by carolyn b.
Member since:
November 2, 2006

Have you ever had a Mammogram?

October 21, 2009 07:10 PM EDT
views: 125 | rating: 10/10 (11 votes) | comments: 33

Since this is Breast Cancer month, I wanted to know who has had their Mammograms.  They're saying that men should also have them as well, I took my mother for her yearly Mammogram on last Friday and I made my first appointment.  I'll be 40 in May but someone told me today to check with my insurance carrier to make sure if they'll pay because I made my own appointment and I'm not 40 yet, I'll have to check into that tomorrow.

Some say that having a Mammogram is painful and some say they're not, I'll be taking a pain reliever before I get mine.

Have you ever had a Mammogram and if so, how was it for you?

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Comments: 33

Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Oct 21, 2009, 7:14pm EDT
I have had one for each of the last 19 years. Most insurances will pay for one baseline mammogram betweem 40 and 45, one every other year between 45-50 and one a year from age 50 on. These are the screening only mammograms. If the dr. sends you for one because of a supsicious lump or mass insurance should also pay.
carolyn b. Oct 21, 2009, 7:18pm EDT
Thanks, for the info, I might need to wait until next year, I was getting mine done because I know it's needed but I'll call my insurance carrier just to make sure. Thanks
Pam S. Oct 21, 2009, 7:14pm EDT
I get one every year & I don't find them painful.
Elaine B. Oct 21, 2009, 7:17pm EDT
I had my mammogram last Saturday. It's not painful to me, but it can be a little uncomfortable.
I felt some pressure from the machine on my breasts.
carolyn b. Oct 21, 2009, 7:19pm EDT
Yes, I heard it's uncomfortable, thanks Elaine.
Teresa A. Oct 21, 2009, 7:22pm EDT
I had one at 35 but won't be getting another one. No, it really wasn't painful.
carolyn b. Oct 21, 2009, 8:35pm EDT
Why you won't be getting another one?
Teresa A. Oct 22, 2009, 10:59am EDT
Because they will never convince me that the benefits outweight he risks.
~~ Sarina ~~ Oct 21, 2009, 7:27pm EDT
I get a mammogram every year. Sometimes they are a bit uncomfortable, but isn't painful.
Dana F. Oct 21, 2009, 7:35pm EDT
Never had one, but am getting my first at the end of this month.
Larry H. Oct 21, 2009, 7:58pm EDT
thanks for sharing
Jessica B. Oct 21, 2009, 8:06pm EDT
My last mammogram (a few months ago) was painful. The doctors/nurses all say that I have a high pain tolerance, but my mammogram was horrible. The lady squished me in ways I didn't know possible, I almost passed out. However, I had one before that and it was only uncomfortable. So - I don't know if it was only painful because they knew they were looking at a lump and the lump made it painful or what not. Get it done either way - the sooner they catch something the better. I was lucky and had a partial masectomy, but it was not cancer. However I am 32 and all the docs say I need to get mammograms each year.
Marilyn M. Oct 21, 2009, 8:07pm EDT
I had "lumpy breasts" because of all the coffee I drank and I had an aunt on my mother's side who died because of breast cancer, so I started getting them at around 38. To me, it's more discomfort than pain involved, especially if you have an empathetic woman doing them.
carolyn b. Oct 21, 2009, 8:37pm EDT
Thanks everyone for all your comments and info.
Marianne R. Oct 21, 2009, 8:55pm EDT
I had a baseline at 38 since my medical history is unknown. I'm supposed to get one before the spring.
RobbinLynn B. Oct 21, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
Yes! just recently. and it was not pleasant.
Franchesca B. Oct 21, 2009, 10:06pm EDT
I think every woman should get a mammogram but the insurance doesnt think you need one until you are forty so I will not be getting one for quite a few more years.
carolyn b. Oct 22, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
I still haven't had time to call yet, I'll have to call tomorrow to find out if they'll pay for mine, if not, I'll have to wait until next year.
Jane C. Oct 21, 2009, 10:39pm EDT
Yes, I've been squashed.
Kat W. Oct 21, 2009, 10:57pm EDT
I had my baseline done and it was quite uncomfortable. I'm tardy for getting another one done.
Nancy * Oct 22, 2009, 9:18am EDT
I'm scheduled for next week.... I hate them
carolyn b. Oct 22, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
I'm sorry that you hate them...
carolyn b. Oct 22, 2009, 4:22pm EDT
Thanks everyone!
Connie C. Oct 22, 2009, 5:17pm EDT
I have had many mamagrams. I have to get one every 6 months to keep tabs on a lump. It is uncomfortable but not painful
Curt L. Oct 23, 2009, 12:50pm EDT
I have not, but I have a male friend who has...he had lumps which were treated and he is fine now.
Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Oct 26, 2009, 8:05pm EDT
Thanks for sharing on Helping out One Another
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Oct 28, 2009, 5:18pm EDT
not yet and I'm terrified of having one
JoAnn C. Oct 28, 2009, 6:29pm EDT
I had my first one in February after turning 40. I had talked to my doctor about getting one earlier because a couple of women I know mentioned getting a baseline done. He doesn't think it is necessary to get one earlier than 40 unless there is a family history.

I didn't think it hurt but it was a little uncomfortable.
David C. Oct 30, 2009, 9:57pm EDT
My mom has had mammograms every year for more than 25 years. Last year they found breast cancer. Because they found it early the treatment was relatively easy and now she is cancer free. She used to describe it as slamming door closed on them but now she says it wasn't that bad. Different perspective I guess. Good luck.
Elizabeth O. Oct 30, 2009, 10:03pm EDT
I have had one every year since I was 36. Should have started at 35 but I was breastfeeding and had to wait six months after I weaned the baby. They aren't painful, but can be uncomfortable, but the discomfort once a year beats the alternative of not having one and ending up with untreatable breast cancer. I don't fit on the conventional sized xray film so I end up with twice the number of views, but again, its worth the discomfort.
Marilyn M. Nov 7, 2009, 5:39am EST
My first one was incredibly painful, but the ones since have been more uncomfortable than anything. I tend to be very sensitive though. If you drink caffeine, you should cut back on that before you go as it can make your breasts more sensitive. You'll do just fine! ;)
carolyn b. Nov 8, 2009, 7:21pm EST
I didn't know about the caffeine, thanks for the info.
Dawn G. Nov 13, 2009, 6:42pm EST
I am 45 and my doctor tells me all the time I should have one but I don't want one. It seems that every one I know who has had one says it hurts. I think they can find a better way to check for cancer than smashing my boob.

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