Taking DC to mammogram - experiences?

[lampyshade]

Have an mammogram this week. Was told it would take 4 hours and includes a mammogram, ultrasound and consultant with a doctor.

Think I will have to take DC(5). Very well behaved and will bring ipad etc, just concerned at the lengthy appointment time.

Anyone who's had one, does it just involve a lot of waiting around which takes up the time?

TIA

Child won't be allowed into ultrasound and there may well be no one prepared to look after her.

I would phone and check you are allowed to do that, no kids at one I did.

It does involve a lot of waiting around. I can't imagine a child would be able to be in the room with you for the mammogram due to radiation exposure and 5 is young to be left in the waiting room alone.

Does the child go to school?

Good point RE radiation. Previously when I've had scans they've waited with the radiologist as it only takes a few minutes. Do mammograms take quite a long time?

Will give them a call

I had one recently and it was really quick, about 10 minutes total. There was a note in the appointment letter saying don't bring children though.

The mammos, ultrasound, biopsies etc are all c 5mins each but I didn't see any kids anywhere at mine so suspect they are not allowed but phone and ask.

Routine mammograms are quick but in my area you're told children can not accompany you.
Yours sounds like a much more complex set of investigations so and potential discussions. It doesn't sound suitable for a 5 year on any count.
Do you have a date? Can you make alternative arrangements for your dc? Is dc full time in school?

The actual mammogram etc is quick- it's the waiting around that will take time. I don't think kids will be allowed, I'm afraid- she can't be in the room with you and there won't be anyone to watch her. I'd do whatever you can to find another option.

Thanks for the responses. Glad to know it's just waiting around mainly. Will give them a call soon.

Have spent a lot of time at numerous breast clinics over the past 30 years and have never seen any children present, save for a few teens who were left to sit in the waiting area. I did once see a newborn, who was left with the father while the mother had imaging done.

Re. your appointment. The imagining and consultation do not take much time, but all take place separately. However, due to the nature of this kind of clinic, there can be a lot of waiting around between each part.

I had a mammogram recently. I'm pretty sure there were signs saying no-one is allowed in the room apart from the patient and radiographer.

Thanks for the replies. All sorted as they confirmed what you said that the actual scans take a few minutes so it's fine.

Do you mean they agreed that your 5 year old can attend?

When I had my mammogram following a referral (ie not routine appointment) there was no way I could have had a child with me. I had two breast exams - one by doctor, one by nurse/radiologist - pretty thorough. Mammogram was very painful, and probably only took minutes, but the positioning etc is what takes the time. Then the ultrasound did take some time. Lots of waiting in the department in between times (not possible to go for coffee/walk etc)

I don't think it would be fair on staff or on child to take them along.

It's sorted, thanks.