MY MAMMOGRAM EXPERIENCE
BREAST CANCER BY THE NUMBERS
The days of being too young to care have passed by. Younger women might not even think about life after 40. But eventually, that time comes for us all. Despite my unwill-ingness to believe it, my body is nearly 48 years old. So, when I went in for a checkup, my doctor told me to get a mammogram screening. I was actually a few years overdue, as it is now recommended annually from age 40. Not that there was anything specific for me to be concerned about, but it was time to make sure nothing was wrong that I couldn’t see or feel. My doctor initiated the referral.
I vaguely remembered getting a mammogram many years ago. But didn’t remember the clinic or much about it. Just something about a metal plate squishing my breast. I had no idea what the machine would look like with today’s medical technology. I was a little nervous about the whole thing.
Prepping for the appointment
I got a call from the friendly Inland Imaging scheduler to plan my mammogram appointment. She was very helpful, informing me of what to expect, and the things I needed to do when I went in.
One thing I didn’t expect was not wearing deodorant or creams for my mammogram appointment. They can interfere with the image clarity. And underarms are an important part of the breast system since that is where the lymph nodes are.
Another question was what to wear? They recommend wearing a two-piece outfit so you can leave the bottom half on, and just take off your top and wear the robe they provide when you go into the exam room. This just makes it easier. I didn’t even have to take off my shoes.
I was afraid to ask how to do a mammogram with breast augmenta-tion. I had gotten the implants long ago, and hardly even think about it anymore as they are basically a part of me now. But it was still something I prefer not to tell people about. I found out that this requires some special techniques for mammogram imaging that would make my appointment a little longer.
There were also some articles online about the risk of damaging implants during a mammogram. It is important to let them know in advance about breast implants. This helps them schedule the correct appointment type and time, and helps the technician know what to expect. She can skillfully work around the implants, and still get the images needed.
Honestly, this was the thing I was most worried about. (But as it turned out, the technician and the machine were more gentle than I had imagined, so my implants were just fine.)
Even for women who are low risk, that doesn’t mean NO risk
After scheduling the appointment, I went online and did a little research on the causes of breast cancer. Was there a specific reason that abnormal cells would mass together to form a tumor? No, but the experts have determined several risk factors that increase your chances of getting breast cancer. Some people have higher genetic risks. And there are other risk factors for breast cancer that are lifestyle related, including smoking tobacco, high alcohol use, hormone replacement therapy, age, and radiation exposure. But there are many intricacies with these factors, as each person is unique.
There was information about dense breasts, a type of breast tissue that is too firm to get clear images through because the malignancies are hidden by a shadowy effect. This makes it difficult to get a good image. I investigated the risks, and even for women who are low risk like me, that doesn’t mean no risk. We’ve all heard the saying, “Early detection saves lives.” Yes, going in for regular exams can catch small malignancies early on, before they grow into larger problems. If they found something small early on, that would mean less invasive surgery than if I put it off for too long.
Inside My Mammogram Appointment
I went to the Holy Family Hospital where Inland Imaging has its northside clinic. Parking spots are reserved for their customers right in front of the entrance, which was very convenient. I walked into the hospital and checked in at the front desk. They sent me downstairs to the Inland Imaging clinic, where I checked in with a second receptionist and sat down in the waiting room until my name was called. I noticed a sign painted on the wall that said, “Answers you can trust and care you can count on.”
After a few minutes, my mammogram tech came out to get me. I followed her into the back where the breast imaging area was. There were several private changing stalls available, she asked me to change into the robe provided and meet her in the imaging room.
The tech had a great demeanor, very warm and reassuring. She had me sign a couple waivers and ran through a quick questionnaire about family breast cancer history. She asked if I had any questions or concerns before it was time for the mammogram imaging to begin.
The 3D mammogram machine is an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast (breast tomosynthesis).
The machine was much taller than I expected. It was made to work while I was standing up. There was also a standing desk nearby where the technologist operated the imaging software. She helped position me against the machine’s breast plate (which was made of some sort of clear plastic resin, not the cold metal of the olden days).
What to Expect During the Scan
She would instruct me or manipulate my body into the right position, then close the top plate down on my breast, and had me hold still while she walked over to the computer to take the image. In some ways it reminded me of getting an x-ray at the dentist. When the machine plates closed to take the images, the pressure was firm, but not painful. I did not experience any discomfort at any point, even when she had to do some special manipulations around my implants to get the best image of the actual breast tissue.
Before I knew it, I was all done
I got dressed and walked back out to the waiting room with the tech, who told me that the results would be emailed to me and my doctor within a week. She let me know that it was not uncommon to receive a call-back if some dense breast tissue was found or if they needed to re-take any images, but in most cases, there was nothing to worry about. Then she smiled and said, “See you next year!” That’s right, this is going to be an annual thing now that I’m in my mid-40’s, but I know what to expect, so I’m not worried about it.
The next day I received a survey in my email asking how my visit went, and then a week later, I got an email with the results of my mammogram tes. I also received it in the mail. The first sentence clearly explained the results: “We are pleased to inform you that the results of your recent mammogram examination are normal.”
Patient Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Annual mammogram screening is recommended starting at age 40. If you’re overdue or haven’t had one yet, now is the time to schedule your first screening.
A friendly Inland Imaging scheduler will call you to plan your appointment. They’ll inform you of what to expect and answer any questions you have. You can also schedule online through the patient portal or by calling directly.
Don’t wear deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, or cream on your breasts or underarms on the day of your exam. These products can interfere with image clarity. This is important because underarms contain lymph nodes that are part of the breast system.
Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit so you can leave the bottom half on and just remove your top. You’ll wear a robe provided by the clinic during the exam. You won’t even need to remove your shoes.
It’s very important to let the scheduler know in advance if you have breast implants. This requires special imaging techniques and a slightly longer appointment time. The technologist is trained to skillfully work around implants to get the necessary images without causing damage. Don’t worry—the process is gentle and your implants will be fine.
Yes. Even for women who are low risk, that doesn’t mean no risk. Early detection saves lives, and regular exams can catch small abnormalities early on before they grow into larger problems.
Accredited Excellence
Nationally ranked for excellence, we are the region’s only Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence recognized by the American College of Radiology. From convenient appointments to the highest levels of technology and expertise in the region, everything we do is built around you.