Just a note to anyone who might be reluctant to go get that mammogram:

For several years I listened to horror stories and blatantly exaggerated tales of the "dreaded" mammogram. I had actually put the first one off for believing the cartoons and complaints that go around.

I am here to state for the record, it's NOT painful! It's just a little uncomfortable and the whole thing takes 10 minutes. Just do it, I promise you'll survive and you won't need an ice pack.


Second point:
For anyone who feels she has inferior boobs (like me), let me also state that beyond any shadow of a doubt, every tech has seen better than yours and far worse than yours. The bottom line is, you're the only one paying any attention to the "quality" of your equipment.

Congratulations, Cin!

You are right: every woman age 40+ should get one.

I've had a few. Most were pain-free. Sometimes it can depend on your monthly cycle on how tender you are, so take that into consideration.

Also, I've heard it helps to cut down on caffeine intake prior to getting your mammogram to minimize pain.

I have had several but I will tell you this it sure is painful with a frozen shoulder.

Thanks ever so much for posting this AMN!

My mum might be going for a mammogram soon as she has lots of painful lumbs in one of her breasts and they are really concerning her now. She called the Doctors yesterday and can't get an appointment until the 13th March so she is going to call the nurse to see if she can book her in soon.

She has been having some other strange symptoms also such as tingling in her arm, a severe cough that has persisted for months etc so i'm not sure if they are all linked together or now.

I'll let you know what the Doctor says if she does go anytime soon - hopefully she will!!

I'm glad you got on OK and hope that many other women will listen to you and go as it's better to be safe rather than sorry!!

I've never had a problem....and I'm well-endowed! I just take Aleve a couple of hours prior and then again a few hour afterwards (if needed) and I've had no problems at all. I'd heard all the horror stories, too, and was reluctant to go for my first one but I was pleasantly surprised.

I've never had a problem either and I am, ahem, small LOL!* I had heard horror stories when I was alot younger about smaller breasted women.* But, yep, just uncomfortable but not what I would call painful.* I have been getting one every year for the past several years and it doesn't bother me at all.

I do want to say, if you get tender breasts before your period, do not set your appoinment around that time. No matter your Dr says. It will hurt. No pill will help.

<---big boobed monkey speaks from experience.

And they do plump back up.

this was me I was nervous when scheduled for one, I was like wonder how much it hurts etc. from what others have said.

IT was one of the easiest tests I have ever had medically speaking, I would take it over having blood drawn any day!! really. funny me have had five babies naturally and still a baby when it comes to blood draws hehe

but really it was easy, hugss,sarah

Well AMN, if mine arent' so special, then why do they take so many pictures of them???? Huh??? Oh, and I always smile for the camera.

Everyone~ get your mammograms; if not for yourself, for the people that love you.

Thanks Oh ''whats your name"!

I've had mammograms since the age of 12 thanks to fibrocystic breast. Go me! Not painful at all unless one of those little critters decides to grow a little. Ouchy. But in all seriousness, not that bad considering it does only take a few minutes of time. I am only bruised for the day. lol

May I also suggest every woman look into the new digital mammography? Ask around at your local hospitals. It's very cool and allows the tech and radiologist to see your breast on screen without waiting for films. Plus it sees in much more detail than a regular mammography. I know, they had me come back for whittle density changes.

Thanks Cin!