This October for breast cancer awareness, I had my first mammogram. I should have had it two years ago, however it is never something that makes the top of my list.
The whole experience is interesting and at time daunting. I arrived in time for my appointment, and had to strip the top half of my clothing.
I was guided to where the imaging would take place. I quickly informed all and sundry that it was my first time and that they would have to explain what is going on.
“Does anyone in my family have cancer?” is the first question asked. I luckily don’t have any immediate family members who have had cancer so I have that in my favour.
So there I was, hugging a machine while the technician rearranged my breast. The pain that I had been warned about was minimal. I managed to withstand the squeeze. The most uncomfortable was the side boob squeeze, as the boob holding tray cut into my side.
As it was October, and breast cancer awareness month, I received a boob squeeze gift (my name for the token gift). I was then invited to sit in a waiting room with other “patients”.
It turned out we were all new timers although I was the youngest one there. And I was happily chatting away and offering encouragement.
And then it happened.
I was informed that an ultrasound would need to done as the doctor just wanted to double check something.
I was then hustled into another room and warned that the doctor would be popping in from a different door, so I shouldn’t get a fright.
The doctor popped in and I got a fright.
“Does anyone in my family have cancer?” is the first question asked. This time I had my answer down pat.
As I lay there, with gel slathered over my breasts and the doctor fussing about with the ultrasound, I couldn’t help contemplating the outcome. I was scared and worried.
Turns out that there were just some cysts that I shouldn’t worry about.
I didn’t get a boob grease gift.