During my last pregnancy, my boobs became red, like when having mastitis, just that they did not hurt or cause any fever. After giving birth I found a lump (at about 1 month postpartum) and now I have to go through a diagnostic mammo and possibly a US. I wonder if any of you had a diagnostic mammo so soon after giving birth, and if they were conclusive. Also, did you worry about the radiation possible side effects? Thanks for sharing your experiences! I am super scared, as I did not have any mammogram so far (I am 29)...
There was a question very similar to this a couple weeks ago that received some good responses.
Trust your Dr.'s. A lot of women get a mammo and or Ultrasound shortly after birth and all is well.
I wouldn't worry about the radiation.. You likely get more in your daily routine than you do with a mammo.
It is completely normal to be scared. Sending good thoughts to you and I hope you get your issue resolved.
Here's another related question asked earlier this year. Maybe some of this will help you. You can search other prior questions using key words. Hope some of it applies. (This is not the same one posted just a few weeks back.)
https://www.mamapedia.com/questions/9765348968614920193
Most mammograms are benign. I've had gazillions. I get that they're scary when you have a lump - I've had callbacks on occasions and it gets easier when you've had a lot of mammograms and realize how rare it is that there's a major problem.
Do talk more to your doctor. I think an ultrasound makes sense too so discuss options. The radiation is so minimal but you can also discuss if you should "pump and dump" for a day too. Write out your questions, call and say you need to talk to someone, and consider having someone with you to write down answers and make sure you ask everything on your list.
I am older than you are but was called back for a diagnostic mammogram. I went in a bit early and requested to go straight to sonogram. The lady at the front told me that wasn’t protocol. I told her I understood but it was my body and I was respectfully requesting to go straight to sonogram. She said I would have to discuss with the doctor and I said I welcomed the opportunity. They sent me back to sonogram and it was no problem (and the doc never saw me to discuss).
I knew if the abnormality was present in the diagnostic mammogram the next step was sonogram. They determine from sonogram if a biopsy is indicated. My thought was why expose myself to more radiation when the sonogram is a more definitive test.
I also know from working in the medical field that protocol can sometimes be determined by insurance. Meaning your insurance may not pay for a sonogram without a secondary mammogram.
Regarding nursing, I would contact a lactation consultant and ask their opinion about your milk.
Being nervous is to be expected. Hoping everything is resolved soon for you.
Here's the one that was just asked - good answers may help you out :)
This seem to be a familiar question.
I didn't have a baseline mammogram till I was in my 40's and I was way done with breast feeding by then.
So - what's worse?
A little radiation vs the possibility of feeding your child with a possibly cancerous boob?
You get more radiation from a sunny day at the beach - a mammogram is a non issue.
Breasts are often lumpy while producing milk.
Your hormones are all over the place and will be for some time.
If you are so super scared - talk and talk and talk to your doctor until you have the answers you need to relieve your fears.
I would ask for an ultrasound, to be honest. You’re going to squirt milk all over the equipment, and they can very well tell you what you need to know with an ultrasound first.
