“Don’t worry,” she said. My #Mammogram by Barbara Edwards

I had a mammogram last week and got called back for a follow-up. Hmm. I figured that maybe the tech had a problem since my pacemaker is right above my breast. I wasn’t concerned. Routine, right?

I have to admit this is my first mammogram in twenty years. Okay, I can hear you yelling, but I have had other health issues and that got pushed to the end of a very long line. This year I decided I really needed a base-line. You know, just in case.

This morning the technician was really nice. I asked exactly why the follow-up.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “The radiologist found a lump and several calcium deposits that should be checked.” She patted my arm and a shiver ran up my spine.

Okay. A lump? I didn’t feel a lump! Calcium is good for your bones, isn’t it? What’s with that? I bit down on my emotions. It is not a panic time yet. Be calm.

The ex-ray machine is a fancy piece of equipment. The flat area adjusts to any height and the technician was efficient and careful. She took pictures of my left breast with the wide lens, than changed to a lens the size of my fist. This took focused pictures of a specific area.

The lens was tightened down and it pinched. Not an ouch, but a yow.

So twelve ex-rays later, I waited for the verdict. The radiologist recommends the lump have a sonogram. I know what that is: pregnant women have their babies’ pictures taken with a sonogram.

The nice part is it’s across the hall and will be done immediately. I’m not seating thank goodness since I couldn’t use deodorant today.

Another technician escorts me to a sheeted table and I recognize the machine from a few tests I’ve had in the past. No big deal. Glop on the lubricant and squiggle the hand-held sensor over the right area. So she squiggles this way and that and then excuses herself to ask the radiologist what she’s looking for.

Well. It can’t be very big if she can’t find it. Ooops, not the problem. I have fluid in my milk ducts sloshing around. The radiologist, a really pleasant woman with a nice handshake, takes over. They spend a few minutes examining my ducts and show me on the monitor the liquid moving. Weird.

They find the lump, measure at, and go for the calcium deposits.

The radiologist recommends a biopsy of the deposits since they’re in a cluster. The lump looks benign. Thank you, God.

So I go home. I’m irritable and cranky. Life is a funny journey. I’ve been blessed many times by God sending a serendipitous happening. This is one.

My biopsy is scheduled for next week.

By the way, my manuscript made my editor happy and I’m waiting for the contract. Another happy to smile about.

Visit my website. http://www.barbaraedwards.net

 

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