Mammogram

[dianeT68]

Good morning Ladies,

 

im four months in to my hormone treatment (oestrogen and progesterone).

my breasts have developed very quickly and I find myself almost filling a C cup after 4 months on hormones.

 

im suffering from very tender breasts and discharge from my nipples. My GP has booked a mammogram for me on Friday of this week. I’m a little nervous and don’t really know what to expect. I’ve heard that it’s quite painful when the breast is flattened, I don’t know how I’d be because my breasts are so painful now.

have any of you lovely ladies had a mammogram if so could you advise on what I should expect please

 

Diane x

[Charlize]

I had one just a few months ago.  The technician was lovely in her kindness.  I wouldn't have wanted to spend a long period "flattened" but it was more uncomfortable than painful.  Please don't worry. You will get through the process.  As i sat outside i had the chance to speak to a lovely woman and felt the process was simply a part of that journey into womanhood; not always easy but well worth the effort.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[dianeT68]

Thanks Charlize,

 

i am am worried about the screening, my breasts are so sore and tender.

 

i guess I’m really worried about the discharge that is worse some days than others. Also my nipples have gone very dark in colour too. My mum has been great and is coming with me to the screening, but I’m still very apprehensive because it’s my first time for a mammogram. That said it is as you say all part of womanhood 

 

Diane xx

[Carolyn Marie]

You might want to mention the tenderness of your breasts to the technician; she may be able to modify the "juice squeezer" a bit to lesson the discomfort.  Unless she knows in advance that you're trans, you should be ready for health history questions such as; when did you start menstruating, when did you have your last child, etc.  ?   The first time it took me by surprise, so I faked my answers.  The second time I was up front about it. 

 

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

I had my 4th mammogram last month and I cannot say it was the most fun, but in my case they used a newer machine that firmly positioned my breasts but did not "smash" them with any great pressure,  No worse really that when I do a self check on them.  Ask beforehand if they can use the newer 3D technology which takes a picture from each side, as opposed to top down and squished flat.  With the 3D they do not want them done at that angle.  My only problem was when I was told to hold my breath while the ray was going and I felt like giggling.   Be ready emotionally, but not afraid if they also order an ultra-sound check on things as well as the X-ray. 

 

I have a marker chip from my first mammogram experience where they did find a need to do a needle biopsy on the breast and it was shining bright in the picture they took last month, and my results were Normal, which is a relief. The abnormal tissue they had found my first time was benign and no change in 6 years. Today I try to use the story to both encourage and to reassure newer girls to the breast world that this can happen to us, and not to be afraid of having it done.