Mammogram after lumpectomy

I can't help you specifically @Jo_H as I ended up with a mastectomy but I do understand both the scanxiety and the physical pain that a mammogram can cause.  When I went for the one that started all this, I was a mess as mammograms were always been excruciatingly painful.  My first one after the mastectomy, I was really scared.  The best thing you can do is to let the radiographer know what's going on - both that you're scared of the pain and of the result.  In my experience, they take this on board and are as gentle as possible.

Thank you for your kind response @Sister yes I’m going to let the radiographer know although I suspect they’ll realise soon enough as I’m almost certain I’ll be in tears 😭 before we even start. I guess I just have to be brave because I know all too well how important it is! Funny how I can tell myself this but then the scanxiety creeps in..
I will let you know how I go, thanks again 

I went through this in mid November, the lead up was hard, too much worrying on my part. Mammogram was a bit more painful, but the radiographer was lovely and did her best to minimise the pain. I had to have a core biopsy on a suspicious area a few weeks later, thankfully benign. Try not to worry that you’re worried, but it’s ok to be worried...I’m hoping all will be well with you.

Hi @Jo_H, when I was in your situation,I took 2 panadol about an hour before my mammogram. It might help a bit. You might find the ultrasound is worse than the mammo as they roll it back n forwards over your breast. So yes,tell the radiographer up front and she’ll hopefully be more gentle with you. The first one is hard and the anticipation is probably worse than the actual test.Keep busy till Monday.xx

Not a good time for you @Jo_H, as it is quite an uncomfortable thing, both the test and the waiting for results. You have anxiety, and rightfully so. Chances are everything is going to be ok, but your body is preparing you for a dreaded situation. So let it. Don’t fight the anxiety too much, it’s there for a reason. Just tell yourself you have every right to be anxious and worried, and see if there’s anything you can do to minimise it. As the ladies suggested, telling the radiographer is one thing you can do, which will no doubt be very helpful. They’ll look after you. Taking the panadol is another. Doing breathing exercises might help too. Keeping busy. And in the end, just tell your anxiety it can stay if it wants, but you’re just going to continue doing the things you normally would. It can keep you company. Then just do your thing. It will pass quickly enough 🍀♥️

Hi @Jo_H,
Tell the technician of your concerns straight away. I had my first mammogram one-year post lumpectomy a few weeks ago. I always take a couple of panadol an hour prior anyway. They had a new mammogram machine. It was smaller and I didn't have to do such ridiculous neck contortions. Best of all, the technician said the pressure needed was lighter - and it was! No pain, very little discomfort and all over very quickly. Good luck.

The 'scanxiety' is always horrible, particularly on your 1st anniversary, @Jo_H - we've all pretty well felt it.   

Great tips from the ladies ..... whilst they are never comfortable - they should be more discomfort than painful.  Hopefully you get the 'newer 3D machine' (and not the ones used in the mobile buses, which are older.)

Try not to overthink it ..... maybe take a puzzle book or a good magazine with you, so you are 'busy' in the waiting room .... 

Also, check out these 'tick sheets' for you to fill in afterwards (as much for your OWN well being as being helpful for your Surgeon/Onc etc.)  You'll be seeing your surgeon & onc some time soon to go over your MG results ..... and these are easy ways of keeping track of who you've seen when, how you are feeling both mentally & physically, or mention specific pain issues that you want to raise (as mentioned in your original post.) If you don't have it written down and put on the desk, it is easy to forget to mention it during the appointment - and you always remember them when half way home! 
(Just make sure you click on the links at the BOTTOM of the post, not the pics.)

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/21973/questions-to-ask-post-surgery-of-yourself-to-your-specialists-tick-sheets-self-assessment#latest

All the best - I hope you'll be fine xx

@Jo_H I was a mess everytime I thought about my one year mammo and ended up going to a psych. She diagnosed me with PTSD due to the mistreatment I had received from the doctor for my first biopsy (another story but basically no local anaesthetic given). On her recommendation, I wasn't allowed to think about the procedure until three days before it and then I could yell scream cry or whatever. I was to buy myself something I really wanted (a puzzle, good book,dvd, etc) and not use it until after my mammo. I was to promise myself a lovely lunch or dinner after the procedure. I was also to take a relaxant half an hour prior to the appointment. I did all those things and for me it worked. Previously, I had myself all tied up three months prior to the mammo so this was a huge help for me. Do whatever it takes to get your mind off it in the short term. I had a cow of a radiographer who had no respect for my insecurity of being monoboobed, yet I still left the clinic feeling pretty proud of myself. Sending big hugs.

Hi @Jo_H I won’t be far behind you, my 12 month mammogram will be on 1st February 
I have also been thinking that it won’t be pleasant getting the post lumpectomy boob squashed.All the best x 

Thank you all so much for you’re responses. You have made me feel so much more normal and like I’m not alone in this. It’s hard to talk to family about such things as I don’t want to worry or upset them.