Mammogram thoughts

Oh joy. Not only did I have my annual mammogram in December, but then got the call-back, which I sometimes do. Dense breasts and all that. I usually have to go back in, get another mammo, then they still aren't sure so they do an ultrasound. That was the story today. And the worst part is, they don't tell you anything after the ultrasound. Instead, with a sweet smile, the technician says that my doctor will contact me in a day or two. I'm not worried, which should probably worry me. It's just been so many times of this same deal that I've become a little nonchalant about it all. But something back in my little brain warns me that's when something will turn up. I'm just glad I do my mammograms each year and I suppose I'm fortunate to get an ultrasound to make absolute sure of the situation. One way or another.

Today's fun included a few extra views in the smashometer that I have never had before. Three of them involved this cup shaped device they hooked up to the machine to not only flatten things out, but totally pinch the holy hell out of them as well. I don't know about you, but when I'm in that contraption all kinds of things are whirling through my head. Ironically they are usually funny thoughts, not worries like they probably should be. Here's an example: The poor gal who actually has the job of handling women's boobs all day like she's putting a sandwich on a plate, (mind you, my breasts are small so it is like a sandwich and not this huge water balloon like a lot of my gal pals) Then she has to crawl underneath me with one hand positioning my "sandwich" and the left foot pressing on the foot pedal all while in a crouching stance and trying not to get her hair caught up in the contraption. These are the things I'm thinking: "Wow, she's limber." or "I wonder is she's ever slipped and fallen while in that position. Did the patient fall down with her?" or "Does someone perform her mammo or can she play around with the machine by herself?" Can't you just picture a couple of those gals in there goofing around squeezing things in that machine? I can.

So, that's where my mind goes in those situations. It doesn't take long for me to snap back to reality though when I return to the waiting room where several other women wait for their news with somber faces, or wait for yet another check because "things don't look good." I've seen women crying, women walking back into the waiting room just given the news and putting on their best brave face, admitting to all of us total strangers that "it" has returned once again. Gosh, if that doesn't sober you up, nothing will.

It never ceases to amaze me though how once we sit in those thin gowns in that cold waiting area, watching Family Fued together on the TV, we can talk and share with one another like we've known each other a long time. It's this instant female bond, like we're all pulling for one another, and understand one another. I've reached over and squeezed the hand or shoulder of a few women on my way out several times over the years. Sadly it's one of the only places I do that to women I don't know.


Comments

  1. Huge water baloons? Are you referring to me? haha Your post really is thought provoking. Go women! Yes, it is funny how we are all bound together when we all look alike in a small waiting room. I pray that you get a good report. xoxo, Lisa

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  2. I totally relate to you and the dense breast thing! This year they did a few new images of me too. Like if it were not bad enough I was diagnosed with a cancer lump from the ultrasound, had the surgery and thanking God the results came back no malignancy seen. So went for my annual mammo and the woman also did a double breast sandwich squeeze! Imagine both of them with deeper compressions done together on one slide! I actually felt faint after that one. A year I have had. I have it posted on my blog at http://mamascroppingcollections.blogspot.com/

    Thanks for the humor of it all!

    Denise Wells
    mamascollections@aol.com

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  3. Annette tooooo funny, I was cracking up. That cup thing must be new or maybe that for those little pancakes.
    Hoping you get your report quickly!

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  4. Oh dear Annette! I must be truly blessed - as I've not had the emotional experiences quite the way you describe them. Still, I'm glad you were there for your sisters - as we are all truly sisters in these times of great need. (or is it spelled knead?) just kidding.

    Hugs!

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  5. My goodness this post evoked every emotion in me. I'm glad I'm not the only one that has those little funny thoughts when I'm waiting or in an awkward position. I pray that your results come back fine :) Happy New Year !

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