That is an open letter to all those that is perhaps afraid of getting their first mammogram. So, I need to be upfront with you now; I will not be graphic in my description. Nevertheless, if this matter does not curiosity you, I invite you to go seize a snack and discover out which locations within the Lansing area are serving up some excellent paczki for Fat Tuesday.
I am Terrified of Getting a Mammogram
Okay, when you’re nonetheless with me, I am glad to have you ever right here!
I really feel like topics like these aren’t typically mentioned. It is simply a kind of issues we settle for as being one thing now we have to do at some point. Inevitable.
However I wished to brazenly speak about it as a result of I really feel like because it’s one thing everybody with breasts has to do sooner or later of their life, it needs to be talked about usually. It is a regular factor all of us need to do at some point, and if my openness may also help anybody else who is perhaps feeling scared to really feel much less so, that may simply be the most effective.
Additionally, it simply so occurred that “at some point” for me was this week, and boy howdy, was I scared.
When Ought to You Get Your First Mammogram?
The American Cancer Society says that girls ages 40 to 45 ought to get a mammogram if they need, and says ladies needs to be getting annual mammograms beginning at age 45.
I am solely 31 years outdated. However because of my household historical past (my mother and different relations), my medical doctors advisable early screening.
Does Getting a Mammogram Harm?
*set off warning: medical ache, trauma*
With out stepping into an excessive amount of element, I used to be fairly traumatized prior to now by a process that a physician warned me would “solely really feel like a small pinch”…I’ve a number of tattoos and piercings, I have been poked, and prodded earlier than. However that, was no. small. pinch. I did not simply scream, I wailed and practically handed out.
So due to that, I used to be fairly fearful of getting my first mammogram. I used to be fearful of how a lot ache it will be and if it was really going to be like everybody had been telling me; barely painful due to stress, however nothing unhealthy in any respect.
I requested family and friends I trusted, and I learn up on what the process can be like from The Mayo Clinic and the American Cancer Society, however I nonetheless was left with some nervousness.
What Should I Expect During My Mammogram?
After it was all stated and executed; sure, it was barely painful, however not practically ache like the opposite process I discussed. The primary one was a 9, bordering on 10. For a mammogram, I might say it was a few 2-3 out of 10, and solely through the a part of the process when your breast is definitely getting compressed.
The entire mammogram course of solely took about 10, possibly quarter-hour. Throughout which, your breast is simply being compressed for a couple of seconds at a time. There’s fairly a little bit of stress for these moments throughout compression, however nothing that I’d describe as being insufferable.
After all the pieces was stated and executed, I believe I used to be sore for possibly 20 to half-hour afterward, however nothing critical. I drove myself dwelling and my seat belt did not hassle me in any respect. Plus I handled myself to a Goal run after as a result of I did such a superb job (what can I say, nobody gave me a sucker or a sticker…). Screened for most cancers and acquired a cute sweater on sale? I name {that a} win-win.
So if you’re feeling like I used to be, fearful of getting your first mammogram, I hope this letter has helped ease your worries a bit. And simply know that I am rooting for you!
