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11-28-2001, 03:37 PM
|  | Mom of the Four Men | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Canada, sort of
Posts: 16,938
| | Encourage me to go have my mammogram! | |
Although I am really 22, my doctor is labouring under the false assumption that I am actually 41. 
Therefore, it's that time of the year again. She asked me to go have a mammogram.
The trouble is, I already did that once, and after my first, I announced that in the future, I would consider a double mastectomy before I would let anyone get near me with that infernal contraption again. I was left bruised from my collarbone to halfway down my ribcage, and I had a bloody discharge for several days afterward. My doctor tried to convince me that my experience was not at all typical, but I thanked her politely and offered to have a root canal instead.
That was two weeks ago. On Sunday, I found a lump. 
So, that means that I have to go and have a mammogram - but I have already thought of two weeks' worth of excuses not to go in. I need a motivational speech from someone. I already tried crying, but the lump didn't go away.
Anyway, I figured that I can't be the only one who needs to be nagged. Do you all do your monthly self-exam? I can nag really well about that. 
Cindy |
11-28-2001, 03:45 PM
|  | In Spanish, I'm Marijuana | | Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Lawn-Guy-Land, NY
Posts: 27,944
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First off, do you have any leeway in where you go for the mammogram? If you do, ask friends, neighbors, etc. for referrals - you should NOT have that kind of trauma from a good mammographer!
Secondly - go. Just go. Ask for valium if that's what it takes to get you in the building but GO.
Now, just to make you laugh. I used to work at a store that did monogramming and engraving. One day a customer came back to where the sewing machines and accessories are and asked "Is this where you do the mammograms? I need something mammogrammed." Somehow, the MONOGRAMMER managed to make it through a whole sale-and-order-taking procedure without cracking up while the woman discussed what she wanted mammogrammed, where she wanted the mammogram, what colors she wanted to have in the mammogram... Later we used the hoops (like embroidery hoops, which attached to the computerized sewing machine) and were trying them on for size. I would have needed a lowly 4" hoop, but I sure wasn't putting my poor little boobie in the store's "mammogramming machine"!!!
mj
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MJ
Cynicism is reality with maybe an alternate spelling. ~ Woody Allen |
11-28-2001, 03:47 PM
|  | Epinions Members | | Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: The Nutmeg State
Posts: 13,117
| |
Wow Cindy, that sounds awful. Have you called your doctor? That would be my first step. There are all kinds of lumps and bumps in there that are ok to be there, as I'm sure you know. Depending on the location, it could also be a node, and they can get full when you are fighting off an infection.
I've never had a mammy, so I don't know the pleasure of the experience. However, working in a Radiology Dept. (although not in mam) I have never heard of anyone with your experience. I wonder if you did not have an inexperienced tech who was a little too eager on the 'squashing of the boobs.' I might even ask to make sure you get a different tech this time around, to see if that makes a difference. |
11-28-2001, 03:48 PM
| | Mom of the Four Men | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Canada, sort of
Posts: 16,938
| |
Quote: | One day a customer came back to where the sewing machines and accessories are and asked "Is this where you do the mammograms? I need something mammogrammed." | ROFLOL!!! Oh- I am dying here! MJ, that was exactly what I needed. Thanks!
Cindy |
11-28-2001, 03:55 PM
|  | Mistress of Mayhem | | Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: New York
Posts: 16,775
| |
Cindy,
How about this for incentive: if you don't go, I will make your life absolutely miserable. 
Honestly, your experience really is unusual. Find a practice that treats the patient like more than a piece of meat. That makes a huge difference. My last mammogram, while it wasn't exactly a pleasure, wasn't torture either. And the whole thing was over with in 15 minutes. That included the check in and out. The baseline I had done prior took 5 hours in a different facility.
Go get it done asap. And, come back here and tell us you're okay. Who knows, you might wind up with the bonus of having a funny story to tell.
Sara
Who almost had an accident while reading MJ's post
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Stress: What happens when your gut says no and your mouth says, "Of course, I'd be glad to." |
11-28-2001, 03:56 PM
|  | Walkin' For a Cause | | Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Hingham, MA USA
Posts: 1,840
| |
If it makes you feel any better, your doctor is right--a good mammorgrapher won't beat you up; and your particular experience is atypical.
When I had my first (and so far "only"--at least until next week ) mammogram I really didn't have any preconceived notions regarding pain/discomfort because no one I knew had had one. I had a great tech and I was in and out in a jiffy.
Give it another chance. Tell the tech your horror story--that may help. Also, if it seems painful (notice I didn't say "uncomfortable"--I'd bet that there might be some discomfort, although I personally didn't experience any) I would scream "STOP"--and politely ask him/her to start again. If it seems painful a second time I would politely ask for another tech.
You'll be fine.
Ask my friend the breast cancer patient--chemo is a lot more uncomfortable than a negative mammogram. And to borrow from Sara's hair change thread--you won't have to worry about shopping for a new "do".
Cyndi |
11-28-2001, 04:01 PM
|  | Epinions Members | | Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Iowa USA
Posts: 4,166
| |
Early detection saves! Not to put fear in there, on top of the horrible pain you've already dealt with before!
But, I have had 3 aunts go through breast cancer, 2 with double radical mastectomies, and 1 a lumpectomy. So, I am definitely on the bandwagon with the mams being done regularly, especially if you have found a concerning lump.
Try someone/someplace new, do you have that choice with your healthcare?
I haven't heard anyone experience anything like you have!
I'll send you any encouragement that I can!
__________________ Support me as I Walk for a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). You can donate here! JDRF Donation Page Kim J Patience is the companion of wisdom. -Saint Augustine
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11-28-2001, 04:08 PM
|  | Premium Member | | Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 10,670
| |
Two words, Cindy: pikuach nefesh. (***)
You simply must go immediately.
But call your doctor and ask for a referral to a different place. Mammograms are not comfortable, but they really don't have to be that awful.
I've had three. The first two were a few years ago (before I got pregnant). The first one showed some sort of anomolous "shadow" and they wanted a second one to get a really good close-up of that area.
"Really good close-up" == "let's schmush you a little harder".
It did hurt -- but honestly, even that second time was not anywhere near unbearable and certainly nothing like what you've described.
The third one was earlier this year -- and not that long after the funeral of a dear friend of mine whose death from breast cancer was terribly untimely.
Go. Go at once.
(***) "pikuach nefesh" is a Jewish legal term. It means "the saving of a soul" and refers to the fact that the saving of life is a paramount priority in Jewish law, trumping very nearly every other consideration. |
11-28-2001, 05:03 PM
|  | Geeky goof | | Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boston, Mass.
Posts: 5,599
| |
Cindy,
Please go ASAP ... if for nothing else, at least to know what it is. Many times our imaginings are far, far worse than reality.
Ailsa
hoping that's the case here, too |
11-28-2001, 07:01 PM
|  | Got my hands over my eyes | | Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,499
| |
Cindy,
You want motivation, go back and read my "don't die of embarrassment" review. Remember that I am with you -- and healthy -- today because I decided to do something uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Need more motivation? How about Mark? Do it for him.
__________________
Judy |
11-28-2001, 07:32 PM
|  | Super Blonde | | Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: It's not heaven, it's Iowa
Posts: 23,453
| |
Quote: Originally posted by taurusmoon
Cindy,
How about this for incentive: if you don't go, I will make your life absolutely miserable.
| Ditto.
Cindy, I've lived through a number of mammo's due to a teeny tiny lump my dr. found during my annual one year. It was so small they had trouble finding it on the mammogram. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing, but I had a lumpectomy (sp?) and now have the teeny tiny scar to prove it.
Better safe than sorry, sweetie. Get your rear in there...it shouldn't be painful, just uncomfortable.
Please let us know how it comes out...I'll be keeping you in my thoughts until then.
Lynn
__________________ C-My Designs has been updated! Check out my new, improved website for incredible jewelry design. SUBSCRIBE TO The Beading Help Web Blog who knows, you just might learn something!!
Take the pledge. Just say no to  |
11-28-2001, 08:03 PM
| | Mom of the Four Men | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Canada, sort of
Posts: 16,938
| |
Ok, I misunderstood the radiology lady, and so my appointment is really next Wed. the 6th at noon.
I have post-it notes all over the house, saying,"I will not call and cancel".
Judy, your point is very well taken - I sent out links to your review to everyone I knew at the time. Thanks for reminding me not to be stupid. 
Cindy |
11-28-2001, 08:43 PM
|  | Epinions Members | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Alabama
Posts: 8,824
| |
Cindy,
Ditto all the "go!" posts in the thread. I'll be thinking about you this next week and during your exam and I hope the mammogram gives the doctor the information she needs without having to do a biopsy.
Back to one of your original statements: I have never had a mammogram, but I do the monthly breast exams. Why? Because my mother has had three lumps removed, all were benign. Maybe women in my family just have lumpy breasts, maybe the next lump won't be benign. I'm not taking the chance. So I'll be one of the naggers for the monthly self-exam.
--naomi
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--naomi |
11-28-2001, 09:15 PM
|  | Hello, I'm Deb | | Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Oregon
Posts: 7,004
| |
Quote: Originally posted by taurusmoon
How about this for incentive: if you don't go, I will make your life absolutely miserable. | I'll help Sara. 
Cindy, it's probably nothing. My first mammogram showed a lump. I had a second . . . still there. Ultrasound showed it to be dense (i.e. not a fluid-filled cyst). So, I had a needle placement biopsy and it turned out to be a very common benign fribrous cyst. It's scary, I know. But it's scarier not knowing. We'll be here to support you.
Now, what on earth happened during that first exam?  I have never heard of anything like that happening. Find a different mammography clinic and explain what happened the first time. And have a couple glasses of wine before you go.
Deb
who will be happy to send you any kind of wine you wish |
11-28-2001, 09:40 PM
|  | A Has Been | | Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Farmersville, TX
Posts: 6,299
| |
Hmmm... How about... I have a pocket knife. I work cheap. Don't know how to sew, but I work cheap. |
11-29-2001, 12:24 AM
|  | Epinions Members | | Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 776
| |
It sounds like your tit is really in the wringer with this problem. No doubt, you need to have it done. I agree with MJ about getting another mammographer if you can, though.. My sister is 46 and she just found a lump in her breast this morning, so she'll be heading off to her doctor soon. My younger sister (just turned 30) had a cyst removed from her breast when she was in her early 20s.
Now, will someone remind me to do my monthly BSE? I absolutely hate doing it, so I haven't in a couple of years.
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*~*~*~*Amy*~*~*~*
Mom to two: a 5 year old whose favorite pastimes are screeching and eating, and an 11 month old who loves destroying things and trying to injure herself.
Last edited by AmyLEnsor; 11-29-2001 at 12:26 AM.
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11-29-2001, 07:05 AM
| | Super Blonde | | Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: It's not heaven, it's Iowa
Posts: 23,453
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Quote: |
Now, will someone remind me to do my monthly BSE? I absolutely hate doing it, so I haven't in a couple of years.
| I don't know if this is just a local thing or national, but one of our local news stations sponsor a monthly "Buddy Reminder" day...it's always the 6th of the month.
I'd be happy to be everyone's Buddy and post a monthly reminder on the 6th.
And guys, you need to do your OWN self exam. Look it up
Lynn
__________________ C-My Designs has been updated! Check out my new, improved website for incredible jewelry design. SUBSCRIBE TO The Beading Help Web Blog who knows, you just might learn something!!
Take the pledge. Just say no to |
11-29-2001, 09:30 AM
| | Mom of the Four Men | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Canada, sort of
Posts: 16,938
| |
Quote: | Hmmm... How about... I have a pocket knife. I work cheap. Don't know how to sew, but I work cheap. | ROFLOL!
Slick, I believe you. Any man who can knock up his own pig can do just about anything, I'm willing to bet!
Cindy |
11-29-2001, 09:33 AM
| | Mom of the Four Men | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Canada, sort of
Posts: 16,938
| |
I am always so good about BSE. I always taught it to my clients during their 6-week postpartum checkups, and then logged it on a big calendar so I could call them yearly, wish the baby a happy birthday, and then go tell the mom to do her thing.
I think it would be a great idea to have a monthly reminder, perhaps something on the order of "Today is 'Go Feel Yourself Up' Day!". 
Well, at least it would get everyone's attention, right?
Cindy |
11-29-2001, 09:37 AM
| | Got my hands over my eyes | | Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,499
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Cindy,
Besides finding a new mammographer, you have time to decaffeinate. Cutting out (or way down) on caffeine really does make things more comfortable when you - as Amy so colorfully said - have your tit in a wringer. I've done it both ways and it's easier without the caffeine.
__________________
Judy |
11-29-2001, 03:17 PM
| | Mom of the Four Men | | Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Canada, sort of
Posts: 16,938
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Quote: | you have time to decaffeinate | WHAT??? 
Live without latte?? 
This really is getting ugly. Now you're starting to scare me! my doctor said the same thing but I managed to ignore her...but I might have to start listening
Cindy |
11-29-2001, 03:28 PM
| | Premium Member | | Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 10,670
| |
I've never heard the caffeine thing. What's the theory behind it?
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When Poe ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
