I had a mammogram two years ago after the doctor found a lump in my breast. It turned out to be nothing, but it did warrant a mammogram. It was something I wasn’t looking forward to but knew it had to be done.

I had the mammogram done at the hospital. After checking in through outpatient registration, I waited for my name to be called. Then I went and waited in another waiting room that was right outside of where they performed the mammograms.

Finally it was my turn after a short wait. I had to take off my shirt but was provided a robe-like top. I had to stand up to the mammogram machine while the nurse adjusted the height of the bar on the machine. Next my breast was placed on the tray. Since the mammogram is basically an x-ray, the top plate was then brought down on top of my breast, flattening it out. I can’t lie. It was uncomfortable and even slightly painful. This part reminded me of x-rays at the dentist. At this point, once the breast was between the two plates, the nurse steps wwaayyy over there and takes the “picture.” The process was repeated to get a different angled shot of the breast. Then it was time to do the other breast. All in the all the mammogram didn’t take that long. While it was uncomfortable and slightly awkward, once it was over everything was fine. There was no lasting pain from having the mammogram done.

Unfortunately, the pictures of my mammogram didn’t really show the lump that well. They did a sonogram on my breast to get a better look. At my six month check up, the lump was gone. It must have been a swollen gland or something like that.

My mammogram might have been uncomfortable, but I know it was necessary. The discomfort only lasts for a few minutes and is totally worth it if it can help make a better diagnosis.