Mammogram - what to expect?

[chocolatesaltyballs22]

I have an appointment this week and I'm stressing out massively - please talk me down and persuade me not to cancel my appointment.

My mum had a mastectomy about a month ago after a breast cancer diagnosis and is soon starting chemotherapy. Her prognosis is good which is a relief. But I've talked myself into a state of high anxiety about having a mammogram and am convinced I will get ill too. I reall don't want to go for the screening. Which I know makes no sense whatsoever as it's best to get checked. I've also been on HRT for 3 years so I have myself convinced that my risk is high.

Please tell me what to expect - does it hurt?

Sorry to hear about your mum and can understand how you are feeling.

Just to reassure you the risks of BC and HRT may not even exist at all and of they do the figures are very low- less than 1 woman in 1000 over a year. And they think that there is no risk with the newest types for at least 5 years.

Mammograms are over in seconds. They do handle your boobs, so they 'fit' on the glass plate and they adjust your positioning so they get as much boob as possible in the shot.

They take 4 pictures- 2 of each boob- top to bottom, and side to side views. So the plates come down from the top, then you are're-arranged' and they come in from side to side.

The machinery does dig into your armpit and that can be a bit 'ouch' simply as it's a lump of plastic but it's not for long.

The plates do squeeze quite firmly BUT they know that and only keep your boob there as little time as possibly- maybe 2 - 3 seconds?

Hope it all goes well for you.

Thanks for your reply. Aargh, will just be glad when it's over!

mine hurt a little because I have a bony chest. If you have plenty of padding on front then that part can't hurt.

I went today and it was ok, wasn't too uncomfortable. Now to await the results!

Pleased to hear that.

I think it can vary quite a lot because it can be variable. I've had some that were quite 'ouch' as the plates were pressed very close (which is good for imaging) and others that felt more gentle.

Well I hope they got good images despite it not hurting much, as I'd rather not go back too soon!

Fingers crossed!