Schedule Your Mammogram
Early detection is key! Book your mammogram with Renown Women's Health and prioritize your breast health today.
What it's Really Like to Have a Mammogram
September 24, 2024
Have you found yourself avoiding scheduling a mammogram because it sounds uncomfortable and maybe a little scary? Many people feel this way but knowing what to expect can help ease your worries.
Follow along for a reassuring step-by-step guide on getting a mammogram from Melissa Dahir, Community Relations Liaison at Renown Health.
Getting a mammogram is important to me because my mom is a Stage 3, double mastectomy breast cancer survivor. I began receiving annual breast health screenings at an early age, in addition to performing monthly self-exams. So far, all my appointments have gone well, and I hope that sharing my experience will encourage you to schedule this important screening today!
Scheduling the Appointment
Scheduling my appointment was very easy. I contacted the scheduling team for help with booking multiple appointments and they were very helpful in finding just the time I needed.
Preparing for the Appointment (Day-Of)
On the day of my appointment, I was instructed to shower, but to skip deodorant, powder or lotion on my upper body, because these products can interfere with the scan. I usually try to choose morning appointments, so I don’t have to go all day without deodorant! If you forget, don’t worry—Renown provides wipes.
What is the Appointment Like?
I filled out some standard paperwork when I arrived at Renown’s Greenberg Breast Health Center. Since I already completed my e-check in, this process was quick. After just a few minutes, a technician called me back for my exam.
I was taken into a private changing area that had some beautiful locking cabinets where I could store my clothing and personal belongings. Everything felt very safe, private and clean.
Then I had to change into a very fashionable wraparound top! Once I had the top on, it was time to enter the mammography room.
How Did it Feel?
Since I have dense breast tissue, my doctor recommended that I have both a whole breast ultrasound as well as a standard 3D mammogram. Whole breast ultrasound uses sound waves to detect cancerous tumors in the breast without using any radiation. It can detect small calcifications hidden by the dense tissue and not detectable by a standard mammogram, which is especially useful for dense tissue.
During the ultrasound, I laid on a comfortable exam table in a private room. Once the tech found just the right position, warm ultrasound gel was liberally applied to the breast, and then the ultrasound machine was placed directly on my skin. I had to stay still while the machine took the images and it only took a few minutes on each breast. The procedure itself was not uncomfortable and I felt very safe in the care of the tech. She took the time to educate me on the importance of whole breast ultrasound and explained the various steps of the procedure prior to beginning, so I would know what to expect. She even told me that their office typically goes through more than 20 bottles of ultrasound gel every day!
Once this part of the appointment was finished, I collected my personal items and was taken to a second private dressing room, identical to the first. Once my things were locked in the cabinet, I was taken into the mammography screening room.
This room felt a little more clinical than the first room, and at first glance, the mammography machine felt a little intimidating and looked like a tall, futuristic robot. I was greeted warmly by the technician, however, who quickly made me feel more comfortable.
Once we began the process of the mammogram, she talked me through each step. She helped me know exactly how to position myself for the scans. She was very proactive in telling me ahead of time whenever she needed to adjust my positioning in the machine.
She took a total of four different scans in two different positions. While the process was at times uncomfortable, the technician kept me informed about what was happening, which helped a lot. The whole process took about 10-15 minutes total. Once the scans were complete, I was able to go back to the private dressing room, change into my own clothes, and leave the clinic. I felt completely fine and ready to get back to my day!
What Happens Next?
The results of the scans began showing up in MyChart that same evening and the next day and I’m pleased to report that everything was normal! The results will also be sent to my referring doctor and I will typically receive a letter in the mail with a summary of the findings.
Getting a mammogram is not the most fun thing I did today. However, knowing that I am doing everything possible to protect myself and detect any abnormalities as early as possible is worth every bit of time and effort involved.
Don’t wait any longer. Taking care of your health is important, and this simple step can make a big difference. Schedule your mammogram today!