Mammos And Other Things That Are Smashed

I did it! I actually lived long enough to go to my doctor's appointment. I was sure after both my friends Lisa and Susan felt impressed to tell me to see a doctor that I was on the verge of extinction. But no, I am still alive and hopefully well.

I met my doctor--the one that had the least amount of patients and therefore could see me in less than a six month wait. She was nice, soft spoken and appeared to be competent.

She also prescribed a whole slew of tests that she wants me to take for no other reason than that I am old. I left with prescriptions for a mammogram, colonoscopy, lab work, and a bone density test.

Yesterday was my mammogram. I have had an intense fear of them since I had a bad experience many years ago. Since then I have just collected the prescriptions in a drawer--always with the intention of calling to schedule the appointment, but never quite working up the courage to do it.

So after nagging me daily, Susan sent an email saying she felt "imPRESSED" to remind me of the "PRESSING" conversation we had and that if I weren't too "PRESSED" for time, I needed to schedule that. What is more, she offered to go with me to hold my hand--figuratively speaking--and treat me to lunch afterward.

Well, who can pass up having lunch with a friend?:-)

I arrived with Susan by my side giving moral support. (Yes, I know!! I am the world's biggest baby!!:-) Finally I was called back and alone faced the technician.

"Stand here. Lean forward. Drop your elbow. Raise your chin. Hold your other hand out. Relax your arm. Don't move. Hold your breath. Let me know if the pain becomes unbearable."

Six times I went through that routine.

And then I was done.

And Susan took me to lunch where, in honor of the mammogram we ate----Paninis. A wonderful little sandwich that also gets smashed.