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The big squeeze was no big deal

I got a mammogram today, and I was surprised that the whole procedure was over relatively quickly and wasn’t very uncomfortable. Since it was Halloween, the receptionist was in costume and I even got a peanutbutter cup on my way out.

I had a screening mammogram, so I wasn’t anxious and I’m not concerned that it will probably be two weeks before I get something in the mail saying everything is ok. (If everything isn’t ok — meaning that something shows up on the imaging that needs further investigation — I’ll get a call.)

Most women won’t get their first screening until 40, but since Mom was diagnosed at 41, my doctor and I decided I should get one sooner. Some sources suggest an initial screening when you are ten years younger than your close relative was when she was diagnosed, but not all sources agree, so talk to your doctor. Talk about when you should have your first mammogram more than once. You should understand the reasons for and feel comfortable with the decision. I did. As for timing, we decided not to do a mammogram at 31; I’m 35 now.

If you think you might need a screening mammogram, or if you just aren’t sure, talk to you doctor about it. It really isn’t a big deal. Make a decision before next October. You never know, there might even be candy.

I had my first one at 35 (my mother, who was 66 at the time, had just been diagnosed), and even though I do find them uncomfortable, better safe than sorry. If they had found my mother’s cancer sooner, she might still be alive. A few minutes of discomfort to save your life is a no brainer, even if you don’t get candy!

I’m 35, and my doctor recommended that I get one because of a family history of breast cancer. However, my insurance company won’t pay for it because the history is on my father’s side of the family and I’m too young. This in spite of my doctor’s recommendation!! So now I (and my doctor) have to go through all of this paperwork for the insurance company to try and get them to cover it, with no assurance that they will at the end. I want to be treated by my doctor, not by my insurance company.

It makes me angry when I hear stories about care decisions being made by bureaucrats instead of by medical professionals.

Honestly, I’m surprised you can even schedule one without prior approval — the radiology unit called me to cancel mine when they told me my insurance had been declined. (Turned out they were submitting the wrong account information, so everything worked out.)