Mammogram
Aug 14th 2008, 10:25 pm
#31
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 135
Re: Mammogram
When I turned 45 I registered for my 'freebie' mammogram and waited and waited for an appointment. I phoned and got told I was on the waiting list and it would happen, but the queue was fairly long. Next thing I discovered a lump, went to the doctor and got sent for a mammogram, which I paid for privately. I don't know what would have happened if I'd gone through the public system re waiting times.
Anyway, had the mammogram, followed by an ultrasound, then a biopsy. The radiologist/doctor that did the ultrasound was horrified that I hadn't been going for annual mammograms and an ultrasound every second year as she said that was the optimum screening procedure.
I pointed out to her that no one (being my GP really) had ever given me this information and she said "I doubt they're allowed to as it goes against Ministry of Health guidelines".
I was disgusted at that. Surely we should be given the choice of whether or not we want to have a certain level of screening carried out.
Rant over.
Anyway, had the mammogram, followed by an ultrasound, then a biopsy. The radiologist/doctor that did the ultrasound was horrified that I hadn't been going for annual mammograms and an ultrasound every second year as she said that was the optimum screening procedure.
I pointed out to her that no one (being my GP really) had ever given me this information and she said "I doubt they're allowed to as it goes against Ministry of Health guidelines".
I was disgusted at that. Surely we should be given the choice of whether or not we want to have a certain level of screening carried out.
Rant over.
Aug 14th 2008, 10:31 pm
#32
MODERATOR
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Province of Vicenza
Posts: 19,035
Re: Mammogram
BRAVA ---- BRAVA ------- BRAVA -------- BRAVA ---------- BRAVA
Aug 14th 2008, 11:30 pm
#33
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,285
Re: Mammogram
Just had a quick peek at the Siemens website and they describe the Mammomat 1000 as a 'mid-tier' piece of equipment so I would expect it has a few 'bells and whistles' but not the whole range of fancy bits.
The clear plastic bit you mention is known as the compression devise (la-de-da!) as it basically squashes - gently!- the breast against the lower 'plate'. The x-ray film cassette will be in the bottom piece - you will notice the radiographer change this after each picture.
I found it took a while for me to get used to grabbing other ladies boobs but you soon view it as a technical exercise - you have to get all the breast tissue on the picture so the more thorough you are at positioning the breast in the first place (by pulling it around a bit) the better image you obtain. You also learn to lean a little into the lady's back so that she can't reverse as the compression devise is used!
The clear plastic bit you mention is known as the compression devise (la-de-da!) as it basically squashes - gently!- the breast against the lower 'plate'. The x-ray film cassette will be in the bottom piece - you will notice the radiographer change this after each picture.
I found it took a while for me to get used to grabbing other ladies boobs but you soon view it as a technical exercise - you have to get all the breast tissue on the picture so the more thorough you are at positioning the breast in the first place (by pulling it around a bit) the better image you obtain. You also learn to lean a little into the lady's back so that she can't reverse as the compression devise is used!
When I phoned the Breastscreen NZ helpline originally before telling me I wasn't eligible...the woman said 'I've phoned to make your mammogram appt...when the time comes blah blah...'....when the time comes? So I'm guessing I may have ended up going privately even if she hadn't knocked me back (rightly or wrongly?).
So don't put it off..either way..it's no big deal.
Aug 17th 2008, 3:16 pm
#34
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Bethlehem, Tauranga
Posts: 390
Re: Mammogram
This is a message from the heart - please DO NOT delay going for a mammogram - ALWAYS find the time.
My best friend lost her fight with breast cancer aged 40 & died within 9 months of being diagnosed. And any preventative measures offered should be a PRIORITY and grabbed with both hands.
JUST DO IT x
My best friend lost her fight with breast cancer aged 40 & died within 9 months of being diagnosed. And any preventative measures offered should be a PRIORITY and grabbed with both hands.
JUST DO IT x
