October: Means Excitement for the Fall Classic, Marshmallow Pumpkins and My Mammogram.
Mammograms. Since I’ve been getting them for the last decade, the procedure seems pretty routine.
Until you get a letter saying your last one was Abby-Normal. As happened to me last October. Then you freeze, your heart flutters and you can’t write the blog post encouraging all women over 40 to have their annual screening.
No. I didn’t do this post last year after I got my Dear Abby Normal letter. So after my mammo this morning, I resolved to create a picture-filled post of what it’s like to have a routine screening mammogram. Before any results might change my mind. To show you, how really painless it is and encourage anyone feeling any hesitation to call today.
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First of all I must admit. Not many gals (or guys if a lump is found) get to have their BRF, Best Running Friend, as their mammogram technician.
Here’s Kim. Isn’t she lovely. No wonder she was crowned Miss Griffin in high school. I asked her to wear her sash today but she politely declined. I guess mammographers are humble that way.
There she is . . . Miss Morgan Memorial.
Now, you have to fill out a little paper work.
And then here’s the cool part.
Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, our local hospital has a lovely parting gift for those who do the love embrace with the breast press this month.
We get to pick from one of these.
Miss America couldn’t have modeled those any better.
Well, I had to see which one l liked best.
Then when I heard a local woman, and breast cancer survivor, had made 70 scarfs for the hospital to give away. There wasn’t any hesitation as to which one I would select.
I’m a sucker for a pretty scarf and a great story.
So after my name was dropped in the box for the big end of the month give-a-way, I stripped’er down and stepped up to the plate.
Honesty here.
My heart started pittering and pattering this way and that.
It’s wasn’t fun to get that letter last year.
But heck — isn’t that why we get annual screenings? If something is there — something we can’t feel yet — THANK GOD that it shows up in an X-ray. And it can be taken care of.
So if any of you are anxious because of a family history or previous abnormal tests, please press on through your fear and get checked again.
And speaking of fears, Kim encouraged me to post a photo of my X-ray.
“Lots of folks have never seen a mammogram photo before.”
Well, this is coming from a woman who sees so many sets of breast in October, by the end of the month breasts large and small fill her dreams.
And not in a 14-year-old boy’s dreams kind of way.
Kim, a medical professional, is comfortable with exposed breasts. Me, not so much.
Okay. I made the photo smaller because,
I am only Stuart Little brave.
That’s me. Muscle and breast tissue. Fat and water. It’s up for the doctor to say whether there’s anything that needs a closer look.
I bought a t-shirt as well. For there is hope. Hope that one day cancer will only be a thing in history e-books.
Hope for every individual.
For now that hope includes getting your set of girlies in for a medical press and photo.
Have you had a recent mammogram?
I did a great post a while back jam packed with breast cancer awareness facts if you’d like more info.
Linking up with the fabulous Greta@gfunkieds and Sarah@sundayspill for #iPPP.
GOOD LUCK. I’m not looking forward to the mammogram stage of life. Your candor makes it seem less scary, more human.
Thanks Natalie. That certainly was the point of the post. I know there are differing opinions but I’d rather find out a trouble spot before it becomes something I can detect with a monthly self-exam. And women of all ages should try to keep up with those.
Mine is due in November. I will go, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought to describe it as “embracing the press”! lol
Glad you have your appointment on the calendar. And yes. I definitely feel I’m in a contorted embrace with the machine. 😛
So many comments running through my head — best to keep them there.
Well, at least — heaven forbid — you ever need a mammogram. You are an informed patient.
As the current President of the local Morgan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, thank you for supporting our local hospital by having your exam done at MMH! Our own Auxiliary was crucial in purchasing the mammography equipment from fundraising efforts (Festival of Friends and Love Light Tree) we embark on each year. Our local healthcare community really is a treasure that we should all embrace and use every chance we get. Thanks for the nice press!
Thank you Jodie. We have such a wonderful, caring, professional staff at Morgan Memorial. They help take a lot of the angst out of getting a mammogram.
Great post and a public service!
Jamie, I love that you did this. You are a brave soul, and I hope your results come back normal this year, without the Abby in front.
Also, that’s so awesome about the survivor that knits the scarves…good choice.
xo
🙂 Well Barb, even though it is hard for me to believe — lots of women still fear having it done. I can understand being anxious, but to know if something is wrong sooner is so much better.
I do too Jen. But after talking many hours with my running partner, many, many women don’t have mammograms out of fear. And I never used to think about it till my results needed further looks last year. Then I could start to understand the anxiousness.
You’re so much braver than Stuart Little. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Thanks Greta.
I will get my first one next year, the mammogram mobile comes to town once a year and I think it’ll be time at 42.
Great of you to post a picture of the x-ray!
Thanks Kerstin. I follow the motto “do one thing each day that scares you.” Posting that pic satisfied that requirement yesterday.