Mammogram Monday

This week I went in for my annual mammogram.  This should've been my first-ever mammogram, since I turned 40 this year.  At least it only took half the normal time.  Ha!

My first mammogram in 2019 was following up on unusual breast changes.  I was relaxed because I'd been told by a nurse practitioner that it was nothing, and the mammogram itself was no big deal.  At the start of the appointment, I was texting jokes to Jeff, and by the end, I was calling him from the ultrasound room in tears.

When I had my second mammogram, I was already several months into chemotherapy treatment.  MD Anderson insisted that I have a mammogram done at their facility before I could meet with one of their breast surgeons.  After waiting almost three hours past my scheduled appointment time, I remember the gruff technician asking me repeatedly where my "lump" was.  My tumor was multifocal, so I couldn't give her an answer.  I ended up crying and screaming, "My entire breast is riddled with disease!  Look at my PET scan if you care so much!  I'll probably be dead before we finish this scan!" 

At least I don't have to go back there every year.  Austin mammography offices are less intimidating and are always decorated with Art Bras from past years.  I remember thinking, "Wow, I want one of those bras!"  I didn't realize I'd have to go through cancer treatment to get one.

Anyway, if you've delayed your mammogram due to COVID, I recommend scheduling an appointment.  It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ladies.  Time to get it done!