Life Lessons From Memaw
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. My family has a history of cancer but, thankfully, no breast cancer. However, every year in October I have my mammogram test. Last year, the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper asked readers to email their experience and why they think some people are hesitant to get the test done. Below is what I wrote to the Sun-Times. Afterwards, I will tell you what happened next.
"Below I talk about my experience and answer why some people may not want to get mammograms.
Because there is no history of breast cancer in my family, I started getting my mammograms at age 45. My doctor had me going every 2 years, but now we are at every year. Do I mind them? No, not really. They are one of the least invasive preventative tests I get (including bloodwork, pap smears, and colonoscopy). Are they uncomfortable? Yup but here is my experience with them and I don't sugar coat anything.
One thing I have found is that most people have a fear of the unknown. So let's take that out of the equation. Here is a step by step on what happens (if I could have a video camera follow me, I would!).
First, you check in, then they have you go to a special waiting room--just for people getting mammograms. In that room are changing rooms and lockers. They will tell you to take off your top and bra, put on a hospital gown, and put all your things in a locker with a key. I have never had to wait in the waiting room long before they come to get me.
Then you walk down the hall with the female technician to the room for the mammogram. You stand the entire time for the test, but it doesn't take a long time--usually around 15 minutes. The technician wears gloves and she will put little stickers over your nipples (sometimes). You continue to wear the hospital gown the entire time, so there is some privacy:)
There are two uncomfortable parts to this test. First, the technician will be "handling" your breasts. Don't worry--she is a professional and is only doing what she needs to do. She will take your arm out of one sleeve of the gown and place your breast on a flat platform on the machine. Then she will maneuver your arm, your waist, and your breast. She needs to get as clear of a shot of your breast without anything in the way. She will have you hold your arm over your head and "move" any other skin from your waist off the platform. This is weird but understandable. Now the second uncomfortable part. A top part will come down on your breast and almost "squish" your breast flat. This sounds painful but it is more uncomfortable than anything else. She will tell you to hold your breath and she takes the picture (like an x-ray). Realize all of this takes about 5 minutes total (you hold your breath for about 15-20 seconds only). Then she releases the top part of the platform, checks the picture to make sure it shows only breast tissue, then goes to your other breast. She takes 6 pictures total--3 of each breast. After the first two pictures of your breasts, then the machine tilts and she takes 2 more pictures of each breast. As she is doing all of this, she explains each step and what she is doing.
That's it--your done. The procedure is around 15 minutes long. You walk back to the waiting room, get your things, and change in the changing room. Don't forget to peel off those stickers from your nipples:) You go home--no pain, no bandaid, nothing. It's like it never happened.
If it is that fast and easy, why don't people get mammograms? Here are some reasons why and my response to them.
1. How do you find a doctor to trust for your mammogram? In my case, I use my primary physician. My insurance is with Loyola Hospital since I live in the western suburbs. Because of this, I go to Loyola Hospital to get my mammogram. Then the results are sent to my primary physician. I received two letters. One from the hospital telling me my results. Then I get a second letter from my doctor telling me what those results mean. I highly suggest people find a primary physician that they trust first. Then when they get this test and others, it all goes back to that primary. I think this is the easiest way.
2. Scheduling for a mammogram can be difficult. They are usually booked, so you have to schedule way in advance--sometimes months. It is just the way it is. Also, very few places do Saturday mammograms, so you may have to take off work. This can be frustrating but there is just nothing you can do. However, to help with the frustrating part, I schedule my mammogram and take the entire day off. I do this because I add things I enjoy to that day with the appointment. I may go out for a meal, do some shopping, go to the movies, etc. on the day of my appointment. It is almost like my reward for going:) Other times, I schedule my appointment for early in the morning. Then I may go out for breakfast but then go to work. That way I have still rewarded myself, but have only taken a half day off of work.
3. Fear of the unknown--it is hard doing something for the first time. Whenever I have to do something I know anything about, I do a lot of research. There are many articles and videos about mammograms online. Also, talk to your friends and family. They will be as honest as they can about the experience. Finally, especially if it is your first time, take someone who is comforting with you to the test. They don't have to wait long and it is nice having someone with you when you are scared.
4. My breasts too small, too large, too fake, etc. Don't worry about it. The technician is a professional and has seen every boob imaginable! She knows what she needs to do to get the right pictures for diagnosis. Most people worry that they are too "flat". Again, a non issue. Even men can get breast cancer and have to have a mammogram. The technician knows what she is doing.
5. Finally, I think many people don't get mammograms because they are afraid of the results,, What if I do have cancer? This is totally understandable. I always have that fear when I get the test done. However, there are many advances in breast cancer treatment, and new ones are coming out all the time. You can't make an informed decision without having all the facts. Get the test done first. Then wait for the results. Then worry if you need to but at least you will know and your doctor will discuss your options. Believe me, it is better to know and deal with it head on."
I wrote this last year after having my yearly mammogram. I just got another one this week and nothing has changed. It is still a quick, easy procedure that has so many benefits. It is worth the "uncomfortableness" that you experience for a very short period of time. I can't reiterate how important it is to get a primary doctor that you trust. This person will help with your health but also give good advice. They will get the results of the test and explain it to you. If there is an issue, you have a doctor that you trust--and together, you will make a game plan on how to handle the issue. Your doctor will also let you know how often you are to get your mammograms and what age to start them. Every doctor is slightly different, so make sure you do what your doctor, that you trust, says to you.
Finally, after I wrote to the Sun-Times, they called me with some follow up questions. Then an article appeared with information about mammograms and what some people said, including yours truly:) Below is the link to the article with additional information.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/health/2024/10/30/breast-cancer-awareness-month-mammograms
I cannot stress to you enough to get all the tests done that your doctor recommends. Get all the vaccinations that they recommend also. Sometimes, our best defense for our health is a really good offense. Preventative care makes all the difference in the world.
Blog website: https://www.lifelessonsfrommemaw.com/
