My first Mammogram

This summer I turned 40. I, in a way, was eager to turn 40, not for a normal reason, and not for any reason I’d ever have mentioned to anyone before this. This was the year I would have my first mammogram. Since breast cancer does not run in my family, although my mom had it, my doctors did not feel the need for me to have a mammogram earlier, however one did say if I felt very strongly I could after the age of 35. (But then the pregnancies started and with that came nursing. I didn’t push for one.)

I had heard the rumors. Mammograms are painful, uncomfortable. They are embarrassing. They are a waste of time. I discounted them because I knew I wanted one just to calm my mind.

The office I went to is very highly regarded in this area, so I wasn’t worried about any false reads and knew if I was asked back for additional views it wasn’t necessarily bad. I was told it was normal, that they are very thorough and would want any and all information possible to make an accurate diagnosis, whether positive or not.

Like I said, this breast cancer center is highly regarded, so it was no surprise to me at all when no sooner had I sat down in the relatively empty waiting room that my name was called and I was ushered into a very comfortable waiting area, complete with fireplace, non-caffeinated coffee and tea (and even a small boutique with beautiful jewelry) filled with beautiful ladies of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages dressed in robes. I felt like I had entered the inner circle or something!

After waiting comfortably for a while, hearing ladies’ names called every few minutes, my name was called. I was ushered into a small room by a very nice technician who was very informative and who told me about the mammogram process. I was led up to the machine, my breast was gently placed on the lens and images were taken. The technician was very professional, yet made me feel that this was a very natural thing to do so it wasn’t awkward. I never once felt pain or winced or was made to feel embarrassed. It was slightly uncomfortable, but nothing anywhere near close to pain.

Once my mammogram was done I was taken back out to the comfortable waiting room once again and told to listen for my name, that I would either be called for additional views or told whether I would need to be seen again by my doctor. After a slight wait my name was called and I was taken into a small room, told my mammogram showed nothing abnormal and given a letter with an appointment date of a year from then. I was very relieved and thankful to have results so quickly.

I know other women have a much different experience, sometimes resulting in bad news or the request for additional views and the worry that comes with that. However, I wanted to share my experience in hopes that maybe it would enlighten someone who has put off having a mammogram because of fears of pain or embarrassment. It is so important to be screened for breast cancer. I’m so glad I was finally able to have a mammogram to put that thought aside in my mind, at least for a little while.