On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:44:02 -0400, "cybercat" <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
"ravenlynne" <[email hidden]> wrote
Quoted message said:Quoted message said:
I've heard both that it's excruciating (although I think that *may* be an
exaggeration) and that it's nothing to worry about. I'm trying to not
worry about it...but still not looking forward to my first.
A lot depends on whether you have "thickened" breasts--such as
the state caused by the very common fibrocystic breast disease
that something like one in three women have.
No matter how careful the technician is, they *have* to squash
your boobies to get the image. If your breasts feel "like a bag of
water" which is how my doctor says a normal breast feels, it
should not be too uncomfortable. If they are thicker, firmer than
this, the squeezing will be uncomfortable. That said, it is not
something you have to endure for long. I've had two now. I
will go every year, just to be sure all is well.
(I said it "hurt like hell," really it was just uncomfortable. It's
worth it for the peace of mind.)
Though there must truly be exceptions due to particularly sensitive
breasts or insensitive technicians, I urge all women to follow their
physician's recommended mammogram schedules. If you have a physician
who does not make a point of following the standard schedules with
you, inquire why not or get another physician.
If you have fears or have experienced pain before, seek out a center
that specializes in women's health and has a devoted facility for
mammograms, ultrasound and follow-up biopsies if needed (yes,
sometimes they are needed. Been there, Done that.). And it is best, if
possible, to go to the same place annually (or by whatever schedule is
recommended for you) so the previous films can be compared. If you
change facilities, get copies of your films to take to the new one.
A mammogram may be scary or may cause a few minutes of discomfort, but
an undiagnosed breast tumor is much scarier and liable to be much more
uncomfortable, too.
So get your mammogram if you are "of the age" and don't forget to do
your own monthly breast exam. A good mammogram tech or ob-gyn will be
able to show you exactly how to do the self-exam. Learn its shape and
feel so you can immediately notice any changes.
And Gentlemen - encourage your wives, SOs and daughters to do the
right thing (and don't forget to do your own self-exams, too - breast
and testicular).
It's your body. Take care of it. Respect it. Treat it well, for your
own sake, as well as your family's.
Boron