I walked into the Rockville office of the Washington Radiology office extremely nervous, having no idea what I was in for. I assumed there was going to be a considerable amount of PAIN. However that is NOT at all what I experienced.
So, last August I turned 40-yes I'm 40 and still struggling with that number. Part of turning 40 for many women is the scary, sick filling (for me) process of going for our first mammogram.
I was NOT excited about this experience. I had received mixed information from my friends regarding their experience and I was not open minded about the process but I knew it was something I needed to do.
So I arrive, fill out the necessary paperwork and a very nice lady called my name and told me that she would be the tech performing my mammogram. She showed me to a small room, that I could put the typical hospital gown on for the upper part of my body and then took me to THE room.
She immediately asked me if this was my 1st mammogram and with my scared 6 year old voice I said yes and she, with a smile said "Welcome to the Club." Micky (that was her name) did an AMAZING job of explaining to me what was about to happen and what I could expect. First time mammogramers (is that a word) often have to come back for a 2nd round because there is no previous data to compare things. She told me what was going to happen and within 10 minutes I was done. My results will come next week and I will try to remember to blog my results.
My main reason for sharing this information is that we often hear horror stories about going to get mammograms to the point that I was scared to death. I'm not kidding, sweating, sick feeling, the works. I didn't plan on working out tonight because I assumed that I would be curled up in a ball on "my side" of the couch with my blanket. But that was not the experience I had. The staff were awesome and the process was as best as it could be, with little to no pain.
I think it's important to share this information so others know not to be scared. Now I'm not saying it's something I want to do every day but once a year is a piece of cake. I can think of other things that are far worse.
UPDATE: I've already received my results, and all is well, I have healthy breasts!
Thanks for sharing this...I know I won't be as afraid when I have to join the club. And I guess the thing is...even if it is uncomfortable...it is worth it to find something sooner rather than later. Good for you for going...despite the fear.
ReplyDeletePS - Your comment about wrapping up in a blanket on the couch was adorable. ;)