I had my 2006 mammogram yesterday. I believe that every woman 40 and older should be tested once a year. At one point doctors talked about doing the test every other year, but ultimately they returned to the once a year schedule for the best diagnostic coverage.
My oldest niece developed breast cancer last year. She has had extensive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and we're hoping for the best. A mammogram is an unpleasant test, but it's well worth it to get early warning if you're developing cancer.
We changed health care providers this year. I switched from one major hospital affiliate, to a completely different hospital system. I got to my appointment, filled out the information, and went in for the test. It was significantly different. This time I was compressed TEN TIMES! I thought she'd never finish. I was getting really tired of being pushed and pulled and grasped, and of course, now I'm worried that she saw something she wanted to highlight on the films.
If I'm fortunate and dodge the bullet, I may go back to the previous site where I had mammograms done. You can bet that I won't be going back to THIS site. If nothing else, I'll go to the hospital to have my mammogram done.
I apologize if I've frightened someone who is getting ready for their first mammogram. The test is bearable. You can get through it. I did, but I think it could have been done better. If you have any concerns, ask one of the women in your family, or a friend, for a referral to someone they trust.
By the end of the month, I should get a copy of the report. Just why is it that the doc gets them in five days, and it takes them ten days to tell me about my own body???
Comments (9)
I HATE the test, but that is how they discovered a tiny tumor two and a half years ago. Better to find out when the tumor is still small than later. I fear going to do the test. Hear, the mammogram is followed by a sonogram. This is much less invasive.
Anyway, it's important to do it!
Posted by Claude | January 20, 2007 4:42 AM
Posted on January 20, 2007 04:42
By the way, here they give you the report within an hour if you are willing to wait. You don't need five days to read a mammogram! Maybe you should change site;)
Posted by Claude | January 20, 2007 4:43 AM
Posted on January 20, 2007 04:43
10 times?!?! I thought the time I had to do the same side 3 times was a pain (literally). That time, the mammologist put me at ease by assuring me that it wasn't becuase of anything specific, just the pictures were not as clear as she would like.
Hopefully next time you will get someone that is more experienced at it (I'm assuming inexperience was the cause).
Posted by bogie | January 20, 2007 6:46 AM
Posted on January 20, 2007 06:46
The longest I've had to wait for results is a day. Like Claude I'd change providers.
As far as the squishing and re-takes been there. I almost always have to go back for more squishing and sometimes for an ultrasound to boot.
Posted by janet | January 20, 2007 8:05 AM
Posted on January 20, 2007 08:05
Both places where I've had mine done are clinics affiliated with major hospitals in my area. There's really no reason for the delay, and it's very frustrating to have to wait this long. The other part of this that so ticks me off is that they consider the films to be THEIR property! It's my body, and my health or disease. I understand them storing the films for future reference, but if I need them, I shouldn't have to plead for them!
Bogie, the most I've ever had before this is seven times, and I thought THAT was disgusting! Ten is just too many.
Posted by buffy | January 22, 2007 3:59 PM
Posted on January 22, 2007 15:59
Claude, I hope that your tiny tumor is gone, and you have a clean bill of health! It's scary to find that you're harboring something like that. I'd want to be scooping it out the minute they tell me something is wrong.
Posted by Buffy | January 22, 2007 4:02 PM
Posted on January 22, 2007 16:02
Ten times?! Ouch. I had mine done in the Autumn and it was 2-3 times each side. And I received a letter from our health authority about 3 weeks later with the results (normal). Par for the course over here unless you are a private patient.
Posted by Adele | January 24, 2007 11:51 AM
Posted on January 24, 2007 11:51
compressed 10 times??!! No doubt I'd not want to go to that clinic again either!
Hope all goes well for you and the results are in your favor. (then you can plan your next visit elsewhere).
I too agree in the once a year (as per current guidlines)... I co-ordinate it with my birthday... it is a good reminder!
Posted by Desiree | January 26, 2007 8:20 PM
Posted on January 26, 2007 20:20
2-3 seems very reasonable to me, Adele. This woman seemed to be ultra-conscientious. It disturbed me because I wondered if she had seen something to worry about.
Desiree, I usually coordinate my annual physical with my birthday, too. Seems like the easy way to remember, right?
Nope....I won't be going back to this particular facility.
Posted by buffy | January 28, 2007 4:20 PM
Posted on January 28, 2007 16:20