I donned one of my cute scrub tops this morning, pulled up my hair in a adorable left over do from the day before. I had worked until 11pm, turned around to come back a 7am today.
Oh, plus I had make up on. Makeup rarely happens on a daily basis. Today was a special day though. Why?I was having follow up mammograms and ultrasound of both breasts. Hoping a cute do and make up would distract from my, " itty bitty.........'s."
I had my first mammo 1 week ago ( I turned 40 last Aug).
Until yesterday, I thought no news was good news. Then the call came in from the hospital yesterday. Seeing the number on the caller id, I was worried that I had written down the wrong time for my shift or that I was getting called in early for work. I knew exactly what was up when I heard the woman's voice, " Hi, Suz. This is......" No need to tell me who and where you are calling from. I know your voice and exactly where you are calling from. This very kind and loving lady works in radiology at the hospital with me, different department though. She proceeds to tell me that the radiologist would like me to come in for some additional imaging. You know how you worry and worry about test results, it had been a week. I had almost forgotten all about it. That phone call is a heart stopper. She says," don't worry." What? Excuse me.
Of course when I got to work that day I cornered a couple of Rads ( radiologists) to go over my mammogram with me. I didn't mind so much looking at my breasts with them. After all they were just x-rays right. I look at peoples parts daily with x-rays. I do CT scans.
No biggie, um until it is your parts.
The radiologist really set my mind at ease.
Did you know that first timers usually have to come back for additional imaging. I didn't.
They like to get a good baseline and rule out any questionable areas. So that when the next years squishing is done they have something to compare to.
So, after getting grabbed, squished, and flung around by another co-worker last week; I get the pleasure of doing it all over again. What are the chances that it will be done by the same mammographer.
Plus, yet another co-worker from ultrasound gets to see' em too. Thank goodness the ultrasound tech is of the female gender.
Worse yet, a radiologist, whom I work with on almost a daily basis gets a looks see too.
Oh, to have only a penis or a prostate.
The squishing and compressing ensued. Yes, by the same tech as before. I really didn't want the whole department "seein' mi chest." She took 4 additional views. Then set me in the waiting room. Dang, one more. I must admit, I started to worry a bit then.
Finally, almost done. I get called back to have the ultrasound.
Isn't it just so convenient how those gowns open right up to see everything. As I said before, I knew the ultrasound tech. We chatted away about trivial things.
I told her about when I discussed my first mammogram experience with my husband. He didn't know that I had never had a mammo before. I told him that age 40 is the usual age to have your first.
His response, " Boy, you are old. Did dust squirt out when they squished 'em?"
Yes, I still talk to him. He makes me laugh.
The ultrasound tech laughed as well.
She then called the radiologist to come in. Finally, the last of my co-workers to get exposed to. She then in a professional manner attempts to introduce him to me. As if we didn't already know each other. He cut her short, rude.
He explained every thing to me. All the while he looked directly in my eyes or the ultrasound screen.
Whew, I am glad that is done. I clean all the gooey ultrasound gel of my boobs, there I said it, and go back to work.
All in all it was not a bad experience. Everyone was very professional. Thanks!
A few a hours later. Even after all the events of the day I was still feeling pretty cute. Remember I had my a hair up and make up on.
I am walking to a near by sandwich place to grab some lunch. It is sunny, I am happy and now totally relieved that all the tests where negative. I am smiling, at peace with myself.
I happen to walk by the bed of a truck, that had 3 construction workers lingering by eating their lunch. As I walk past I hear comments. Those that make a woman in her 40's feel good about herself.
"Wow, they are talking about me!"
I think to myself, "Aw thanks guys, " smiling bigger and almost giggling. "
Then to look up and see another woman, a bit of a young thing, in front of me. Short"70's" style shorts, long legs and " ugg boots" with tube socks yellow stripe and all. Top it off with a tight fitting shirt and what has to be " fake boobs".
"Aw... thanks guys!" Never mind.
But definitely, aw... thanks to no bad news about my boobs, other than they are...
" itty, bitty, old and saggy."
Yes little things can sag too.
So watch out men...
My female friends, please go get your mammo done. Early detection is the best protection.
We will be having a "White Christmas!"
...throw all over the place.
Ha Ha, I love it!!!
Easter baskets and a egg hunt at Grandma I's.
