Mammogram - what to expect?

[posey]

I have been referred for a mammogram because of family history. My appointment is tomorrow. Have just looked at the letter to check time etc and read that it say "please refer to information leaflet accompanying this letter before your mammogram"
I didn't get a leaflet. I know roughly what it entails but is there anything I should or shouldn't do beforehand? Any particular preparation?

Many thanks

I think you're advised not to use any talc under the arms, but regular deodorant is fine. No real prep- just wear a separate top half for ease of undressing. Be prepared for manhandling and cold x ray plates and your breasts will be squashed quite a bit which is unnerving but it's only for a very short time. Each breast is x rayed twice from the top and from the sides. Just think to yourself-this will soon be over and it will. It's not much fun but really is quite tolerable !

No particular preparation needed, Wear something easily removable - to save time when you undress (you only take your top and bra off obviously). Then they will pretty much tell you what to do - slightly uncomfortable for a very brief amount of time, but over quickly and well worth it.

MAS's answer is much better than mine - I'd forgotten about the talc

Thank you. Not particularly looking forward to it, but hopefully will get rid of paranoia I'm susceptible to since dsis was diagnosed.

I seem to remember being asked not to use aerosol deodorant which i don't use anyway so never a problem. I've had a few, nothing to worry worry about the Radiographer will look after you- i've not come across a bad one yet.

hope it was ok posey. I had a very bored and not very sympathetic woman doing my first one (mobile bus thing) but subsequent ones in the breast unit have been very nice and kind.

Thanks for your help all
I got there a bit early (about 20 mins as I wasn't too sure where I was going and didn't want to be late), and was all done before I should even have got there!
Very nice woman doing it and over very quickly. Am back on 1st Feb to get results.

oh that's good - hope all is well-will be thinking of you

Hope all goes well for you

I had one of these ten days ago (and by the way, thanks maryannsingleton, you were very nice when I posted asking some questions as 'worried40'. don't know why i name-changed.)

They do squash your breast a bit. Pressure holds it tighter than is comfortable for the 20 seconds it takes them to run back behind the stand press the button and then release the machine. I had an ultra sound afterwards as well which was fine.

very glad all was well Valium

Thanks... MAS. Feel blessed, but I also feel like if it ever did happen to me, I'd be strong enough to cope with it.. i hope. hard to explain. but my two grandmas and 2 aunts had BC, and I always thought 'oh if i discover a lump I'll just break down'. But actually I was googling things and thinking about how I could rearrange my year, and OK I was scared, but feeling determined and practical, and as it turns out, totally jumping the gun....... as I was fine. But in some way it's made me feel braver for IF I ever do go in and have to actually have some treatment.

hope that makes sense. it was disjointed ramble.

well done- that's a good attitude to take - I think the unknown is scary, but you've faced it and learned something about yourself- I have to say that I was most scared before I went to the breast clinic- once I knew what I was dealing with I felt more in control.

Yeah that's exactly what I mean. Obviously I know thinking you have it is not the same as actually having it. But like you say, I just discovered that I am a bit braver than I thought I was. So I have that in my back pocket now no matter what.