Mammograms and Pap tests

Luba · 07-19-2005, 08:07 AM

I am a big proponent of Mammograms and those hideous, invasive Pap tests! My doctor suggested I have a mammogram when I turned forty, and my first mammogram ever showed two lumps, one in each breast. When I had my physical before that, however, nothing was felt! It took six weeks to get a biopsy done, and that's a whole other story, I got the results that they were benign, thank God!
Most women that I've talked with that haven't had a Mammogram, have been terribly afraid to get one because of the scary tactics some women have told them how painful it is!
Guaranteed that there is a squeeze factor involved, but for five minutes of discomfort, it can save one's life.
During that scary process I went through ten years ago and many mammograms through that period, and one now every year, I don't even hesitate for a moment to make that appointment.
Women with small breasts, it's unbelievable what those technicians can do with that factor!
About Pap tests, in the position on those stirrups telling me to "relax" is the craziest thing I've ever been told

Star · 07-19-2005, 10:21 AM

I'm guilty. I have never had a mammogram and haven't had a pap test since kassandra was 2 years old (she's 13 now). The discomfort with the pap test keeps me away and the pain with the mammogram even more so. I don't particularly was my breasts to be squished to the point of pain. that can't be a heathy thing for your breasts!!!!

I really should go get that pap test though. I find it embarassing and very uncon=mfortable. I was once told by an old family doctor to just lay there and pretend i'm laying on a beach. yeah right!!!! How retarded is that!!

I will do the pap eventually but won't do the mammogram.

Stone · 07-19-2005, 10:26 AM

I never had one and i should I lost my grandmother to breast cancer

Maby after I am done nursing I will schedule one

Duke · 07-19-2005, 10:59 AM

I know this is a bit off topic, but I must say that I loved the name of one of the villians in The Naked Gun, Mr. Papshmir

That shows a classic

Merika · 07-19-2005, 12:37 PM

Duke is wierd.

Duke · 07-19-2005, 12:49 PM

I'm not joking, that was his name, I swear it!

Merika · 07-19-2005, 01:37 PM

An exlanation does not make you LESS weird. LOL!

Merika · 07-19-2005, 02:25 PM

Sorry I thread jacked...............

I'm like Star in that I just put those sort of things off.

dogula · 07-20-2005, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Star

I don't particularly was my breasts to be squished to the point of pain. that can't be a heathy thing for your breasts!!!!

It can't be worse than breast cancer, that seems like it would be pretty bad for your breasts.

Star · 07-21-2005, 06:23 AM

I agree, cancer is worse but I still won't go get one. They'd have to knock me out to do it. I really can't stand pain.

Vautrin · 07-21-2005, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Star

I really can't stand pain.

Curious, as you gave birth to two children, if you always had this problem, or that it came afterwards. Can't imagine childbirth being painless.

The surgery to deal with breast cancer is far from painless. It may be on the surgery table, when you are anesthesized, but then you will have to recover.

Why take the risk?

Star · 07-21-2005, 07:07 AM

giving birth was extremely painful and i did have the pain killers to help. You get pregnant, you have to give birth. no choice there.

my choice about the mammo. until they find a better way then squishing the breasts, I'll pass. there is no breast cancer on either side of my family so i'm not at high risk.

Vautrin · 07-21-2005, 07:15 AM

Not all forms of cancer are (primarily) hereditary. For some forms of cancer it is really a mystery what is the cause of the illness.
Don't know about breast cancer, but I do know, that men can also suffer from this illness.

The problem is of course, that all medical technology is somewhat damaging or hurtful. X-rays, chemo-therapy, even the medicines you are taking. Waiting for something that makes testing painless, is like waiting for Godot.

It's not worth it to risk your life over this.