Mammograms be like…

Hey there! So many of you know that I am now a little over 40, which means it’s time for regular mammograms. I have had two prior to this one for precaution after experiencing some breast pain and “a knot” (a term my grandmother would use in place of lump). The first one I had was at a hospital that I never had the pleasure of working in or doing nursing clinicals at, but it was awesome and in my hometown of St. Louis, MO. They had a deluxe counter for multiple concurrent check-ins which helped to expedite the process of your appointment. Then, you went back to a private changing area to put on this long, thick pink robe which made you feel like you were at home. Next, you were sent to an exclusive waiting room with other “pink robed” ladies. This room had a TV with a movie playing and free coffee & hot chocolate. And when I say hot chocolate, it was some of the best I ever had. I was like “I’m here every week” lol. Then it came time for the actual exam where I was taken back to a semi-cold room where I had so many images taken of my “homegirls” that it felt like they had their own photoshoot. Some positions were slightly uncomfortable but I’ll admit that it was not painful like how it had previously been described by my elders. Back in the day, my grandma said “it’s like putting your breast in a vice”. You mean the vice that granddad used downstairs and I used to play with that squishes things like a pancake? It was nothing like that, thank goodness.

My second mammogram was in Cali and, to make a long story short, it was not the VIP treatment I received for the first one. I felt like another number to get in and get out. This one included an ultrasound to get a closer look since my mammary glands are categorized as dense. The sonographer made me feel like it was a waste of time as she quickly said “we didn’t see anything. You just have lumpy breasts. You can get dressed and the exit is to your left”. She might as well have said peace out. And for this reason, for my exam this year, I went all the way back home to get it done. Although it was at a different facility, they treated me with kindness like they cared, it was a very brief wait time, and they thanked me for coming in. During the procedure, I noticed the new clear machine they have. The picture in this post shows exactly how I felt trying to get my “homegirls” to fit between these two clear trays with no other place to put my face besides against the plate wall. All I kept hearing in my head was Sir Mix-A-Lot’s song “Put ‘em on the glass girl”. All in all, it was a good visit.

As I continue to await results, I want to encourage anyone who may be under 40, to not be afraid to do those shower checks to feel for any abnormalities, assess the skin for any changes like rashes or changes in moles, and most importantly for lumps. Also if you have any pain or discomfort, be sure to track it and report it to your doctor immediately. Sometimes you have to be your own advocate and ensure that you are heard and receive the proper care. Ta-Ta for now.

P.S. If you haven’t had a chance, I have some updates to my website including the new logo so feel free to explore and tell me what you think. Also, visit my ‘SHOP’ as there are so many new items added. Remember, there are only 7 more shipping days left for Christmas so order yours today!

Take good care,

Yo! Mama Mesh

(Kimesha Malone)