[Aunt Donna]

I am having anxiety problems about my upcoming mammogram. I am 42 and have never had one. The doctor said a woman is suppose to start getting one at 40. I don't know why I am so nervous. I haven't found a lump or anything, and no one in my family has ever had breast cancer. It is just a routine exam and I am scared. What should I expect? Does it hurt? I would cancel like I have done before, but this time I am part of a study group for Louisiana State University and they are paying for everything and reimbursing me for my gas to go have the test done. I have already filled out the questionnaire that goes with the study. Why am I so nervous? Any replies would be welcomed.

[twinmommy38]

Originally Posted by faylowell

I am having anxiety problems about my upcoming mammogram. I am 42 and have never had one. The doctor said a woman is suppose to start getting one at 40. I don't know why I am so nervous. I haven't found a lump or anything, and no one in my family has ever had breast cancer. It is just a routine exam and I am scared. What should I expect? Does it hurt? I would cancel like I have done before, but this time I am part of a study group for Louisiana State University and they are paying for everything and reimbursing me for my gas to go have the test done. I have already filled out the questionnaire that goes with the study. Why am I so nervous? Any replies would be welcomed.

I am 48 years old and just had my first one last Tuesday. My results came back fine.

My doc started bothering me to get one 4 years ago but I had anxiety about it and put it off till now. No, it does not hurt. It is a bit uncomfortable...kinda pinches a bit LOL.

I just did it all while I was there. I had to. I had a bone density for osteoperosis and a cholesterol screening too. I just got it all done at once. The doc will be shocked, I am sure. Had the pap and all that at the office before I had the other stuff done. Do not know about that stuff yet. It is not bad, just a bother.

[shezbut]

I did have a mammogram a year ago, due to a lump found in my left breast. I was 37 years old, which is younger than they plan on testing, but the lump was firm and stayed there for a several months.

The mammogram itself wasn't real painful. It wasn't very comfortable having my breasts squeezed by the machine taking the images, but it's pretty quick (like an x-ray) and harmless. The results of my mammo didn't show anything, but the lump did go away from all of the squeezing ~ we hypothesize that I'd produced milk in the glands & it stayed and hardened. The squeezing of my breast(s) crushed it, and it's gone.

That was my personal experience. Best wishes to you, hon!
Shez

[billieJ]

Thanks to all of you for the above input, as, like faylowell, I have been having the same questions. I have never had a mammogram either, and it's been more years than I would like to say since I had a pap smear. My insurance company is urging both, and I would like to placate them. Also, of course, I realize the importance of doing these things, I am just anxious. Anxious about the procedures, rather than any fear of having cancer . . . I think. Anyway, you descriptions above eased my mind considerably. I thank you, faylowell, for bringing up the subject and I thank all of you who were so kind in your replies. With Gratitude and Best of Luck and comfort to faylowell. billieJ

[twinmommy38]

Originally Posted by billieJ

Thanks to all of you for the above input, as, like faylowell, I have been having the same questions. I have never had a mammogram either, and it's been more years than I would like to say since I had a pap smear. My insurance company is urging both, and I would like to placate them. Also, of course, I realize the importance of doing these things, I am just anxious. Anxious about the procedures, rather than any fear of having cancer . . . I think. Anyway, you descriptions above eased my mind considerably. I thank you, faylowell, for bringing up the subject and I thank all of you who were so kind in your replies. With Gratitude and Best of Luck and comfort to faylowell. billieJ

It is frightening and it bugged the poo out of me that my doctor was so insensitive about how I felt. Some of it was that I did not want one more thing on my plate, not one and I felt like that was not some thing necessary. Some days it was just hard to move much less break into my day to go to the hospital for stuff I felt was not necessary.

For years, literally, I have made my doctor mad. He would schedule this stuff and I would cancel or just not show up.

This time I saw a real nice lady Practioner. I was ready to get it all done and well...she was kind about it, not all pushy. I do not think most men relize the anxiety that goes with this stuff. "I was ready"

The doctors office called today and said
My cholesterol was 123, mamagram and bone density were real good, passed! The PAP I do not know yet. We will see. I remember when I had one done like...8 or9 years ago, I ended up having to have three. That really raised the anxiety level and I did not want to do that any more.

[susan888]

I am 46 and just had my first one last week. Not as bad as a pap smear! I do have a family hx of breast cancer. As to why I put it off so long....well...Ignore it and it will go away?? I also have a high risk of cervical cancer and have had to have a few procedures for that. I guess I am afraid to know. Next step......colonoscopy...OMG!! 4 of my Mom's siblings died of that......Silly...Oh yes!! Very glad you are doing this!! It's really not bad at all!!

[Aunt Donna]

I appreciate everyone. I am glad to know I am not the only one who has this anxiety. The doctors did a cancer marker on me about 14 years ago. It came back negative. I had a miscarriage that my body started consuming and the tests results from the DNC came back that I could have cancer. All the tests really got to me on top of having a second miscarriage in less than 10 months. After 23 years of marriage, still no children, but I am okay with it. My niece had a little boy a month ago and he is a sweetie, plus my sister and her husband shared their two girls with us. We aren't childless exactly. We are great with the spoiling game.

[Michah]

Hi there,

I think it is the possibility that makes us afraid, the "What if.....?"

I started mammograms at 31 due to a particularly aggressive strain on my mothers side.......I have to say it was my age that made me afraid. As soon as I walked in to that room, all the other women(who where much older than me) looked at me strangely and no-one talked to me. I did not feel hostility, more that they were "offended" somehow.....

Funnily enough I am coming up for one on November 3. In a couple of weeks. I totally understand your anxiety, but be rest assured, if there are no genetic precursors in your family, this is a preventative measure. Mammograms are just as important as pap smears, even if there is no family history. But think of it more as a "vaccination" as opposed to getting the disease. I highly doubt there will be anything to worry about.

I have to get a ultrasound as well as a mammogram and neither of them hurt. Just a bit cold! Can you go with someone that you feel safe with? If not, keep talking to us to help allay fears......you will be fine.

Take care and biggest hugs

Michah

[Aunt Donna]

Thanks for all the understanding. My mother is going with me and I am having the test at a hospital that I am familiar with. My sister has had mammograms since she was 17 when she found a lump. Turn out to be nothing. She said it isn't that bad. I have just have heard horror stories of the test itself hurting. I am scheduled for November 4. I am going to see if it can be changed to the 2nd when my husband has a check-up at the same place, if not, I will go on the scheduled date.

[Maven]

I'm 41 and just had my first one a few weeks ago. I'd always been told it hurts, but it didn't hurt at all. Your skin feels pulled a bit, but nothing painful, and it takes very little time.

Make sure you don't have any powder or deodorant under your breasts or arms; these can show up falsely as calcium deposits in the resulting images.

Oh! And my results came back fine.

[Rhapsody]

I'm 42 with three mammograms already under my belt (4th coming next month)..... My suggestion is to take a mild pain reliever right before you leave for your appointment and remember to relax.... every thing will be alright.

[Maven]

Rhapsody said:

I'm 42 with three mammograms already under my belt (4th coming next month)

You've been getting them done on the wrong part of your body!

[Aunt Donna]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I got it changed to next Monday instead of next Wednesday. I have to go to another town for it and my husband has a doctor appointment that Monday at the same place. The thing is I am not small busted by any means. They have a good bit to x-ray. LOL.

[Maven]

For the record, I'm not small busted, although part of it is because I'm fat. I think I need to go to a D-cup!

But my point is, my big boobies didn't hurt when they did it. Like I said, it's just a squeeze and it pulls your skin a little bit, but it wasn't painful at all for me.

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by faylowell

The thing is I am not small busted by any means. They have a good bit to x-ray. LOL.

Same here you will be ok.......

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by Maven

Rhapsody said:
You've been getting them done on the wrong part of your body!

[lynn P.]

I hesitated answering this post because I don't want to discourage you from getting a mamogram because they are life saving and necessary. I've had many mammograms done and even had a breast biopsy done. I have what called dense breasts(a little lumpy) - I also like drink tea and this(caffeine can make the breasts tender.

I find getting a mammogram very painful - honestly having my 2 children (natural child birth) was easier and I have a high tolerance for pain. But I think it's because of the density of my breasts and that's why some of the posters say it's not to painful.

I suggest taking a tylenol or advil 1hr before the test - and try to relax while it's being done - easier said than done LOL. I still do have it done every year even though it's painful. Best of luck with your test.

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

I suggest taking a tylenol or advil 1hr before the test - and relax

Even though my (3) mammogram's did not hurt I still suggest doing this for any one that is not sure how well it will go for them....
Take a few Advil right before you leave the house for your apt. (3 or 4 is safe - for a one time deal)

[Aunt Donna]

Thanks for all the replies. Monday is the day and my husband is going with me. I will take some advil before I leave and I am thinking maybe 1/2 a xanax. When I say big busted, I mean big busted like a D cup is small to me. LOL.

[nightbird]

I think you are covered for your testing day, and helping out your anxiety and all is admirable.

Having had my fair share, you will do alright. It's not invasive,
It's just a little ackward, as others have said. It's private and you are treated well, so relax about all that.

Some Dr's are insensitive, for sure. It's always best to find one you can communicate with, especially since as we age, we will have more issues, and need to express our feelings regarding our bodies with someone who is approachable and delicate.

Glad you found her now!

Peace and Best Wishes for a Great Outcome,
Night
xoxo

[nightbird]

I think you are covered for your testing day, and helping out your anxiety and all is admirable.

Having had my fair share, you will do alright. It's not invasive,
It's just a little ackward, as others have said. It's private and you are treated well, so relax about all that.

Some Dr's are insensitive, for sure. It's always best to find one you can communicate with, especially since as we age, we will have more issues, and need to express our feelings regarding our bodies with someone who is approachable and delicate.

Glad you found her now!

Peace and Best Wishes for a Great Outcome,
Night
xoxo

[nightbird]

I think you are covered for your testing day, and helping out your anxiety and all is admirable.

Having had my fair share, you will do alright. It's not invasive,
It's just a little ackward, as others have said. It's private and you are treated well, so relax about all that.

Some Dr's are insensitive, for sure. It's always best to find one you can communicate with, especially since as we age, we will have more issues, and need to express our feelings regarding our bodies with someone who is approachable and delicate.

Glad you found her now!

Peace and Best Wishes for a Great Outcome,
Night
xoxo

Originally Posted by faylowell

I am having anxiety problems about my upcoming mammogram. I am 42 and have never had one. The doctor said a woman is suppose to start getting one at 40. I don't know why I am so nervous. I haven't found a lump or anything, and no one in my family has ever had breast cancer. It is just a routine exam and I am scared. What should I expect? Does it hurt? I would cancel like I have done before, but this time I am part of a study group for Louisiana State University and they are paying for everything and reimbursing me for my gas to go have the test done. I have already filled out the questionnaire that goes with the study. Why am I so nervous? Any replies would be welcomed.

I am from cancer family. I felt lump. It was getting bigger and it was so so painful. Since my family memebers have gone through breast cancer. I was super nervous and just freaked about it. My friends told me that they didn't feel anything. They said that it's just a little uncomfortable.

Is you are scared about getting hurt, then I suggest taking extra strength Advil or something. I am always nervous about getting test done.. I think it's very natural for anyone... You are not the only one.
If you are a person who gets so much pains with pinches, then take Advil before you go.

Good Luck~!

[Aunt Donna]

Well, it is finally over and it wasn't bad at all. The lady doing the test was real great. She made me comfortable and feel at ease. She developed the x-rays and showed them to me. She said she had to developed them to see if she had to do more pictures on troubled looking areas. There was nothing. She doesn't actually read the x-rays but she does know what it would look like for the doctor to investigate further. Thanks for all the advice. She was happy that I hadn't used deodorant or powder. She said it does interfer with the tests. I am the powder queen. I appreciate all the help.

[lynn P.]

Glad everything went well - you're lucky it's not painfull for you.