6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

{This post is brought to you by Salinda from personalitychildrens}

October was breast cancer awareness month, and although it is a little late, Salinda from personalitychildrens has one last post to share on the topic.

6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

I had a mammogram today. Nothing crazy is going on, but my obgyn said I needed a baseline screening at my recent check-up. Here’s what I wish I’d known, or that I’m glad someone told me, before today:

1. Some recommendations suggest that women have baseline mammograms at age 35. I always thought it was 40, so my doctor really surprised me when he suggested I get a mammogram. (I’m only 35 29.)

2. The machine is this tall thing with a platform. You stand up, they line you up and smoosh. Why is it important to know you’re standing up? Well, I wear dresses and skirts pretty much all the time. Thankfully, I was in a blouse and skirt today and I only had to remove my top layer. So…no dresses.

3. No deodorant, powders, etc. Thankfully, a friend mentioned this to me last night at church. Apparently these can cause false reads.

4. It really doesn’t hurt. Really. I promise. It is uncomfortable, but for like 3 seconds. Honestly, it was easier than an x-ray at the dentist with those crazy films they put in your mouth that almost gag you. For the record, I did take a preemptive Advil dose.

5. Your mammogram tech is not a radiologist, so she can’t give you any diagnostic info. That said, Lisa (my friendly mammogram tech this morning) was full of information that I did need. She told me when and how I would hear from the doctor’s office. She also told me:

6. “Don’t panic if you get called to come in for more views.” Apparently, “re-dos” are quite common, mainly to establish that the baseline is all clear. Good to know.

So, that’s it. That’s what I’m glad I knew (or wish I’d known) before this morning. Is there something you could add to the list?

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