Mammogram question for experienced boob-squishers...

[CAMary]

I had my first one ever today. They told me to come 20 minutes early to fill out paperwork. That went quickly - and they took me right away, so I was actually *leaving* at the time my appointment was scheduled for...

The tech took 4 different images, then disappeared into a darkroom with the film. She then went into a room that appeared to have a light board in it, and looked, I assume, at the films. Then she came out and told me I was free to go!

Do I assume everything is fine? Do they tell you if anything looks amiss on the spot? Does an actual radiologist even review them? I know copies were going to be sent to my ob/gyn and primary...Who would I hear from if there are concerns?

Just wondering -

Mary

PS - It *did* hurt - but it was also much quicker than I thought - so totally tolerable. I treated myself to something from Whole Foods on the way home - I think I earned it

[MaggieRedwings]

Hi Mary,

Just had my mammo yesterday - boob smashing it is but for a good reason. She reads them in a light box just to make sure they are good films. The Radiologist will read them and you will either get a call or a letter in the mail with the results. Mail is usually used for good results and calls if they want you to come back. A call can just be because they may want to do another picture or they have a question. It is not always an indication something is amiss.

I also got in 10 minutes early and was just about done at the time I should have been taken.

Love and Good Pictures, Maggie

[barbaranoela]

Hi Mary-----At home thats Xactly whats goes on---as Maggie said---
They press--flatten and *DONT BREATHE* and then the radiologist checks it---
If they dont like the way a certain pic. comes out they redo--

I always got a letter in the mail--

Here in AZ. it was amazing---cus I could walk over and see the pics. digitally----and the girl didnt have to run behid a metal screen either--

That always cracked me up---here we are NOT to worry about radiation and there they go HIDING----oh well!!!

Will have another mammo when I get home to recheck *something* that they see---which, in their opinion, is probably a NOTHING!!

Fun time isnt it

luve Barbara

PS. either your GYN will call/or the mammo place if there is concern--

[Alice]

Hi Mary,

My doc calls me either way - just to say it was fine or if they want to do more pics. So don't be alarmed if you get a call. I get one every year.

You'll get used to the whole thing!

Love,
Alice

[Dee]

Hi Mary!
I get my mammogram annually and yes, your procedure was the standard one!!!
They do have a radiologist looked at them.
I then get a letter in the mail .......

Love
Dee~~~

[CAMary]

Well-

Trying not to worry....I got a call this morning from the nurse @ my ob-gyn. She said they want me to come back for more pictures. I called to schedule - and can't get in until mid-March

The lady on the phone was very nice - she said that is the earliest she has for "this type of recall" - she reassured me if they has seen something suspicious/worrisome they would get me in sooner, and this is the most common reason people get recalled. Apparently some calcifications were seen on one side - it could be nothing - or it could be a sign of something to come. Basically they want more pictures of where they were seen. I've been searching (the internet can be bad for raising anxiety, LOL) - but from what I understand, they look to see if they change at all - so since it was my baseline - they need the detailed pictures to compare future films to in looking for changes...

So I guess I need to try and not think about it until March...hmm not likely!

Mary