tips for better mammogram?

[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!

[redrhodie]

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!

Definitely! This thing is most likely benign, but if it isn't, I'm really glad I found it and got it checked out right away. I'm a huge procrastinator (have to be, it's in the slacker handbook) but if it is malignant, waiting is really bad. I've read enough of your stories, and been impacted by them, Marni's for example, to know that this could happen to me, or any of us. Even though I "do everything right" better people than me get cancer.

[emily_in_nc]

Will be thinking of you tomorrow, Red. You will be so relieved just to have the biopsy over with, and hopefully will get negative results soon thereafter!

[redrhodie]

Well, I didn't get the biopsy today. After the radiologist looked at it, he determined there was a possibility he wouldn't be able to get a good sample. He didn't want to put me through the procedure (it's in a very sensitive area) if he wasn't sure he could get to it. He was very kind and gentle. I could feel his hesitation, so I decided to go with his gut. I'll be having a surgical biopsy instead.

[indysteel]

I'm glad that he was honest about it, but I'm sorry you keep gearing up for this only to have it put off. Are you still doing okay? What will a surgerical biopsy entail?

[redrhodie]

I'm still good.

The surgeon will excise the whole lump. It will be a local anesthetic, but I'll be sedated. There will be an incision and stitches. My friend just had this surgery 2 weeks ago, so I know what to expect (she slept through the whole thing). She said it hurt afterward, but she doesn't believe in pain meds. I do. Why suffer?

At least then it will be gone, and not something I'll always be wondering about. It's probably a good thing.

I have no idea when this will happen. I'll be getting an appt tomorrow.