Mammography Post-Tramatic-Stress
During my pre-surgery mammographies, all of the caregivers were gentle, thoughtful, careful, and informative in explaining what each procedure was for, including chip marker injections. I had not experienced much pain other than the expected discomfort with all mammos. September 2024 I scheduled and went for my first full post-radiation mammography.
As I walked into the imaging center, and was given the tablet to update my medical information, I began to feel overwhelmed but continued to proceed to check in, and then suddenly began to shake and cry. Sadly, I was taken into an opened-door waiting room where I was told flat out, repeatedly, there is no other choice other than mammo first then ultra sound.
I was not directed to any counseling or support group. After I collected myself, I was basically escorted out.
I am this month now evaluating to find a new breast oncologist and imaging center (in Middletown NJ area) that can be more supportive of this and other "post cancer issues we are not told about".
I am very grateful now for connecting with so many women here and sharing our experiences. I would like to please learn how others may have overcome this mammography PTS. Thank you.
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Hi @suzannmb63 ,
We’re really sorry that happened. Walking back in for that first post-treatment mammogram can bring up so much, and it makes total sense that it hit you the way it did. You deserved kindness and privacy in that moment.
Many women here talk about similar mammogram anxiety or PTSD — it’s more common than people realize! You’re definitely not alone in that.
It’s more than okay to look for a team and imaging center where you feel more supported. That matters and you deserve this.
We’re so glad you’re here and connecting with others. We hope more members share what’s helped them. 💛
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I am so sorry you went through this experience! And, I wish they had responded in a more trauma-informed or at least compassionate way to your distress. I have been through my own share of medical-related traumas, so I really do get it. I hope that you have a better experience at the new cancer center. It might also be helpful to speak with an oncology-experienced therapist at this point?
I have a mammogram coming up in early April and am abivalent about it at this point because of everything else that has happened over the past year. I'm pretty numb right now other than mulling over a recent appointment with a new Onco that went off the rails. It has me seeking an oncology-experienced or even a trauma therapist at this point.
In case it's helpful for you, I find mindfulness based approaches helpful when approaching stressful appointments. Kristen Neff has a website that offers readers self-compassion practices that you might helpful, and Tara Brach also offers a great deal of support in terms of mindfulness and radical acceptance approaches.
Take care. :)
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Thank you so very much. Now walking through the Medicare door, I have chosen to find a new female oncologist and female gynecologist, primarily to have a new perspective in moving forward, as well as creating a survivorship plan, and helping me with current issues. Also will be looking for an occupational therapist who can help treat peripheral neuropathy. All moving forward and staying positive.
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