What to Expect During a Mammogram {My Breast Lump Journey}
I underwent my first mammogram a few days ago. This was no routine mammogram; ordered by my doctor in order to diagnose the lump I recently found in my breast. Though the results won’t be in for another week and a half, I was surprised that the mammogram itself was a pleasant experience.
I arrived at Texas County Memorial Hospital with a smile on my face. I’ll be damned if some breast lump steals my joy! I was genuinely excited to be there and I was more than ready to start the diagnostic process of determining whether or not my breast lump is cancerous.
I walked into the little mammogram examination room armed with a few bits of advice, the most important one being…
“Just relax and remember that they do this for a living. This is your first time, not theirs.”
My mammography technologist, Lori D., was professional and patient; taking care to explain each step along the way.
Lori used special stickers to mark the location of the scar from my prior lump removal, in addition to the new lump as well. She then positioned me in front of the machine, maneuvered it accordingly, placed my breast on the bottom plate and lowered the top plate until my breast was compressed. I held my breath for a few seconds while she exposed the image.
She was extremely gentle, considerate and inquired about my comfort every step of the way.
Lori took a total of six slides – three images of each breast compressed and captured at different angles. And, I experienced no pain whatsoever. (There was a tiny bit of discomfort, particularly in my left breast which not only houses my new lump, but was home to the lump that was removed 18 years ago. But that was it!)
The mammogram process itself took approximately 20 minutes and in all honesty, it was a piece of cake. I’ll gladly undergo as many mammograms as necessary in order to ensure that my breasts are healthy and cancer-free.
What to Expect During a Mammogram
Nervous about undergoing your first mammogram? There’s really no reason to be. It’s quick and easy and the minor discomfort is a small price to pay for ensuring that your breasts are healthy and cancer-free.
Here are a few things you can expect when going in for your first mammogram:
You’ll be asked a series of breast health history questions.
The mammography technologist will ask you to undress from the waist up. It’s a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit to your mammogram appointment.
Don’t wear lotions, powder, cream or antiperspirant on your breasts or under your arms as they could interfere with the x-ray images. Jewelry should be left at home as well.
Your breasts will be handled by the mammography technologist. She’ll need to lift each breast and place it on the adjustable platform which holds the x-ray film.
You may experience some discomfort. In order to get a good image of your breasts, they’ll need to be compressed between two plates. Some pressure is needed for a few seconds to ensure that the x-rays show as much of the breast as possible.
The mammography technologist will need to take an image of each breast at several different angles.
When the exam is complete, the technologist will need to develop your x-rays to ensure that they’re readable. This could take anywhere between 5-10 minutes.
Mammograms are quick, painless and important to early detection of breast cancer; finding cancer up to two years before it can be felt. If you’ve been putting off your annual mammogram, don’t hesitate to call and schedule your appointment today. It could very well save your life.
Have you had a mammogram yet? Tell me about your experience.
*This blog post is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s medical advice. Consult your physician with questions about your health.
I recently discovered some lumps in my breasts as well. My doctor didn’t order a mammogram for me, only an ultrasound just to confirm if they are indeed cysts. That was my first time to undergo ultrasound and it was kind of an embarrassing moment because I cried when the doctor told me that the lumps were cysts indeed. Take note that I used a plural word because I have 5 cysts in my breasts. I was holding my tears when she told me about the first one, as she went along and discovered the third,fourth and fifth ones, I couldn’t stop my tears.lol The cysts are very tiny though and could just be hormonal. I will have to follow up with my doctor after 6 months to check if they’ve grown.
I’m so glad that you went through with the ultrasound. I’ll be praying that those cysts don’t increase in size and that hopefully they’re cyclical. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your story with me.
I’ve had a few. My next is scheduled for December 28.
The main thing I recall from my first mammogram was the technician’s comment about changing plates on the machine because we didn’t need that “big” plate for my [small] breasts. Makes me chuckle now. Then, not so much.
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