I just found out that I have to have a mammogram. They called to make the appointment, but didn't give me any specific instructions. I thought that I've heard once that you can't wear deodorant because it can interfere with the film. Is this true or was I dreaming?
Thank you for everyone's advice... it was my first mammogram and was set up in a matter of days (due to a lump I found) so I wasn't sent any paperwork or instructions. I didn't wear any lotions, powder or deodorant and all is fine!
I had a mammogram when I was 28 years old. I wasn't allowed to wear deoderant. No jewelry, deoderant, bra. Actually, nothing from the waste up, including perfumes, etc. That was a while ago, but the hospital will send you info on what you can and cannot wear. I brought my deoderant with me and put it on after the test. Good luck!
Yes, the deoderant can give the illusion of tiny calcifications on the film. That said, when I had my mammogram 2 weeks ago, I had to work all day, and I wore deoderant. They provide wipes at Karmanos to clean off the deoderant, which I used, and all was well.
Yes, you're right. I'm suprised they didn't tell you that! No deodorant, lotions or powders. (I just had mine last week) :) Good luck!
If you use the Olay body wash with shimmery stuff built in (ribbons or whatever), don't use it that day. It showed up as sparkles on the film and I had to have extra filming because of it.
Also, since many facilities don't give you much of a choice as to whether the mammogram is scheduled around your period or not, I take some ibuprofen beforehand to lessen the pain.
I'm not so sure that it's more painful if you're blessed (or cursed) with excessive "cuppage", but it's more a matter of whether that tissue is dense. The denser you are, the more they have to compress is to get a good image.
I'm assuming this is your first, so it's a baseline scan. From then on, the techs will have something to compare when you go in for others. Try to relax....it is nerve-wracking but it's better to face a little squeeze now than the alternative.
That's true. No powder, lotion or deoderant. Typically, the Dr.s office will make the appointment for you, then the facility will call you to give you instructions. If not, don't hesitate to call and ask the staff that does the mammography screening.
~L.
LOL...it has nothing to do with the next person in line not 'liking' the smells your deo., perfume, etc leaves behind...anything that touches the machine must be wiped clean between patients! It is because the chemical compounds of these products can actually show up on the film and interfere with the interpretation by the Radiologist. Just an FYI!
You're right, A.. No deoderant, and no lotions under your arms. I've had several mammograms and they're no fun, but the girls are always very sweet and concienscious, so that helps.
D.
You're correct - - no deodorant and no powder. If you forget and wear some they usually give you a wet washcloth to take care of it. Wear a top that's easy to take off. Has anyone warned you that it can be a little painful? The breast is pressed between two glass plates to be as thin as possible so there is quite a lot of pressure applied. Good luck. We'll be praying for you. N.
A., I am surprised that you where not given more instructions. My Doctor's office always give me my prescription for the Mam and a form telling me no deodoarant or powders of any kind and to arrive 15 minutets early to fill out the medical forms.
I had one this past winter and I've never heard of that. I wasn't as bad as the horror stories. It feels very similar as the pressure when you are getting your blood pressure taken. You know that point where it is so tight that it's starting to hurt? That's what it reminded me of. I had a great tech and we just kept talking so it took away the strangeness of her moving my breast where they needed to go. Good luck!
Hi A.,
Yes, when I had mammograms, they told me to not use any deodorant. I'm sure that it isn't because they like smelly people, but probably because most deodorants (anti-perspirants) contain aluminum, which could interfere with the image (would look spotty). Good Luck- I hope everything is OK. Too many young women are getting breast cancer these days- way too many chemicals in our lives. The latest studies indicate that perhaps 90% of breast cancers are caused by 200 chemicals that we use in our everyday lives, and drinking chlorinated water is another no-no----use a filter to get the chlorine out. For safer, green household and personal care products, please check out my Mamasource business, M. Goes Green! Best of luck with the mammogram.
M.
You are correct. You can use the all natural ones though. The one by Jason works great.
Everyone is different and although I have a pretty low pain tolerance, this was the easiest procedure I have ever had. I was a nervous wreck, thought it would be really painful, etc., and went in to have the mammogram anyway. When they said, "you're all done", I thought they were kidding. It didn't hurt at all. I wasn't even sore afterward. I hope it goes this well for you! I think it depends too on how "firm" your breasts are if it hurts or not.
NO deoderant, powder, lotions, etc.
Yes you and the others are correct....no deoderant, lotions, powders etc. But they do have little wipettes to wash it off in case you forget.
Try to schedule it for a time when you are not having your period if your breast are tender or sore during that time. It just makes it a little more comfortable for you.
Good Luck.
M.
You're correct. I've had mammograms before and was told not to wear any deoderant/antiperspirant. They will probably send you info on it. They might provide baby wipes to wipe it off should you forget and put some on.
They'll probably send you directions in the mail with all the details.
Also, please know it's not as bad as everyone says it is. It's a bit uncomfortable generally.
Sending good thoughts your way, S.
I just made an appointment for myself. No deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume.
I just had my first one this year, you are correct no deoderant. However, if it is late in the day what you could do is wear it is as you normally would all day and then wash your underarms and change your shirt and bra to make sure it does not cause a problem (with residue).
I am not sure where you are having yours but once the tech realized it was my first time she was so caring and understanding. Walked me through everything, and even explained they may call me back for another one because they have no film history on me and need a better look at it. She reassured me if this happens it is 99% chance of nothing. I really appreciated her care, she was at Beaumont in Lake Orion.
No perfume, no powder, no deoderant. Its so that when you are having the test that none of that gets on any part of the machine so that maybe the next person won't have to smell something that they might not like or maybe allergic to.
It's not as bad as alot of people make it out to be.
Good luck and God Bless,
Cindy
A.,
They do have wipes for deodrant when you get ready for the mamogram. This must be a first for you. It is nothing to worry about. I was kinda that way with my first last March. It is nothing. It is a squeeze but not bad. To it depends on your size I suppose. Larger ones maybe more painful. The day of the mamo I just didn't wear deodrant and also used the wipe. Nothing to it!! It is just one of those procedures we need to do as women.
Good luck, M. H.
Yes that is true. Where I went they had a wash cloth to wash it off if you forget and wear it.
They usually send info to me with my reminder, but, no, you shouldn't wear deodorant or powder or lotion before the test.
I think no perfume or deoderant and leave your jewelry at home. They should send a list of dos and don'ts with your appt. confirmation. Don't drink caffeine the few days before and don't schedule during your period as these will exacerbate any discomfort.
Yeah, it's true. I always take a shower right before I go so that there isn't any sweat build up under my arms. No deodorant, no lotions or oils either. Lotions and oils can help you slip out of the machine making it possible you'll need more films taken and that's no fun. It doesn't take very long to actually take the films, it's just a bit uncomfortable especially if you're a little more well endowed. Most likely your doctor just wants to have a base-line mammogram to compare with later one's you'll end up doing.
Good luck - S.
Hi A., Yes it's true. It could show on the xray as something, and then of course there would have to be further tests to make sure that's all it was. Good luck with your test.
You are not dreaming. Women are not supposed to wear deodorant for mammograms, but if you accidentally wear some, the lab usually has towelettes to wipe it off when you change into your "gown".
About me: Sixty year young grandma who gets annual mammograms.
You were right - no deodorant because the aluminum salts in it
interfere with the film. Another no-no is talcum powder for the same reason. The mammo department usually offers spray
deodorant when you're dressing after the exam or you can carry
along some of your choice. Good luck. M. B
Hi A.,
Deodorant can show upon the xray and be mistaken for calcifications. That is why you are not to wear deodorant. The centers I have been to provide the deodorant wipes for you to use afterwards, they are these little packets that look like wet ones, that have deodorant on it, if you choose to use them. I don't know of other instructions, but you can call the center where your mammogram is being done and ask .
Nope! and no lotion or anything
