My First Mammogram

I had my first mammogram yesterday morning. Yes, I'm still too young to have needed a regularly scheduled one, but in late December I discovered a lump in my boob that was pretty darn painful. From what I had read, pain in boobies is actually a good thing because breast cancer isn't painful in that way so I wasn't too incredibly worried, but still... when you feel something in your boob and you hear SO MUCH about breast cancer, you worry a little.

In December, I had an appointment with my GYN, who said that he didn't feel anything (WHAT?!), but he wanted me to have it checked out anyway since I did feel something and had pain. So, yesterday morning, I had my first mammogram and ultrasound of my boob (which was not NEARLY as exciting as the previous ultrasounds that I've had). The mammogram tech was very surprised that my GYN couldn't feel the lump (which doesn't seem to have changed in size at all since my GYN appointment) because she could, but assured me again that feeling pain is actually a good thing in this case. As she was mammogramming me, the tech told me that everything was looking like normal breast tissue to her, but the ultrasound tech should be able to help us figure out what's causing the pain. So... it was off to the ultrasound tech next.

Once the ultrasound was over, a doctor met with me to go over the results and show me the films (which aren't really "films" because they're all digital now). The result? I have a freakin' clogged and enlarged milk duct! I haven't breast fed since July of 2008! He showed me some of the regular milk ducts which looked like really thin strands of spaghetti, but this one looked like a large worm! No wonder it hurts! He and the mammogram tech both said that while women who breastfeed have a much lower chance of getting breast cancer, they also seem to have more non-threatening issues like this one. Interesting.

So... I'm fine. Just some pain that I need to wait out. It's not like I can just attach a breast pump and move the clog on out. Sigh.

Oh... but the mammogram experience itself... it wasn't nearly as scary or painful as I was expecting. I've heard horror stories (mostly from women comedians who tend to exaggerate anyway) about how they squeeze your boob 'til you cry. Didn't happen. The tech was awesome and made me feel really comfortable... even while I was wearing a poncho that snaps in the front and is the consistency and thickness of an old sheet. Because I am so close to 35 (the age that they normally do your first "mammy"), I may not have to do another one until I am 40, but if I do, it wasn't too bad so it's no biggie. :)