tips for better mammogram?

[Crankin]

Thinking of you, Red.
For what it's worth, I had a very similar situation when I was 32 years old! I had a fine needle biopsy done right in the surgeons' office, and I don't remember any pain or terrible after effects. I also had my first mammogram done at that tender age and the calcification ended up just going away. I know this was back in the dark ages of breast cancer care, but I was quite freaked out (my youngest son was only 1 year old) that my 2 little kids would be motherless, and it turned out fine.

[redrhodie]

Thanks, Indy. That means a lot to me.

It helps to hear that, Crankin. I like hearing incidents where it turned out to be nothing. My mind keeps going to that "what if" place, and that story keeps it in perspective.

I think things like this happen to make you appreciate life in a more focused way. I feel very loved right now, so that's the good that's come from this. It's almost tangible.

[indysteel]

I'm so glad you feel loved. How wonderful. You've had a tough year it would seem; your positivity shows a lot of grace.

[Grits]

Here is another "turned out fine" one, since they make you feel better! I had micro calcifications turn up in a routine mammogram. Radiologist recommended watching and waiting for six months, MD recommended going to see a surgeon, surgeon recommended a biopsy since the calcifications were in a duct and branched out. They did an image guided Mammotome (brand name!) needle biopsy since my calcifications were quite deep and could not be felt. I was told to wear a tight bra, which helped a lot, and only needed tylenol or advil after the procedure. I'm sure if a lump had been excised, I would have needed stronger pain relief.

The thing that bothered me the most was that I was lying face down on a table (which was raised HIGH and had a cut out in the appropriate place, sorry, TMI and unnecessary mental image), with my head turned to look right. I have some mild neck issues, and that position really started to bother me after a while, but they don't want you to move, and I kept thinking they were almost done, so I just suffered through it. The biopsy itself involved very little discomfort. Just the initial numbing.

I wish I had taken my ipod. That would have helped make the time pass faster.

[redrhodie]

Glad yours turned out so well, Grits! They mentioned that face-down option, and it didn't sound fun to me. I'd rather be on my back or side, if given the choice.

Mine is scheduled for Mon. I got a call from the Breast Center, and they made the appt for me with a female surgeon, which I'm very happy about. They said she may or may not biopsy it, based on what she feels in the exam. So, fingers crossed she thinks it's okay, but either way, I'll have an answer soon.

[Catrin]

Good luck Red! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

[pll]

Red: we will be thinking about you today. Best of luck!

[marni]

The thing that bothered me the most was that I was lying face down on a table (which was raised HIGH and had a cut out in the appropriate place, sorry, TMI and unnecessary mental image), with my head turned to look right. I have some mild neck issues, and that position really started to bother me after a while, but they don't want you to move, and I kept thinking they were almost done, so I just suffered through it. The biopsy itself involved very little discomfort. Just the initial numbing.
.

I had similar situation only then they all left the room for about 15 minutes while they examined the x rays - I kept calling out hello and asking if I could move. After about 15 minutes one of them wandered back in, told me not to move and wandered out again for another 5 minutes, til they all came back, did the whole thing over again except the numbing and then sent me home. I had a stiff neck that hurt more than anything in the boob for about a week. Wish I had thought to take a sedative and brought my ipod. Both would have helped, but some consideration from the biopsy people would have made a big difference- like just mentioning that they were leaving the room to take a look at the results or something.

opefully no one else has it as bad.

marni

[redrhodie]

No, I didn't get to meet the radiologist. It sounds like they travel between hospitals, so you get who is working on that day. So far, everyone has been super nice and very conscientious, and every minute detail has been explained, with diagrams, maybe more than I'd like to know.

I've been told that I shouldn't feel anything, and if I do, tell them to stop and give me more lidocaine. This should not hurt at all. If it does, they will stop. I'll be on my back, which I'm relieved about. Being face down sounds pretty uncomfortable. I got a detailed packet explaining what to expect during and afterward. I'm bringing a couple of bras for afterward. Not knowing exactly how I'm going to feel, how large the bandage is, how the ice packet will fit in there, I want options. No advil (for 5 days prior), only tylenol afterward for pain, which I'm pretty bummed about. No aspirin, either. There were also some supplements that you're supposed to avoid for a few days before, but I don't take them, so I can't remember which. I think fish oil was one. No heavy lifting the following day or 2, but okay to drive. Anyway, I hope documenting this here helps someone someday. There's a lot of unnecessary stress involved, but I think information, knowing what to expect, is key to feeling okay. I really don't feel worried at all right now, and I got a good night's sleep last night.

Thanks for the hugs! Right back at you!

[Blueberry]

Yay, Red. I'm so glad that you're calm about this. I think that makes a world of difference. Will keep sending hugs and positive vibes your way. The statistics are definitely on your side!