Next week is filled with topics and writing. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to offer that and I’m excited. On Tuesday (as many of you know) we’re holding a fantastic writing event for moms on “FIRSTS” (I sooooo hope you join in, you’re definitely NOT too late to join).
Well, I had an interesting first yesterday … my first mammogram. I’m a little early getting started, but I guess we’ll just go with the motto, “better too early than too late” (is that a motto?). Either way, I REALLY wanted to share some information with you.
Consider this Mammogram 101! First thing to know is …. DO NOT wear deoderant (also avoid perfume, lotion or powder) on the day of your mammogram. This was SOOOOO news to me! They were not surprised and handed me a towelette type packet and sent me on my way.
That brings me to the second thing for you to know … these people do this all the time! If they are any good they will set you at ease by helping you keep as much of your dignity as possible (LOL). They are kind and understanding and should have everything prepared for your arrival.
Here’s how it went for me. I went to a Breast Center instead of a local clinic’s mammography area, so my experience may differ slightly.
- I checked in and was given paperwork to fill out.
- I didn’t wait long in the front waiting room before I was called and escorted back into a separate changing/waiting area for patients. This room had a wall lined with private changing stalls, another wall of lockers (that actually lock) and a comfy waiting area.
- I was immediately asked if I had deoderant or anything else on and handed a towelette to remove the deoderant.
- I was led to a changing stall and given a gown. These are not like hospital gowns, they open in the front and remind me of a kimono or bath robe.
- Once changed I was directed to any locker with a key in it to leave my belongings, lock it up, keep the key with me through the rest of the visit (incidentally they had one of those spiral thingys so that I could wear it on my wrist or whatever).
- Then I waited for a bit in the patient waiting area. They actually had good magazines in there since it’s just for women.
- The technician came and led me back to the mammography room. There she asked me a series of questions and explained a bit of the process.
- She was kind and walked me through the whole thing. Some of the positions that I had to be in were a bit strange and uncomfortable, but not painful.
- Before I knew it I was done and was led to yet another waiting area while the doctor reviewed the pictures taken.
Most centers will give you the results right then, in fact to many this is considered a rule of thumb, but I’m sure it isn’t the case everywhere. If they didn’t see one of the pictures clearly enough they will call you back again to retake it. Likewise if they see an area of concern they will take you back for another look just at that area – these are a lot more uncomfortable and may even be painful, but I figure it’s worth it and it doesn’t last long at all. If those still indicate something doesn’t look right, the center I went to will send you immediately for an ultrasound. In otherwords they exhaust all possibility of a problem while you’re there that day.
So, there you have it … Mammogram 101 – oh, and you should get your first mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 years old. Depending on your family history of Breast Cancer you may be told to get one earlier, but don’t be afraid, it really isn’t any different than the other screenings we have to get done regularly … and it can save your life!!!
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