My Younger Sister Asked Me To Come With Her To Her First Mammogram Appointment, But I'm Not Sure That I'd Be Comfortable Doing That.

[Whyme551]

OK, when our mom was 29 and we were in elementary school when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and at the age of 32, it took her life. This obviously left a deeply profound impact on me and my sister. So much so that 5 years ago when she was 20 and I was 22 we got tested for the BRCA1 & 2 mutations. I tested negative but she tested positive, and she was so shaken up by the test results that she called me over to her place and wept in my arms for about 5 minutes before she calmed down. Now whenever we try to talk about her risk she tears up. Feeling that she got the short end of the genetic "stick" I promised her that I would stand by and be there for her no matter what. Given her risk factors, her gyno recommended that she start getting yearly mammograms at the age of 25 and given that she recently turned 25, she scheduled her first appointment and asked me to come with her. I asked her if they would allow me in the room given the radiation risk and she said that she already asked and they would be OK with it. I know I promised her that I would be there for her no matter what, but I'm not sure that I'd be comfortable being in the room with her when she gets her "lady parts" examined (and to clarify, I'm her brother). What should I do?

[Tilly2]

Just go with her but don't go in when she has the Mammogram.

[Canary42]

You made the promise, she obviously needs your comforting presence, so bite the bullet and go. Try imagining how she feels with this potential Sword of Damocles hanging over her. And view the whole process dispassionately.

[DaisyNonna]

What's wrong with closing your eyes or looking slightly away from her?
She obviously needs you.

[Peaspeculiars]

Go, please go - she was aware that you would have to see such things when she asked you and obviously is more concerned about other things than you seeing her naked, so please go if you can. I'm sure it would mean the world to her.
Wishing you both all the best.

[Sycamore3House]

If you are brother and sister you should/or do know the difference between boys and girls and having different bits has probably never been a mystery to you. Go with her. If anything is too revealing I am sure the nurses will cover up as best can be and I am sure you will not be ogling your sister. You can always look away to preserve modesty. I know my brother would be there if I asked him to be and we are in our early 50's

[Retrochic]

Having a mammogram is very discrete. You wear a gown and kind of open it up in front of the mammogram -no one sitting behind you will see anything. You should go and support your sister

[Old_Geezer]

"I promised her that I would stand by and be there for her no matter what."

Did you mean it or was that just nice words ?

A bit of comfortableness for you surely palls against the need of your sister for your support. And any case I doubt you'd be in a position to get an eyeful anyway.

Go support your sister, she has asked and is ok with you being there. You'll be a better person for not wimping out and later will be glad you were there for her.

[Old_Geezer]

Darn the spell check !!!!!!
Ok I should have written discomfort not uncomfortableness but even so >>>>>:-(

[Old_Geezer]

"I promised her that I would stand by and be there for her no matter what."

Did you mean it or was that just nice words ?

A bit of discomfort for you surely palls against the need of your sister for your support. And any case I doubt you'd be in a position to get an eyeful anyway.

Go support your sister, she has asked and is ok with you being there. You'll be a better person for not wimping out and later will be glad you were there for her.

[Sqad]

"Go with her"...Fine, just wait outside in the waiting room whilst she has the Mammogram.
What is the point of going into the X-Ray room?

Why is this in Adverts?

[Maydup]

A mamogram isn't invasive, painful or lengthy. Its just a bit embarrassing. But this is your sister who has no Mum or sister of he own. Please be brave and GO with her, if that's what she wants.

[Prudie]

Of course you go in if she's asked. Out of interest do they also test men for this potential genetic increased risk of breast cancer then?

[douglas9401]

"What should I do"

Well, for a start you could move on from 'lady parts'. She's not a self assembly kit.

Stop wallowing and get on with it.