Hi, I am so sorry to hear that you feel this way after having your mammogram. Even with the pain, I just don’t see how you can say that you would rather die than to know. My sister n law, grandmother, and cousin are all breast cancer survivors and they were saved through early detection. My grandmother is deceased now, but she lived another 16 years after being treated for breast cancer. That is why I take early detection very seriously! I just had a mammogram today and yes I am having some pain afterwards, but nothing that is going to kill me. I would much rather know so that I can get treated. Lots of women survive after having breast cancer. Check the stats! I pray that you will continue to get some type of scan done even if it isn’t a mammogram. I hope that women are more proactive when it comes to their health. My cousin was in her late 20’s when she went through her battle and my sister in law was in her early 30’s. It can happen to anyone at any age, but early detection is the key to survival! #livewell #testyourtatas
And yet I did feel pain after both mammograms I've had, the first in both breasts for over a week,the second is still ongoing after 4 days in one breast only. My personal view is that excess pressure on the breast irritates nerves, and it is this that triggers the nerve pain, which lasts as long as the nerve is irritated. Which can vary from person to person. I think it's nerve pain because I can feel it in my elbow, which is weird but still real. But denying that it happens is disrespectful to the people who mammograms are supposed to help. And it's pretty irritating.
It is such a relief to find this site. Several years ago I was referred for a second mammogram because the first one was "unclear". The second one came up showing nothing negative. Since the second mammogram my breast has felt different off and on - just not normal - and in the past couple of months it has started feeling even more strange - it feels bigger but doesn't look it, and there are no lumps, especially compared to the other one, and no discoloration or intense pain or discharge. Sometimes it itches around the base, and sometimes just aches. I can't go without a bra at all without discomfort and mild pain in that breast. When I told my gynecologist about it, he said I shouldn't have used the facility in that hospital...."between you and me", he said. Can you believe it?? I asked him why he let me do it there the last time without warning me and he wouldn't clarify. And this is a high-profile hospital. I have since started going to another doctor who has written books on why mammograms are not only misleading but harmful. He has me on a regimen of iodine and selenium for breast health. If I ever have another breast screening, it will be an MRI or thermography, but never again will I subject myself to a mammogram. I have been healthy all my life with no breast cancer in the family, either side, and I am furious that I have allowed myself to be damaged by blindly following AMA recommendations. I will be having an MRI done soon to see what the damage is that they've done to me and if there is anything I can do about it. Best of luck to all of you, and thank you for sharing your stories.