Yesterday I went in for my annual mammogram. It's my third year to do this. It's not too bad, especially compared to other medical appointments I've had in the past. This appointment involves you and another woman who gently positions you so you can get your pictures taken. (Ok, x-rays, not pictures lol.)
I know women put this appointment off. Please don't. Please make time for it. Get it on your schedule. Get it taken care of. Early detection can have a big impact on prognosis.
At the beginning of my appointment, the woman apologized for the computer being down and needing to ask me some questions. So of course, she had to ask about my family medical history and then my own medical history. When I shared that I had five failed fertility treatments, she immediately said, "I'm sorry." And you know what? I believed her. I didn't feel pitied, and I didn't feel dismissed; I just felt that she was truly sorry that my treatments failed. We didn't talk about it in further detail, but I appreciated her comment. I said, "Thank you for saying that."
She continued, "I don't have children, but I never wanted any." And, honestly, it's always a breath of fresh air when I meet another woman without kids. Having no shame I immediately said, "You don't have kids? Do you want to hang out?" Hahaha. She didn't take me up on my offer, but we both agreed that everyone we knew was busy raising children.
And that was it. A couple of questions. A couple of pictures. And hopefully I'm good to go for another year! If any problems are detected, then I will move forward with that new information.
So there's your friendly reminder: get your annual mammogram please!
Yesss, squish those boobies! And if you're old enough, get your colon scoped.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have an understanding person who didn't pity, who just said "I'm sorry" and didn't tell you you still had time or that you can always adopt or some other "solution." It is lovely to find other people without children out there in the world, and people who acknowledge but don't try to solve the loss. I hope everything is all normal, such a relief when you are screened and it's a-ok.
That was it! She didn't follow up with any "solutions." How refreshing.
DeleteI'm glad you got yours! And that you had a woman who was compassionate running the procedure.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get them annually here - but I get mine whenever I'm due! It's so minor compared to all those fertility related procedures, some of which were humiliating in the extreme. But so important. (As one of our fellow bloggers knows.)
Yes, exactly. <3 <3 <3
DeleteNaturally, this little Lamb is pleased you got your mammogram ;) we have them 3 yearly here, except I will be having mine yearly now for the next 5 years after recent events; then I will pay privately to have them continued annually. Purely because I think 3 years is a long time to wait and I certainly don’t think I could wait that long ever again!
ReplyDeleteAnd isn’t it nice to not feel pitied or patronised or hear empty words when you say you don’t have children? Glad you had that experience.
Yes, it was a really nice experience. So brief, but I felt seen and not pitied.
DeleteThree years does seem like a long time in between. I'm making it an annual habit. And I'll keep encouraging loved ones to do the same. <3
It's every two years here. I've never quite understood why some people think it's such a big deal -- I mean, it's not exactly FUN, but it's over and done with very quickly, and the reassurance of a good result gives me such peace of mind. (And even if it's not a good result, the earlier you catch something, the better!) I'm glad your tech was so nice too!
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