Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Today's Mammogram

I've heard the worst you can hear about mammograms in general.  How uncomfortable it is and how it hurts when you are squished like a pancake all in the name of screening.

This was not that bad.

Believe it or not, the worst part of the whole thing was that the "gown" they gave me was meant for someone at least 3 sizes smaller than me.  And at least 2 cup sizes smaller as well.  Luckily I am comfortable keeping my arms crossed in front of me for extended periods of time.

We arrived about 15 minutes early, signed papers, and then took a seat.  At exactly 9 they called me back, had me strip from my waist up, and then I put on the gown.  I had a locker for my clothes, and I kept the key on me.

I sat in the small waiting room watching something on HGTV for about 10 minutes.  And then the party started.

Since this was my first mammogram, the woman doing it went over what was to be expected.

During a normal screening, 4 pictures are taken, 2 of each breast, and then results are mailed.  Due to the fact that the doctor had felt something, I would be having a diagnostic exam.  On top of those 4 pictures, my right breast had another 3 taken, and then I would be having an ultrasound.  I'd have the results of everything before leaving them.

She was very careful to explain that thanks to modern equipment it would be quick, and I shouldn't be uncomfortable.  There was no longer a need to flatten thing in order to get a clear picture, all I had to do was keep still and that would do it.

And she was right.

There was no discomfort for me, it took about 10 minutes total for all the pictures, and we chatted the whole time.  Her granddaughter is the same age as James, and we were comparing notes.

The pictures were uploaded for the doctor to review, and as soon as he had done that she came in to let me know what was happening and let me know that the ultrasound tech would be in for me.

The ultrasound was a breeze, I met the doctor who was reviewing everything, and he completed 1 final exam manually and then with the ultrasound wand.

All told, I spent an hour there from the time I was taken back to the moment I walked back into the main waiting room to tell A we could leave.

They'd reviewed everything.

"Normal glandular tissue."

Isn't that the greatest thing you have ever heard/read????

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