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Original poster

Mammogram advice for first-timer?

72 replies

ValerieMorghulis · 05/05/2021 17:11

I have been invited for my first breast-screening appointment (I’m 51.5) I’m not nervous particularly, but have a bit of trepidation - which I know is daft

Can anyone give me some detail on what to expect please? The letter doesn’t say much - except that by a perfect coincidence it’s in a mobile unit right outside my work!

OP posts:
SigrunGard · 05/05/2021 19:40

Hi

I had mine in a mobile unit too- but not so convenient! You go into a little changing room from the waiting area - there is another door through into the scanner room. You may be given a gown but I wasn’t- just removed my bra and put my top back on . When you go into the room, the technician will check your personal details and explain what they will do.

You will stand in front of the machine and the tech will position you- you just have to stand there and do as you are told. Each breast is scanned twice, effectively from the top and the side. It is uncomfortable (at least I found it so) but is over fairly quickly. Taking ibuprofen before hand may help!

Hope that helps

titchy · 05/05/2021 19:43

What she said. Except it's not just uncomfortable - it's painful!

Whoateallthechocolate · 05/05/2021 19:47

I think I'd thought I'd just stand there with my top off and my boobs pressed up against a screen or something and they would take some images and that would be it. Instead, you have to scoop your boobs, any flesh under his armpits and (it seemed) some flesh from around your back and wedge it between two cold, angular, solid, metal plates which are then scanned. It must have been designed by a man! As a PP said, it's a bit uncomfortable but, in my case, lasted minutes and that was that. The first time I had one, the nurse realised from my "WTF" look that it was my first time and was really nice at explaining what I needed to do, how to do it etc. The next time around, she was joking about how I'd clearly done it before as I immediately started scooping my armpits.

Kittytheteapot · 05/05/2021 19:47

@titchy

What she said. Except it's not just uncomfortable - it's painful!
This. But, if it helps, I have always found the women to be very friendly and good at putting you at your ease. I am about to have my 4th mammogram, but, thanks to Covid, it will be in a hospital rather than the mobile unit. I hope the women are as nice as it really helps to have someone kindly.
Ekerty72 · 05/05/2021 19:53

Oh and you have to hold your breath for 5 seconds or so. And stay very still! But take comfort in the fact that no matter how uncomfortable it is, 5 seconds later it's over phew!

Atalune · 05/05/2021 19:54

Feels like your tit will pop!

It won’t but it is a bit sore and weird. But the people who work there are lovely and put you right at ease.

Original poster
ValerieMorghulis · 05/05/2021 20:00

Oh thank you - that is all really helpful! I had heard it was uncomfortable (painful perhaps) but I just couldn’t visualise what actually happens. I will just make sure I woman up for the time it takes, and get it over and done with.

I am very impressed actually they are doing it still, and was pleased to be invited, don’t get me wrong!

OP posts:
Original poster
ValerieMorghulis · 05/05/2021 20:02

I have another question!

Given there may not be a gown - what shall I wear?! Something that buttons up the front, I assume? I have limited mobility in my arm due to an injury and doing up my bra is a bit of a mission! But forewarned is forearmed...

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 05/05/2021 20:03

If you imagine your breast being squashed between two flat plates, that's about it! It's not comfortable but it wasn't really very painful - I do think this depends how much you have to be squished though!

I wore a vest with "secret support" rather than a bra as I felt more comfortable just pulling it down round my waist rather than being properly naked from the waist up. Weird I know but it made a difference to me.

Larsingsong · 05/05/2021 20:04

Hi!

I used to be a mammographer.

It really helps if you're relaxed.
The mammographer will try and help you as much as possible with this, they do understand it feels unusual to you.

Let the mammographer take control, it feels odd, but they are experts and will guide you into position easily. I always found it harder when patients were tense, tried to control the examination or tried to position themselves. You won't be judged on your appearance. I was only interested in my job and the image quality.

If the mammographer gives instructions, try to follow them. Or, if you feel too stressed, let them position you if you can and you'll be out of there in minutes!

It should be a very quick and efficient procedure. Don't ask for the results though as the mammograms are double read and compared with your previous ones, if available.

SoupDragon · 05/05/2021 20:05

I didn't get a gown. The instructions were to remove your bra and put your top back on to go to the room where you removed your top and were scanned. Then you got dressed.

As I'd worn the vest I could skip the first bit.

Pandoraslastchance · 05/05/2021 20:06

Don't wear deodorant or talc on the day of the mammogram.

The lady who does my mammogram is lovely.

You kinda have to hug the machine, then she moves anything that needs adjusting and then you get your boob squished.

I normally wear a top that is easy to get on/off.

Larsingsong · 05/05/2021 20:06

Oh and the mammographers will rotate between the hospital, clinics and mobile units, so should always be caring wherever you're screened.

LemonRoses · 05/05/2021 20:07

Wear separates not a dress. Something easy on and off is good. I’ve always had a back to front gown, but don’t use a mobile unit. They’ll help if you struggle to get dressed; they’re used to some quite elderly women attending.

The painful bit is literally seconds.

SigrunGard · 05/05/2021 20:09

@ValerieMorghulis- I wore my usual work top (which given it was summer was a smart t-shirt) . You have to take your full top off for the scan(at least in my experience) so wear whatever is easiest for you. You go back into the little changing room to get dressed again so will be able to take your time

It is amazing how much of you they manage to squish between the plates!

You will have a greater chance of being recalled after your first but in all likelihood it would because they don’t know your breasts yet and don’t have previous mammograms to compare with.

Kittytheteapot · 05/05/2021 20:11

I always wear a cardigan to the appointment so that once you have stripped off from the waist up you can put the cardigan back on, or drape it over your shoulders, so that you dont walk in to the room fully exposed. There is always a chair or a table or something where you can leave the cardigan once in the room.

LadySlipper · 05/05/2021 20:11

I asked a more experienced best friend the same questions before my first one. She advised me that I could simulate the experience by going out to my garage, in January, lie down on the floor, boobs out and then slowly back a pick up truck over them. Well it wasn't quite like that, not for me anyway, but I did feel like I was being lifted off the ground by the right one! But is is over really quickly, and 100% worth doing.

SpringSparrow · 05/05/2021 20:13

I would recommend taking ibuprofen before the appointment. I was invited to an early one when I was about 47 and it was very painful, I actually felt faint from the pain. Dreaded the next one three years later and that wasn’t painful at all. I think it might have something to do with where you are in your cycle if you still have periods. Also in the mobile unit, the changing area is very small and if you are claustrophobic it’s a bit difficult!

Pandoraslastchance · 05/05/2021 20:14

Oh and it's cold in the mammogram room.

Original poster
ValerieMorghulis · 05/05/2021 20:17

@LadySlipper Grin

Thanks all - definitely feel more prepared now. @SigrunGard I hadn’t thought as far ahead as getting the results, but I will bear that in mind re a recall - thank you

OP posts:
SavannahLands · 05/05/2021 20:18

It’s very quick, rarely Painful, the technicians are wonderful and reassuring, and it can be a real life saver if you are unfortunate enough for them to see something that may need further investigation and treatment.

I volunteered for the Nottingham University Research programme into Breast Cancer and possible family links, and had lots of Mamograms performed over a five year period, they did not bother me in the slightest after the first couple of times, my Daughters refer to them as a ‘Boob Sandwich’, due to the two flat clear plastic Plates used to support you during the Scan!

lljkk · 05/05/2021 20:23

They scrape your boob off your chest to xray it -- well, that's how it was for me.

Almost every time if they "find something" it's still nothing to worry about it. It just takes them extra tests and time to figure that out.

StillWeRise · 05/05/2021 20:24

I went yesterday
I'd say it definitely edges into painful rather than uncomfortable territory.
I think it would be harder the first time, especially if you are a very private person, as it's quite unusual to have another person manipulating your breasts so objectively
they are kind though !
such a shame there are no cafes so you can reward yourself with a lovely cake afterwards

kalikkma · 05/05/2021 20:26

Quick question. Is the machine adjustable for those of us who are short or do we have to stand on tip toes? I'm well under 5ft

Larsingsong · 05/05/2021 20:30

@kallikma yes, the machine can be adjusted height wise