First mamo after surgury and rad, but still sore and swollen?

hi, I was in the same situation with my first mammogram one year post surgery. My breast was very sore and tender still and I worried enough to call the nurse navigator. She suggested taking Tylenol prior which I did. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as uncomfortable as I anticipated. If this makes sense, I think the evenly distributed pressure made it less painful as opposed to me actually trying to feel around my sore area. Five months after I had a resident oncologist give me an exam and I almost fainted from the pain! He was feeling where I have scar tissue and had such a heavy hand- it was like he was pinching the whole sore area. I feel sorry for his wife/girlfriend! 

I had my one year mammo on October 1st, 11 months after diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation. Radiation ended May 12th. I had no pain or discomfort but suggest that you take a pain relief. I will also say that I have never, to this date, had pain at a mammo SO I would ask the question "Do they really have to squish it that hard?" I think some tend to be over zealous in the procedure. After all they are xraying it - it should be about the positioning of the breast, not the pressure. Maybe I am wrong, but I would ask the questions when you go. My scar tissue was not an issue since because it was gone - why? Well, in July the seroma swoll up with staph infection that eventually broke open and drained all out. It is currently now being packed every other day to help it close up. Nasty thing, but I wonder also if the pain could be scarring related? Now a days I only get shooting pain - like lightening bolts - after they pack the wound. Rather that than some of the other side effects I had.