Mammogram 2014

11-15am

Yesterday, I beetled off to the X-ray department for a Mammogram. My last one was around August 2011, so it was time. I went with my good friend Riana, which was great. If you are a bit nervous, don’t go alone – take a friend and both have one. The whole Mammogram area at Constantiaberg has been upgraded. The staff are friendly and helpful. There was no waiting time before I was called in. I changed and then was taken to the mammo room, where this amazing, psychedelic machine was waiting for me…

The procedure only take a few minutes. It is not sore. You may find it slightly uncomfortable, but pain is relative. If having a baby is sore then having a mammogram is not sore. While the film is being developed and checked by the radiologist, you are taken to a comfortable little lounge where you can have tea or coffee. If the mammogram is fine, you get told and then you can get dressed and leave. Sometimes, as with me yesterday, the Dr says he wants a routine ultrasound to make sure they are not missing anything. So I went to the ultrasound room and had one of those. Everything was fine, but since my Mom had breast cancer, it’s suggested I have one annually.

Once you have had it done, it’s time to celebrate! So off Riana and I went to Four & Twenty….a lovely little cafe in Wynberg…

We had lunch followed by cappuccino, served with heart shaped biscuits…

Then we walked around the area. It’s Chelsea and is reminiscent of a picturesque country (maybe even English) town…

We browsed through shops and admired all sorts of things. I’ll definitely go back.

So, here are the rules for having a pleasant mammogram experience. 1. Take a friend. 2. Relax and prepare yourself for slight discomfort but not really pain. 3. Reward yourself afterwards!

Remember that early detection is the key to successful treatment and longevity. The lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1:33. That means that 1 out of 33 women is at risk of getting the disease.

Psalm 31: 14-15

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand;

That’s a good thing to remember!

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

Happiness/Gratitude Pic…Granny is coming to life…