WAAAAAAAAY OT: mammogram

Fortunately,  I don't see a lot of activity of men on the Oklahoma board, so I think I'm safe in posting this. I went in for my first ever mammogram last week.  I was a little nervous after hearing mom's version of what to expect, but mine was a lot simpler. Perhaps because I have two very fatty boobies, it was easy to flop them on the platform like dead fish...and it was so much fun to watch them squi****  It was like play-doh.  In addition, the monitor was placed where I could see what they were taking photos of...so all in all, it was a pretty cool event. For those of you who haven't had one...it really was kinda awesome. Anyway, I got a call yesterday saying there was something "developing" in my right boob so they want me to come back in for an ultrasound.  So, next week, I get to have someone else feel me up.  Hopefully it will be as neato as the mammogram, because I really thought that was SUPER FANTASTIC!  I'll update more after that appointment. Cathy

Cathy, I'm jealous-when I get call backs I always get another mammogram.  Twice as fun on a tender booby! So far, I've been called back three or four times and have defeated the Big C each time by quietly planning for my mastectomy, planning to shave my head, etc.....It gave me a sense of control.  My friend Sue just had a thyroid biopsy and we've planned to shave our heads and get hats that say  F*** cancer if she has it,.  Of course, she won't have it because of my plan. Although all the above sounds humorous it really wasn't WHEN it was happening.  It's ok to be scared.  Are you still on prednisone?  That ought to add a whole level of difficulty to the emotional roller coaster. Let me know if you need someone to go to the appointment with you.

Deb, You're so sweet.  Actually, my husband will be going with me that morning, as he is out of school on that day. And yes...I'm on Prednisone for two more weeks.  I'm in my tapering phase.  20 mg/day for 2 more days, then10 mg/day for a week and 5 mg/day for a week.  Then, I'm done...WOO HOO!!! For some reason, I have peace with this ordeal.  I'm not too scared of cancer.  My son had it and beat it.   My mom had it and beat it.   I figure that cancer is somewhere in my cards in the longrun, given my family history, but advancements in treatment have been so remarkable, I figure I'll just fight it the best I can and leave the rest to God. Thank you for the offer to come up there.  I appreciate your friendship. Cathy

I've never had a mammogram.  I've been thinking about it lately though since I'm old enough I should get a baseline.  Insurance only pays for one between ages 35 and 40 and I'll be 36 in January. My mom doesn't make it sound like a big deal.  She said they tape a BB to her nipple!  I think that sounds a bit weird! I'm more modest than anything!  I don't want anyone seeing me!! Let us know how the ultrasound goes!  Most often it is nothing, but it is better to be thorough than miss something and let it go too long!

yeah...someone asked me if they taped a bb to my nipple.  I guess that's common practice, although I'm not sure I understand the benefit to that.  They didn't do it during mine, though. Cathy

Cathy,  My previous job was working as a nurse in a clinic and we did mamos there. A lot of people get called back for "further testing" Most of the time they will find calcium deposits. Best of luck. Tressa

My mom said it is really just so they can tell on the film exactly what part of the breast they are looking at from the point of the nipple? I would think it would be obvious by the shape of the pic on the film, but what do I know?  lol

I am having mine in May. I want a good baseline and it is recommended you get it at age 35.  Hope everything is fine at your next appt.

I have had mammograms yearly since the age of 35, and no one has ever taped a bb to my nipple for that or any other reason.  Are you guys for real?

Yes, it is done...  lol  I think I might schedule a mammogram after the first of the year after I see my GYN.