Step-by-Step Guide: What to Expect at Your First Mammogram

When I had to schedule my 1ST Mammogram I immediately started to feel anxious. 

I AM THE Queen Of Anxiety.  

I started asking various 40+ girl friends and they each explained their different experiences and made me more confident about what I was walking into, (literally.) 

GrateFULL For my tribe.. but it made me wonder about those that may not have someone to ask. 

I figured I'd share my first experience because I believe that understanding the process can help ease those nerves!

Here’s what you can expect, step by step:

1. Before Your Appointment: Preparation
   • Scheduling: Mammograms are usually recommended starting at age 40, or earlier if you have risk factors. Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are least likely to be tender (typically the week after your period).
   • Avoid Deodorant, Lotion, and Perfume: These can interfere with the images, so it's best to skip them on the day of your mammogram.
   • Wear Comfortable Clothing: You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up, so a top and bottoms (rather than a dress) make it easier to change.
2. Arrival at the Clinic: Check-In and Preparation
   • Check-In: When you arrive at the imaging center, you’ll check in and may be asked to fill out a brief medical history form.
   • Changing: You’ll be taken to a private area where you’ll be given a gown to change into. You’ll only need to undress from the waist up.  The gowns are your typical hospital gown and no snap chat filter will make you look better in them so leave your phone and all of your personal belongings in the locker.  
3. During the Mammogram: The Procedure
   • Positioning:  You will literally walk into, or rather up to, a machine.  The technologist will position your breast on a flat plate, and another plate will gently but firmly press down to flatten the breast tissue. This can feel uncomfortable, but it's necessary to get clear images.  It honestly wasn't horrible.  
   • Taking the X-Rays: You’ll need to stay still for a few seconds while the technologist takes the X-rays. Each breast will be imaged from different angles (usually 2 images per breast).
   • Discomfort: The pressure might feel a bit uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds. Let the technologist know if the pain is too intense.
4. After the Mammogram: What Happens Next
   • You’re Done! The procedure only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
   • Results: Depending on the clinic, you might get your results the same day or in a few days. If anything unusual is found, you may be called back for additional images or tests.

I think an important thing to mention here.. while I didn't get called back, many of my girlfriends did.  Turns out you can have dense breast tissue.  If this is the case sometimes additional imaging in is done.  Once you know if you have dense breast tissue or not,  you'll know what kind of mammogram to schedule for the following year.    

1. Follow-Up: Routine and Self-Care
   • Expect Some Soreness: It’s normal to feel a bit tender afterward, but this should subside in a day or two.  I personally did not feel ANY tenderness.  
   • Stay Vigilant: Regular mammograms are important, but continue to do monthly self-breast exams and attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Your first mammogram can feel like a big step, but it’s an important one for your health.  To reward myself for being an adult I treated myself to a couple of new bras.  Pink.  Of course.

If you're nervous about scheduling or have questions I'm MORE Than happy to chat privately with you - just DM Me!