The Importance Of Mammograms And Self Examinations

The Diagnosis It was a cold day in Utah and I was on my way to the Salt Lake City Regional Hospital for my yearly mammogram. I have no history of breast cancer in my family but I still worried about it, especially after watching my best friend go through treatment. My appointment was in the afternoon so I had to leave work early. My husband offered to go with me and give me moral support since these appointments always scare me. I had a feeling something was wrong and I knew deep down the outcome of this day could change my life forever. After going through this whole experience, it has made me realize the importance of mammograms and self-examinations, which are key in early detection for breast cancer in women of all ages. I lived in†¦show more content†¦I am sitting at the clinic in a blue gown ready for my mammogram and waiting for my name to be called out. My husband is sitting patiently next to me knowing I don’t like these appointments. The clinic is clean and sterile with a big purified water jug sitting in the corner of the waiting room. I decided to have a quick drink before I go in for this painful procedure. A young, attractive woman was sitting across the room talking on the phone. We tried not to eaves drop on her conversation but was difficult because she was talking so loud. I thought to myself, I wonder if she was as scared as me. My thoughts were now running rapidly through my mind. I kept telling myself everything was going to be fine. My name was finally called by the technician and she had the room and machine prepared for my procedure. I sat down and she started asking me several questions about my mammogram history. I am now getting scared because I had to tell her about the lump in my right breast explaining to her I was told it was nothing. She smiled and said she would take good care of me. The mammogram x-ray machine will take digital pictures which will offer a better view of each breast. The procedure began and the pain had to show on my face as I held my breath each time she had to take a photo. In fifteen minutes the procedure was over. I was sent back into the waiting room to be with my husband. Now we have to patiently wait for the radiologist to read the