Monday, October 22, 2012

The truth about mammograms

October is breast cancer awareness month, and if you are lucky, free-umbrella-with-your-mammogram-month! Here is the deal. I am not 40 yet, the magical age of the first recommended mammogram—but I didn't want to wait any longer. A few weeks ago I called the hospital and made the appointment. Here are a few myths...dispelled:



Myth #1 - It hurts.
This is sooooo false. I have had high fives that have hurt more. Uncomfortable? A tad. Painful. No way.


Myth #2 - You have to have standard size boobs.
Again, false. I asked nurse Bridgette what happens if a gal comes in with plateau chest, or what about big mamma mountain tops?? How about fakies? The quick answer: there are ways to accommodate all sizes, all types.

Myth #3 - The appointment will take forever.
20 minutes tops, baby.

Myth #4 - A call back from the hospital to ask for an additional mammogram means you have cancer.
Nope. A call back for first timers like myself typically means that they want to get more information. The first mammogram is the baseline for all others that follow. So it's essential to have the first mammogram as accurate as possible.

Myth #5 - The results are slow.
So fast. So fast. They will call you within 24 hours if there is a concern, and if your mammogram is normal you will get a friendly postcard within a few days.

Myth #6 - You have to be 40.
Guess what? Most insurance companies pay for mammograms anytime after 35.
Myth #7 - The "ladies" will get squished like a pancake.
Uh. Ya. I'll just say this...under NO circumstances, no matter how bad you want to DON'T LOOK DOWN!



2 comments:

Heidi said...

I still check your blog too, hoping for an update :) And I'm so glad you did!

Love that you did a post for breast cancer awarness month. And way to be on it like blue bonnet, already getting a mammogram! You are awesome!!

Jessica said...

BAHAHAHAHAHAA! I Loved the honesty about this post! Love you Amy and thanks for getting a mammogram. And.... thank you on the clarifications on the rumors..