That's It?...The Tale of My First Mammogram

I had my first mammogram when I was approaching my 35th birthday. I'd gone to the doctor's office for an annual exam. I told her that I felt a small bump under one of my breasts. During my clinical exam, she felt it too. She attempted to assure me that it was nothing but maybe a hair bump, mild acne, or the beginnings of a mole. I looked at her with "that look" and responded simply, "Which one is it?" She knew that I wasn't going to accept a guess and that I had to be sure. So the conversation continued with me saying, "Well, I'm almost 35 years old and wouldn't it be a great time to get a baseline mammogram?" She said, "Yes, it would. I'll give you a referral." See, my doctor knows me very well. Upon our first meeting, I didn't let her do much of anything to me. I just wanted my time to chat. She checked my breathing, vitals, and reflexes but mostly we discussed health issues and histories. Most importantly, we got to know each other. I was able to better understand her no-nonsense bedside manners. She was be able to understand that I prefer physicians who are as inquisitive as I am.

Back to the mammogram story - I was so nervous in the days and moments leading up to my scheduled mammogram. So much so that I thought to cancel the appointment, but I still felt the small bump. It was tiny but it wore on me like a boulder! I talked to family and friends about their experiences. Really, I talked to anyone I thought may have had one. Although they tried to ease my mind about it all, they gave me mixed signals about the process. Needless to say, some of them scared the bejesus out of me. All I heard was clamps, mash, squeeze, pull, and yank. Breasts are sensitive and soft tissues - does it take all of that?

Thank goodness for my sisters! They assured me that because I have a large bosom like they, I would not have any major issues. And they were right! The folks at Charlotte Radiology made me feel welcomed and the technologist was humorous and put me at ease. The best part is that I didn't have to strip down. How many times does that happen in a medical office? So, dressed in my little paper shirt, I sat in the locker room waiting to be called. Then, I was marched into the mammography room. The tech joked about my paper fashions and instantly had me laughing. (Oh yeah, I tell all of my medical consultants (dentists, physicians, phlebotomists, nurses, etc.) that they must talk me through any awkward, uncomfortable or scary procedures.) My nerves calmed. The scary words: clamps, mash, squeeze, etc. were replaced with lift, adjust, press, imaging, turn and next pose. And within moments...less than 10 minutes...it was over! Most of that time was spent on me finding my pose. That's it...that's all...it's over? Yes, all of that fear for nothing!

Because I was concerned about the small tiny bump, they agreed to conduct an ultrasound, right after the mammogram. Within three minutes, we found a bump...a bra-line, sweat-induced pimple, nothing more. So, my doctor was right! And I'm glad she was. But I don't regret getting it checked out. As I approach my 40th birthday, it is time for me to do it all over again...for real this time as I make it an annual part of my life.

Best wishes,
Angela

Check Your Boobies!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. There will be parties, walks, and other events encouraging people to get mammograms, conduct self breast exams, and give or raise money for research or patient resources. Although it is important to get a mammogram (maybe even an ultrasound) and have regular breast exams by one's physician/gynecologist, it is extremely important to conduct a monthly self-exam. 

To be repeated loudly and often, women (and men) should get to know their own bodies. You are with yourself all day, every day...so much more than anyone else. You should know what is normal for your breasts. More importantly, you should be able to detect what isn't normal. Truth is, some women have lumpy breasts, some are cystic, some have bad acne, and some are otherwise different than the usual.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there are three components to a proper self-exam. Use these steps to help you detect any concerns. If you have concerns, your doctor can instruct you how during your clinical exam or mammogram appointment. Do not be too shy to ask; they are there to help you!

How to Self Inspect Your Breasts

1) In the Shower

Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

2) In Front of a Mirror

Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.

3) Lying Down

When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

Breast Self Exam - National Breast Cancer Foundation

Need help in remembering to conduct a monthly self-exam? Find a bosom buddy. This is someone who will hold you accountable for checking your boobies each month. It can be a friend who you also remind. Significant others, family members, and spouses are also good bosom buddies. Heck, maybe one of the best is your calendar or other alarm (especially on your computer or cell phone calendars). Don't want to use a boring old calendar? There are breast self-exam apps for your smart phone and tablets. Whatever you use, be sure to schedule it as you would other important events...your life may depend on it.