First mammogram tomorrow

[kmm110]

Tomorrow is the dreaded day. I am getting my baseline mammogram. I am really worried that I am going to get a call back (which I read is actually not unusual when you are "younger" - I am 35). I was going to wait and put it off, but my left breast feels lumpy and I have no idea whether this is normal or not. I am planning on taking .5 mg of Xanax so I don't have a panic attack in the office, but I am not even sure that will be enough. I've been hearing a lot of stories lately where women in their 30's are diagnosed with breast cancer
I also have several other health concerns I am worrying about right now, so that doesn't help either.

[msgb98]

I am a bit older than you and I have one every year.
I was called back once because when you are younger you are more dense and it is harder to see things even with the x-ray.
Just think of it as better knowing than not knowing.
You will be fine. It usually is a 10-15 minute thing and you are out.
My husband and I go to the local mall where they have a woman's center and then we go out to lunch. It is a nice way to think about the day.

[Slangevar]

I'm 5 years older than you, but started getting mammos at about 37 because of lumpy breasts. The first couple of times were definitely challenging.

My situation was slightly different... my breasts were SO lumpy, that they ordered diagnostic mammos & ultrasounds (meaning you get the results immediately, along with any necessary follow-up tests).  Until they felt comfortable with my established baseline, I had to go in for tests every four months. Then it was every six. And now it's every year.

I know EXACTLY what you're going through... as does every woman over a certain age on this forum. A few women on this forum have even had breast cancer and you know what?  They all survived. I know four women who were diagnosed with breast cancer in their 30s... they all did just fine. (One just passed away a few years ago at the ripe old age of 94!) 

So hang in there. The likelihood is that you'll be fine either way!

[kmm110]

Thanks for your replies. I keep thinking back to about 10 yrs ago when I had a cervical cancer scare (I had symptoms, my very first pap was abnormal and I had to have a LEEP procedure). I was terrified I had cancer but I didn't and I am still being monitored by my OB/GYN even 10 yrs later. Now, however, these pap smears don't cause me any anxiety really, probably because I am so used to them and I know if there IS anything found, I am familiar with the next step. The mammograms are new to me and just so unfamiliar. If I have to have an ultrasound, I think I am going to have to admit myself to a psych ward!

[Slangevar]

That's the spirit!  If it does turn out that you have fibrocystic breasts (as I and MANY women do) or some other breast issue, the grind is very similar to the cervical issue you mentioned.  It's terrifying the first time... really scary the second... but by the fifth or sixth time, you just get a little sweaty when you change into the gown.

Good luck!  I know you'll be fine.