My Very 1st Mammogram – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Good job, Robyn. I've been having mammograms for over 30 years and I can tell you there is a HUGE difference between then & now. As a comparison, try to compare one of the old Brownie cameras that took black & white pictures to one of the sharp new digital cameras with all of the fancy features now. That's how big the difference was. The pain could be excruciating, especially if someone had cystic breasts that were tender to begin with. It really felt like you laid on the floor of your garage while someone ran a truck over them. It was that bad. All those old jokes about mammograms were true! It sure has changed.
One change is that up until several years ago, you weren't allowed to have any caffeine for 2 or 3 days before the mammogram! I don't think I could do that now, but that's another improvement.
The deodorant thing has always been thus. The reason is that deodorants have particles of minerals such as aluminum or magnesium that show up on the xray films as white specks. These can be mistaken for small tumors and patients would be called back for further testing, even biopsies. Thus the ban on them, and for good reason!
Digital mammography is wonderful- so easy and much quicker. I often had to have "re-dos" because of a problem with the film or the conditions or even the angle it was taken.
Please, everyone, listen to Robyn. Everything she said is true. Don't be afraid to go- it could save your life! Thank you, Robyn for your courage and your skill in recording this event. {{{hugz}}}

What an awesome idea! I am so glad you did this Robyn! I had my first mammogram at 12, yep 12, due to immigration in to the country sponsored by my fathers company. I was TERRIFIED because no one told me what to expect – add on to that the insecurity of being 12 and it was horrific! I won't hesitate to go back when the time comes though because I know the importance of being screened, I'd rather find out sooner than later you know?

HUGE kudos to you for doing something so awesome

Proud of you for gettin' it done Robyn!
Hubby

Thanks for reminding me. I have had several mammograms but it completely slipped me that its that time of the year again.

Very important for women to share this.

Kudos.

Wow Robyn, Kudo's to you, Darlin.
I have never had one done, which is rediculas concidering it runs in my family.
How brave of you, you could tell you were so nervous.
What a great thing you did by posting the video of your experience, i'm sure it will help many women to overcome their fears.
Again, great job. What an amazing wonam you are.
So glad I found your site.

Way to go Robin! What a terrific way to get woman to know what to expect from a mammogram.