I felt I should post about the mammogram I had yesterday.  No, I don't have any suspicious lumps or other problems (that I'm aware of).  It was just time to get a baseline mammogram done for my own peace of mind.  I wanted to post about it for the benefit of others who haven't had one, and are fearing it the way I did. 

I was sick to my stomach all afternoon.  I DID NOT want to go.  I've never been so afraid.  Those who know me would agree that I'm not a wilting flower, afraid of her own shadow, but the whole mammogram thing...it REALLY bothered me for some reason.  I was scared to death even though everyone I talked to said it wasn't a big thing.  I knew it couldn't be a big deal since millions of women do it every year.  Still, I was convinced I was going to die from the pain.

Thank goodness I didn't have to wait in the waiting area long.  A very nice nurse came to get me.  Her name was Jane and I was immediately comfortable with her.  I undressed, put on a gown and was quickly taken into the mammogram room.  Jane explained to me what would happen, and I should let her know if I begin to feel real pain.  I just knew I was going to be in horrible pain, so I was ready to tell her to stop.  To my great relief, it didn't hurt at all.   Oh, there was a little discomfort, but it wasn't so tight that it caused anything that even resembled pain.  It was just tightness.  After the first image, she asked me if that was too bad.  I asked if that was as bad as it would get and she told me that was it.  I was so happy!  Once I realized I was not going to die during the exam, we began chatting about homeschooling (her daughter homeschools her two children) and about sewing, as I've been planning on buying a new machine.  The whole procedure was easy as pie.  

The best part about the day was that my husband offered to take the afternoon off to take me, even though he is totally swamped with work right now.  I told him I'd be fine, but he knew I was nervous even though I didn't tell him how scared I was.  So, he and the kids took me and I was so happy that they were there.  I really didn't want to be there alone. After the exam, he surprised me by taking me to buy my sewing machine and out to dinner at my favorite restaurant.  How sweet is that?  He worries about me even if he doesn't say so all that often.  I was just thrilled he offered to take me.  I told him the sewing machine and dinner wasn't necessary, but he insisted.  What a wonderful man.  I don't deserve him.

I just thought my experience might help others out there who haven't had a mammogram and are dreading it.  It really isn't a big deal!