Yeah, the sternum press is obnoxious. The pressure of the plates squishing the tit can be uncomfortable. But you are not alone, and the tech is standing right next to you. I imagine there's an emergency release if needed.

Zen, you should be able to take an anti-anxiety med before a mammo. My doc prescribed a Valium before I got this bump excised from my arm, and that required a local.

When I had it, the tech was awesome -- she had a great manner, designed to make you feel comfortable (also she apologized at every step). She positioned the plates and my body parts by hand while she stood touching me, until everything was in the right places. Then she walked to the other side of the room to hit a button or whatever, and then she came back. Very little risk of machines going berserk, and none at all of you being left alone.

I had one in my 40s I think. They supposedly have better less uncomfortable systems now. Mine really was no big deal.

I had one a while ago and am due for another soon (a bit early, but I have relatives on both sides of the family with breast cancer, so my MD agreed I should probably do it a bit more often) and it was a complete nonevent, very fast and barely uncomfortable at all; I think I was in and out from check-in to dressed and back in the car in ten minutes, max (in case any Bayistas are in need but avoiding getting one, it was at CPMC on California in San Francisco -- the tech and the practice were incredibly awesome).

They supposedly have better less uncomfortable systems now. Mine really was no big deal.

This is my experience too. Except the place that did mine (and later did a follow up ultrasound on my blood clot) definitely had a spa atmosphere.

Being awake is so hard today. It's gray and pouring rain again.

Feeling any better, msbelle?

My regulars are fast and easy. I've never had stickers, but the worst part is at a certain angle the machine presses hard against the collarbone, and you have to hold position for the picture. But it's over fast.

Of course for the big needle biopsy they put me on the car lift, so that was fun. Tall table, thin mattress with a hole for the relevant boob to hang through. The table goes up, the doctor goes underneath with the specially sensitive scope to guide the needle, quick punch, she scoots out, the table lower, and you're done. I've only had it done the once, but the memory lingers.

My landscape neighbor and H are planting the container garden today. Apparently the rosemary didn't make it overwinter. Sad now. But as soon as herbs come in at the various nurseries, we'll replant. I'm indoors, chained to finishing this project, and I really would like to go play in the dirt.

I would like Hello Kitty stickers. Like the great ones someone sent me while I was offline. Thanks!