Thanks to lovely infertility treatments and now HRT (hormone replacement therapy), I seem to have developed an issue with my “girls” where one has decided to have a growth spurt leaving the other one behind. After seeing my doctor at the beginning of the month and having an exam, she wanted to be on the safe side so she sent me for a mammogram. Just when I thought there was a part of the menopausal lifestyle that I was missing out on! So I had my appointment yesterday. I got all stripped down and put on the lovely designer gown to sit in a freezing waiting area. Can anyone else see an issue here?! Luckily they do eventually come around and offer you a warm blanket which of course is only moments before they take you back to the room where the monster hides. Just looking at the machine gave me knots in my stomach. So after a brief chat about my history, its time to strip and have the nurse arrange everything on the little shelf so that my girls can have their picture taken. It hurt so bad! Once the machine squeezed down (and I mean squeezed!) the nurse told me to hold my breath so that she could take the image and in my head I am thinking “how on earth do you expect me to breathe to start with?!” Luckily it is quick and it was over with within 5 minutes or so. She leaves and I get dressed.
Thankfully with the wonderful science behind digital mammograms, I was able to hear my results before I left the building. Everything looked normal (besides the whole asymmetry thing that landed me there to start with–which they reminded me that I was definitely out of the normal range with–as if I needed a reminder–thanks for taking what little self-esteem I had) but they want to keep a close eye on me so I get the luxury of going back in another 6 months for a follow up and repeat mammogram. I’ll have to make sure and wear socks with my sandals next time so I won’t feel so out of place among the old ladies 🙂 Breast health and mammograms are important ladies. Let’s not neglect the “girls!”
