went for my first mammogram today. Now that I'm 45, it's important to start preventative screening and judging by future procedures, the mammogram was an absolute breeze. I'm making this entry public because I'm sure like many Gen-X women, I heard all sorts of stories from my elders that a mammogram was a painful process and terms like "boob squisher" aren't helpful either. We didn't have graphical Internet until 20+ years ago, so mammography always seemed like a mysterious process, if discussed at all!
I mentioned this to the tech and she said "The machines have certainly changed over the years." and I'd hate to think someone missed out on screening because of fear of the unknown.
The mammo machine was a Hologic model and it felt like stepping into an episode of Star Trek. After confirming with the tech that I was not pregnant, she gently guided me where to stand, where to lean, relax my shoulder and when to hold my breath.
The process was not painful--it was uncomfortable, sure, but definitely manageable for the 10 or 15 seconds she needed to compress each breast twice. First the machine platform was at a 90 degree angle, and then it rotated to 45 degrees to get another view.
To be honest, I did scare myself when the tech returned and needed to retake photos of one breast. Surely that couldn't be good? I teared up a bit and she reassured me that it was all looking good but the positioning needed adjustment.
Then it was off for an ultrasound, which was painless.
The doctor radiologist came out and said there were no concerns. Now the next time I have a mammogram, they'll have imaging to compare it to. I didn't expect to get results so fast! I left the clinic feeling really good and proud I went.
Mammograms save lives. Preventative screening saves lives. Do it for you!
I mentioned this to the tech and she said "The machines have certainly changed over the years." and I'd hate to think someone missed out on screening because of fear of the unknown.
The mammo machine was a Hologic model and it felt like stepping into an episode of Star Trek. After confirming with the tech that I was not pregnant, she gently guided me where to stand, where to lean, relax my shoulder and when to hold my breath.
The process was not painful--it was uncomfortable, sure, but definitely manageable for the 10 or 15 seconds she needed to compress each breast twice. First the machine platform was at a 90 degree angle, and then it rotated to 45 degrees to get another view.
To be honest, I did scare myself when the tech returned and needed to retake photos of one breast. Surely that couldn't be good? I teared up a bit and she reassured me that it was all looking good but the positioning needed adjustment.
Then it was off for an ultrasound, which was painless.
The doctor radiologist came out and said there were no concerns. Now the next time I have a mammogram, they'll have imaging to compare it to. I didn't expect to get results so fast! I left the clinic feeling really good and proud I went.
Mammograms save lives. Preventative screening saves lives. Do it for you!
