Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Big Squeeze (Redux)

[In honor of my recent visit to the local IHOP mammography facility, I decided to post this rerun today. Re-posting, I've heard, is a giant blogger no-no, and I understand why. It's the same reason people are bored with episodes of Gilligan's Island; there are just so many times a person can watch the Skipper and Gilligan sail for help on a raft, only to wind up back on the same island. However, in the wake of my recent blogging absence, I decided that something is better than nothing. And having a body part flattened to the thickness of a pancake is most definitely something, even if it is a re-dux. For the record, I'm pretty sure that you are better off re-reading this recycled post about my mammography experience than reading a brand new post about my recent colonoscopy--trust me. You and your Wheaties will be much happier. Apologies to those who may have seen this episode before. Signed, Cathy, aka Mary Ann.]




I had my annual mammogram this week. It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever done, but I would have preferred a root canal or maybe car trouble instead. In all fairness, the hospital does try to make everything as comfortable as possible, and they have a lovely waiting room with a soothing fountain and current magazines. They also issue you a luxurious robe to wear instead of the conventional hospital gown. But, the comfortable part ends there. After a few probing questions, the real fun starts when the technician positions the machine, hits the "squeeze 'til you cry" button, then ratchets it up one more notch. And then she says, "Now, hold right there." Ummm, at that moment, I'm fairly certain that I had no other choice--I have on no top, my clothes are in a room with a soothing fountain, and I'm being held hostage by the jaws of life. I did have to laugh though when the tech told me to relax; I told her that I thought she was really in more of a position for relaxing, and that I was taking care of the grimacing. All was over in about 10 minutes and then I was on my way.

Honestly, it's not that terrible. I have an aunt who is a breast cancer survivor, and have several friends who have been diagnosed recently. I know that early detection is the key. So I suppose it's a necessary part of life, and my husband says that it sounds way better than what they do at his annual exam, where he says that they do much more than ask probing questions.

9 comments:

WeaselMomma said...

I do not look forward to the day I have to do this.

Lori said...

i was just thinking about you this morning...hope all is well with you!!!

Thimbleanna said...

I'm with you -- give me a root canal ANY day!!! Yuck. And that other thing -- I really need to schedule it and I've been putting it off ... Triple Yuck!

Samantha said...

Haha- I'm glad you re-ran this because I missed it the first time around. I "get to" go for mine on Monday- the best part is walking out and knowing that you don't have to do it again for another whole year!

Jann said...

Great post--and all of us women can certainly empathize!

Gina said...

I know it's important - I just had my first. It does seem that they don't have to tug on them so hard or rough to get them into position! Gentle still works!!

Jennifer said...

I've been there and thank you..it's good to always see a reminder..Jennifer

Cindy said...

*sigh* yes....the annual "squish em till ya scream" day, as I like to call it. But as you say, early detection is the key. So, its a necessary evil. Granted a short one, but evil. LOL. Hey...at least during the colonoscopy, you're asleep! :D

-c
yapping cat

Nishant said...

i was just thinking about you this morning...hope all is well with you!!!
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