Follow-Up Mammograms

Posted by mjay @mjay, Nov 18, 2020

Hi, I recently had my one year post surgery MRI and mammogram tests. I had a mammogram at 6 months, which reopened my still healing scar. I've had a real go of trying to heal the scar likely due to some vitamin deficiencies and mostly due to the precarious positioning of the scar abutting the nipple causing a lot of irritation putting it mildly. After this mammogram my breast is extremely tender with a few shooting pains. I'm just wondering if others experienced something similar, understanding everyone's scar location and healing may be different. I just want to put this chapter behind me, but talk about literally opening up old wounds....it causes all the anxiety to start over again. Thanks for your comments.

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@mjay
That sounds very painful and frustrating. Have you made an appointment with the surgeon to examine it and perhaps come up with a plan to resolve the issue? That's the person who I would see.

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@mjay
Mine still hurts a bit after a year. I use Calendula cream on it by Boiron as well as Arnica cream, but there are a number of companies that make this. It was explained to me that the sutures underneath take a while to settle in or dissipate. When you next go for your mammogram, ask the technician to kindly hand roll the machinery down instead of using the electric pedal, that way it won't be as painful. I had to have a mammogram after about 2 months following radiation and was in tears with fear about the pain involved. My tech was so wonderful and kind and told me that she would do this differently - what a big difference that mammogram was. I hope all goes better for you.

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I had a fall in the hospital that opened all the stitches but we werent aware until the swelling went down two months later. Then covid hit and I didnt get a repair surgery until May, another 3 months later, then radiation which was at the 6 month point.... I understand what you are going through. YES, the pains stick around for even up to 2 years. I have large breasts, so the healing is slow... I also have my one year in Jan-unless covid ruins that one to. I am hoping for a gentle nurse.... You will be fine, but I held off on the exercise because I was so afraid I would do damage, and that slowed the healing even more...... You can do this. The body is a miracle thing.

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Oh, I’m sorry you had an additional complication requiring more surgery. I hope you’re on the mend now.
I am very small but still had all the trouble healing and there’s not much to squish in the mammo, but it did a number on me. You would think they could do a mammo by putting something over you, not squishing down. Oh well, we girls can dream! All the best to you!

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@trixie1313

@mjay
Mine still hurts a bit after a year. I use Calendula cream on it by Boiron as well as Arnica cream, but there are a number of companies that make this. It was explained to me that the sutures underneath take a while to settle in or dissipate. When you next go for your mammogram, ask the technician to kindly hand roll the machinery down instead of using the electric pedal, that way it won't be as painful. I had to have a mammogram after about 2 months following radiation and was in tears with fear about the pain involved. My tech was so wonderful and kind and told me that she would do this differently - what a big difference that mammogram was. I hope all goes better for you.

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Thank you for the advice and your kind words.

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