My Experience

The mammogram was recommended by my OB because I am 37. There was very minimal physical preparation: just some minor paperwork and a change into the standard hospital gown. Mental preparation was a different story.

I guess you never really think about these things until you have to address or deal with them. As a woman, I know it is very important to have a mammogram. But I never thought about having ‘something’ found on my mammogram results until the day I had one when I was in the waiting room. It is then you realize that having something found can happen to anyone.

The office was very pleasant. I looked around at all of the women waiting in their robes and thought to myself: “I hope and pray that all these women are here for the same reason as I am — just a check-up and nothing more.” But I knew the reality that statistics would disagree.

I identified myself, filled out the required paperwork and sat down. The wait was very short. They were very quick and professional. When they called my name, I followed the technician into the room. She explained everything thoroughly – the what, why and when. She then started the exam. She took all different angles and positions. There was no pain, and it was not as uncomfortable as everyone said it would be. But maybe because I have smaller breasts. The only thing that ached was my back and neck, but only for a few seconds because I was standing in so many different, odd positions.

The exam took about 10 minutes. It was very simple. When it was over I was relieved. I felt proud that I had done a womanly thing and was finally responsible.