You’ve reached your 40th birthday, and you know what that means: it’s time for your first mammogram.Or you’ve discovered a lump in your breast; you’re just 37 years old, but the doctor says you’d best have a mammogram.Are you scared? Don’t be. You may have heard ho...
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Your First Mammogram: Easy as 1-2-3
6/20/09 9:55am
PJ,
Your article was very informative and helpful. Even though I've had two mammograms now, I still read through to the end. I had breast cancer at 37 and have become the good intentioned pest to all my friends about keeping up with their preventative health care. This will be a good addition to my arsenal of information! Jannifer
6/25/09 7:24pm
I think a mam is about par to a teeth cleaning only faster. 30 minutes tops and you are on your way. I really don't understand the fear. Perhaps it is the results not the procedure that makes women afraid. It certainly isn't the pain from the squish as your story so accurately tells.
6/27/09 4:52pm
6/27/09 10:52pm
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PJ, thanks for a light-hearted look at a subject many women dread. I used to consider a mammogram as an uncomfortable necessity for my health, sort of like getting a shot, but not quite as bad as getting my blood drawn. Last year my mammogram was on one of the new digital machines, and I was amazed at how little compression was needed. I even asked the tech if she had it "tight enough." She told me with this new machine they could get a better picture while using less compression. She didn't have a MammoPad. I'll be interested in seeing if they have one when I go next year.
If you haven't had one before, be sure to pay attention to the reminder in the letter to skip deodorant and body powder on the day of your mammogram. They can interfere with getting the best picture. My mammogram centers usually have had disposable cloths for removing it if you forget.