Girl Talk... Get That Mammygrammy

(For  Cora) 

Yesterday was my mammogram; something I've been 

doing once a year since I turned 40ish.  

I'm writing about it today for you gals who put it off; to encourage you.  

You.  

My mentor Cora had breast cancer and shared about it on her blog

Hidden Riches From Secret Places. 

I've known others who've had breast cancer- 

One out of eight  women get it.  

I know eight women ...

 do you?  

I know you do.  

Going to the hospital for tests is extra weird these days. 

Walking to the doors of my hospital I found a sign that said to enter 

through the emergency room instead.  

I did ... and was met by a nurse who took my temperature 

and wanted to know why I was there.  

She wrote RAD on a sticker and told me to put it on my tshirt then 

pointed me to Radiology.  

I hadn't went by way of the ER before.  

After registering at the front desk and 

signing my papers, I waited til my name was called in the 

RAD waiting room.  

I struggled with my stupid glasses fogging up with a mask on.  

It wasn't long though and a nurse came and called my name. 

Here we go..... 

We walked down a couple hallways to the mammo room. 

She pointed to my gown and told me to take everything on top off, 

...put the gown on and leave it open in front.  

There's not a lock on the door and I want there to be one.  

Turning my back to it; I glance down at the gown and this package was on top. 

Little gifts... maybe because it's October... breast cancer awareness month.  

I shove them in my purse... and hurry... hoping to finish before she 

walks back in or God forbid someone else opens the door.  

The gown is a size humongous... and I'm holding it closed for dear life

with arms crossed trying also to stay warm if you know what I mean.  

Also I'm sitting on my wadded up bra that's  hidden inside my shirt. 

I stare at the machine and reach into my purse to grab my phone

and take a photo of it to document later.  

Nurse enters.  

Thankfully she's the same tech who has done all my mammo's since I turned 40ish. 

She goes to the counter to get the "stickers" 

Oh yeah; can't forget those things.  

She puts one on each tata.  

We make small talk... even talked about the weather. 

But then I asked her about the ones who don't have any symptoms or signs. 

In my mind and heart I'm thinking about the one out of eights. 

The so many ones. 

I try not to think about the humongous gown that refuses to stay on my one shoulder

with the other side off.  

I pretend I don't care but I care a whole dang lot.  

Then it's over pretty quick and I'm so glad she leaves so I can scurry

with my back to the door; retrieving  my wadded up bra and 

dress fast as I possibly can.  

In the parking lot I find a text from Myguy. 

Praying: (with a red heart)

I smile and jump in my jeep and text him back:

Thanks! It's all good ... 

I think my spleen popped though- smileyface.   

Then I thought of Cora ... a one on my way back  home.  

Sitting down with my journal later in the day I fished out 

the bag of goodies.  The little planner is actually perfect for my traveler's notebook

and is dated from now through 2022.  

I read about early detection.  -- Not just mammo's but all the other tests 

they encourage you to get as you get older. 

I'm encouraging "you" too.   

My date is recorded and when the results come back they too

will be dated inside.  

Then I grabbed my phone, printer and watercolors and 

documented this story.  

I hope it will encourage the women in my family to do what they can 

to take care of themselves.  

When writing I realized I still had "the stickers" on! heeheehaahaahoohoo 

I do that almost every time.  I guess in such a hurry to get out of there...

I forget about them.  

They too are part of this story. 

How rad huh?  haha 

My pink pen is now holstered in my planner.  

One of the last things I sent Cora was a pink fountain pen 

to commemorate her journey with breast cancer.  

This one will always make me think of her.  

Later in the day I picked the pink rose for her.  

I'll sign off with a scripture picture for  her as well.  

This verse is one that was very special to her when on  her cancer journey. 

I remember making a picture for her with an eagle and this very verse.  

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  

They will soar on wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Until we meet again,

<*)))><