Carrie Link

Give 'em the Squeeze

I recently had my annual mammogram. I have "suspicious" breasts. Is that overshare? Anyway, I have had two lumpectomies, and now, because these breasts of mine are up to no good, I check them with all the obsessive/compulsive tendencies I lean towards naturally.

As the technician and I chatted merrily, I thought to myself, "What is it about a mammogram that women fear?" She told me the by the time some women come in, they have obvious cancer, but if they'd been coming in routinely, they could have found it early, and easily rid themselves of the disease. Now, I know this is not always the case, that there are weird, fast-growing, out-of-the-blue cancers, but by and large, most can be detected early.

I asked the tech why women put it off?

"Fear of finding something, and afraid it will hurt to have the mammogram."

Fear.

There's that word again.

I told her that personally, I found the whole procedure more comical than anything. You are in ridiculous positions, and your breasts are squished like a pancake, literally. However, it is brief, BRIEF, and the techs have all had their own breasts squeezed like pancakes, themselves. I've yet to meet one that isn't super sensitive, gentle, kind, considerate and sympathetic.

She told me that most lumps are found by lovers. That's great for all the women out there getting some lovin', but for those that aren't, please, check yourself! Really! Give 'em the squeeze! Have a laugh! For a real chuckle do it in front of the bathroom mirror! Make a game of it! Do it. Please. For yourself, and those that love you.