My First Mammogram!

So, yesterday I put on my big girl panties and called the Wellstar Imaging Center at the Paulding Physician's Center to make my mammogram appointment. I was VERY surprised to learn that they had appointments for TODAY, which of course, I took, because given too much time to think about it, I probably would have chickened out.

I am not afraid of the test, I am so very, VERY afraid of the results.

When I arrived for my appointment, I checked in on facebook. I met with the radiologist, who went over the procedures, letting me know exactly what to expect. She told me about the machine. She told me about the squishy I would have to endure. Then, she told me I may get a call to come back. She told me this BEFORE she turned on the machine. Apparently, the doctors like to have two for the base line. So, this put me at ease somewhat, because if I get a call to come back it is only to retake the test to establish a good base line rather than a problem.

After that, she put my boobs into the machine and squished. It wasn't so bad. My husband spent all last night making up stories about how bad it was going to be. "Boobs squished paper thin." "Radiologist taking forever to get to the machine from the booth." Oh, the horror he had me prepared for.... NEVER HAPPENED.

In fact, I was surprised at the whole appointment. It was quick, it was easy, and the radiologist was SUPER nice! As the radiologist was walking me out, I mentioned how it was awesome that I got a next day appointment. She informed me that they take WALK INS! Of course, she told me this as she was reminding me to return every year for another one, so they can track the changes in my breasts and see significant changes.

THE YEARLY MAMMOGRAM IS THE BEST CHANCE WOMEN HAVE TO BEAT BREAST CANCER!!!

When I was done, I checked back in on facebook - less than an hour. In fact, I signed in at the appointment desk at 3:55 PM, went through registration, read 10 pages of Gone With The Wind, survived the exam, and was back in my car by 4:37 PM. I will definitely be back next year.

Thanks for reading! ~ Deanna