What a Week. Doctor's appointments. Taxes. My 40,000 mile "free" oil change today that cost over $400, thanks to worn out brake pads. Notices of costuming that my girl needs for their upcoming May choir Broadway Follies show. A rapidly approaching retreat next weekend for which I need to put together all manner of Powerpoints and other tech stuff for the worship times and speakers. Unfortunately, the joy and sigh of relief that Friday usually brings is tempered by the knowledge that this is in my day.
Those of you over 40 know exactly what that picture represents! So Friday, while you are prancing around in your new shoes or landscaping, or blogging about your Idol-atry, or wallpapering your house with super-sticky Post-its, or primping for your husband's early return from China, or fretting that grace has been replaced by word verification, or spring cleaning or changing diapers or getting pedicures or eating bonbons or whatever you find to do ---- I'll be You young gals think I jest? Fine, here's a real one:
I had to look long and hard to find a picture of one without either (1) a woman actually being scanned (I didn't want to traumatize you too much! Or get kicked out of the Family Friendly Network!) or (2) a tech standing next to it with a gleeful smile on her face as if she were Vanna White. Oh, and don't worry if you are minimally endowed. They have special training in Tug of War to get you right where you need to be. All while you put your right hand here and your left hand there and your head back there and . . . "okay, now don't breathe!" I'd like to hokey-pokey right out of there!I'll take stirrups at the Gyn's office any day over this!
Seriously, I am faithful about scheduling this every year on the dot. It only takes a few minutes, it really isn't that bad, and it is absolutely worth it. My USA-residing sister had a malignancy 11 years ago and I do not want to follow in her footsteps.
Don't put it off if you are over 40 or if you are younger and have a family history of breast cancer. For more info, go here. It could save your life.
Oh, you are so funny! Thanks for the nightmare-inducing picture. Just had my first one last year!
ReplyDeleteAnd your schedule sounds like mine! Take care of yourself.
Kelli
*shudder*
ReplyDeleteI think I'll stick to shoes and gardens. :))
There's one test I'm not looking forward to.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, truthfully, I'm just thankful we have those sorts of test, as invasive and uncomfortable as they are. They save a lot of lives. It's worth it.
(But still glad I have another four years!)
Best wishes to you tomorrow. They really aren't that bad. Mine have always been painless. I'm glad that you blogged about it to encourage others.
ReplyDeleteoh the annual boob smasher. You will be a pancake, isn't that so encouraging!! :) And I so agree with you, despite the grief, it is a must do every year.....uh...have fun! :)
ReplyDeleteNow I have something else to fear besides the dentist...great :)
ReplyDeleteMay God's peace pull you through your crazy-fun day!
I'm taking a few moments from my primping to tell you that I feel your pain! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI've had two mammograms, and it doesn't make the list of things I love to do. As a matter of fact, it is near the top of the list of things I would prefer to never do again!
But, screening is important, so I'll do it again...and again...and again. Glad to know that you are taking care of yourself given the potential risk in your family.
Xandra
Like I said in another comment::
ReplyDeleteI FEEL YOUR PAIN!!!
I had my first one last fall and for all you youngins out there...it is as bad as we say it is!!!
(Sorry about that, I do have the gift of mercy but God is teaching me to be bolder in speaking the truth!)
Have y'all ever heard Anita Renfroe talk about mammograms? OM word, it is hilarious!
Oh Joy! Always look forward to that appointment! Not!
ReplyDeleteYay! I did the stirrups this week! Once again, our lives are running a parallel path. This is actually a great PSA you've got here. Makes me want to run right out and ... nevermind.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda! Does not look fun. I don't think doctors in Canada start this until age 50. But, I could be wrong. I'm 42 and have not been sent to do one yet.
ReplyDeleteTry not to pack to much fun into one day, okay!
Rhonda
Yep, and they want to smash my painful fibrous cysts into the machine at the same time.
ReplyDeleteAt 50 I've has many.......
Loved this post, it was really fun!
Julie
Oh the joys of womanhood, they are many and varied...
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, your encouragement is one worth heeding.
And I don't actually wallpaper my HOUSE with my much loved super sticky Post Its, just the front of my microwave. Eye level, you know. And the really important DO NOT FORGET notices get a special place at the back door!