Has anyone had a mammogram?

[Biancadelrioisback]

Okay, so I posted in health but got no replies.
I've had a bad pain in one of my breasts for a few days now, finally rang the drs who called me in for an examination asap and I've been referred to the breast clinic as she found a lump. I'm definitely having a mammogram and ultrasound and potentially a biopsy as well.
I'm really, really scared.
Can someone tell me what to expect? What happens and does it hurt?

It was a bit uncomfortable but I didn't think it was painful. What are you scared of exactly?

Hi I've had lots (used to have annually owing to higher risk factors)

You go into the room and have a little chat then you take off your top and bra.

You stand up in front of the machine and put one breast onto a sort of shelf (they adjust the machine to be at the right height). It can be a bit cold. They will handle your breast to get it into the right position. You stand with arms up and have a handle thing to hold onto.

Next they gently lower the top part of the machine to make what I jokingly call a 'tit sandwich' that hold your breast in place. This can be a bit uncomfortable depending on your size and/or the tenderness generally of your breasts. You may also feel the hard front of the machine pressing into your rib I'd give it a 2 out of 10 on the discomforting scale personally. The machines were definitely designed by a man !!

Then you follow instructions to hold your breath whilst they take the films. Then they do the other side.

Less than 10 minutes for both.

Every radiographers I've ever had has been lovely gentle and reassuring.

You won't get results or even a hint of them in the room as they are checked elsewhere, so don't expect that.

Good luck and I hope it's good news

Ooh forgot to say that is for a fiull
Mammogram. They also do ones with an ultrasound where they just roll
A little wand thing over the area which is much less of a faff.

You might have to contort yourself into some funny positions but it's mainly uncomfortable. The person doing it has always been really nice in my experience.

I have, similar situation. I think whether the mammogram itself hurts may depend on the density of your breasts, I didn't find it painful, just uncomfortable, though I was breastfeeding so maybe used to being manhandled! I went in in town, she helped arrange my breasts between metal plates and got me to hold my arms a certain way, then they were kind of squished, the whole thing really didn't take long. Then the ultrasound was v easy.

I didn't need a biopsy but I found the rest of it really straightforward and everyone was v professional and kind. I started off calm then had really worked myself up to a panic beforehand but I got the all clear. It's the best thing to do but it is v scary in theory, I really didn't find the testing scary or awkward though.

The whole process with the doctors and nurses is really lovely and very gentle.

I have had a biopsy too which is done with this hand held contraption that’s not painful but it’s noisy and a bit shocking.

Cancer is very very rarely painful. It’s a silent Disease. So the pain you have is quite reassuring in a way good luck.

I had 1 last year. Thought it was going to hurt but it didn't hurt at all.
I have big boobs!

I've had a few, and every time I've found them really painful! Last time I went, the radiographer suggested I take a couple of paracetamol an hour before next time.
I've also been told that if you have a painful lump it's less 'sinister'. Try not to worry. X

I've had a mammogram in a designated suite in a hospital and in one of the mammogram trucks at the back of Tesco. The back of the truck experience was far more painful than the hospital suite experience!
I have very big boobs and was told that was why it hurt, they had to squash more to see anything!
I take paracetamol before I go now... it isn't a pleasant experience but the staff are always lovely and it's quick. I just see it as a necessary evil. It's not scary and nothing to be frightened about.

I'm in my 40s with post breastfeeding spaniel ear D cup boobs (if any of that makes any difference). My thought each time is that the kit must have been made by a man! Who the hell else would design a machine out of cold angular metal to examine something curved and soft. I know breasts come in a milion and one shapes and sizes and obviously they have to use the most appropriate material to actually do the scan but I bet if men had to do a similar thing with penises they would have devised a more penis shaped bit of equipment.
I digress. It's cold (which always surprises me) and it's a bit uncomfortable as it's like a bra fitting in Bravissimo or somewhere where they scoop what you thought was your armpit up so they can get that in too. At that stage, I'm pulling a face and thinking I'm not sure you're going to get that in there but then if they hadn't done that with my aunt and spotted her very early stage cancer, she wouldn't be with us today. It's over in minutes.

I've had mammograms, ultrasound, core biopsy and vacuum-assisted biopsy. I've still to go back for a day-case surgical biopsy as soon as they're able.

I can honestly say it doesn't hurt, it's a bit of discomfort but that's mostly due to the position you have to be in for up to an hour. They do give a local anaesthetic which is very effective.

It's afterwards you'll feel more bashed around but no real pain. You'll be advised to rest up for a day or two, with no lifting. Have someone drive you because you won't want to drive home.

Hopefully they will do it all in one visit. I've had numerous mammograms, ultrasound and cysts drained and all was okay. If you are between 40 and the menopause the most likely painful lump is a benign cyst! Good luck

I'm only just 30 so I hope not linked to menopause.
I'm scared because of how sore it is. I can't touch it and was nearly in tears at the drs when she was feeling around. I'm scared that it's going to hurt. I am also scared that it could be something sinister so it's very reassuring to hear you lot say that something sinister probably wouldn't hurt.

Hi I'm not going to lie but it is painful. I'm large chested and it still hurt. It is great you have been referred so quickly. I would advise taking paracetamol before, which is what someone advised me and it helped. Sending lots of love 💕

Hint. If you use talc under your breasts, don't wear it on the day you have your mammogram. It shows up on the x-ray. I had to have mine done a second time after a quick run down with some paper towel.

Yes to no talc, you also have to forgo anti-perspiration so you Nat want to take some with you for after. At mine they had copious wipes so if you were feeling sticky you could wipe down.

I had a biopsy but for calcifications which is slightly different process and they did have to go in a few times and the anaesthetic wore off and it was painfull. I did have to insist on more anaesthetic and they did begrudgingly oblige

Don't be afraid to speak out if it does hurt

I had one as part of a health check up with work. Was just like everyone says - uncomfortable but not awful. I have medium boobs with some post pregnancy/weight loss sag.

I have also been to the breast clinic due to v sore patch with lump. Was ultrasounded by consultant - totally painless.

I had inflamed milk ducts. V v common apparently and slightly ironic as I actually was one of the 1% or whatever who didn't produce any milk post pregnancy.