A Very Squishy Public Service Announcement

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I'm rerunning an old post I originally published last fall.

This summer I got a birthday card from my health insurance company.  "Congratulations!" it read.  "You're 36!  To help you celebrate, we'd like to pay for you to have your tender anatomy squeezed into shapes flatter than God ever could've possibly intended!  Happy birthday!"

I'm kidding.  It actually said something about "being responsible with your breast health," and "getting your first mammogram" and I thought with great thankfulness that I was glad my health insurance takes preventative women's health seriously.

And I also thought that I would've enjoyed a Sonic gift card a lot more.

But I'd been doing my homework, and I knew that having a mammogram in your mid-thirties is a very good idea, even if you don't have a family history of breast cancer.  It hopefully gives you and your doctor a healthy baseline for later mammograms, in case future problems arise. 

Since I know that many of you reading this are my age or younger, and maybe you've never had a mammogram yourself, I thought I'd use this as an opportunity to be frank with you about what a mammogram is really like.  Knowledge is power, right?  I'm kind of a wimp ("kind of?" says my husband), and I was a little nervous about the test.  You hear horror stories now and then--were they true? 

So here we go.  Frankly.

In preparation, they tell you not to wear any lotions, perfume or deoderant before you test.  (No worries on my end, though I'm not sure I can say the same for the moms around me at preschool drop-off).  Deoderant can cause false positives, they explained, so it's an important guideline to follow.  Another good piece of advice?  Check your calendar and schedule your mammogram at the point in your cycle when you're least likely to feel tender.

I arrived at the House O' Squishing this morning.  I checked in at the front desk, and they handed me a pink lapel ribbon and a pink bottle of water.  Then I sat down on the pink sofa to fill out my pink paperwork while sitting next to a pink sculpture of two breasts.

Evidently, they were going for a bit of a motif.

The tech (would you like to guess the color of her scrubs?) called me to the back, and she had me undress from the waist up.  She gave me a pink and white floral poncho for a cover-up, because you know that nothing restores your dignity like a pink and white floral poncho.

After I changed, the tech led me into the exam room, where two additional techs were waiting.  There were three of them.  Three?  I gulped.  Good grief, does it take three of them?  Does someone have to hold me down?  They must have seen my flicker of nerves, because they warmly laughed.  The woman, who was clearly the Squisher In Chief, told me they were doing some training today.  Squisher In Chief told me that she's a mammography educator who has been teaching at MD Anderson in Houston for 20 years.  She was there to train the other techs about the latest techniques for "getting every possible bit of tissue in the scan."

Alrighty then.  This sounds like fun.

Off came the poncho, and the (three!) techs applied (pink!) stickers.  They're locaters, they told me, to help the radiologist know what's what.  I think there's a punchline there, but you'll just have to go for it yourselves.

The scanner itself was not what I expected--you know, no skulls and crossbones or piercing, vibrating electrodes.  It looked less like a torture device and more like a popcorn popper.  The squisher panel (that would be the technical term) on top appeared to be made of acrylic, considerably less scary than, you know, the cement block I had envisioned.  The corners were rounded, and the machine (despite the horror stories I'd heard) was pleasantly warmed. 

Squisher In Chief began positioning me on the popcorn popper.  There was no room for modesty in that scan room, but that's okay.  These women were there to do a job, and that requires a good bit of, um, handling.  The Squisher In Chief and I are verrrrrrry intimate now.  But she was professional, and remarkably, she kept me at ease the whole time.  And I felt some comfort in knowing that this was going to be thorough.

So.  The moment of truth.  The positioning was over and the squishing began.  And you know what?

It was no big deal.

Even though the Squisher In Chief was there for extra thoroughness, and even though I'm a wimp, and even though (I'll be honest) I've had thicker pancakes than that...IT WAS NO BIG DEAL.   The squishing was tight, but there was no pain.

They squished me four times (two on each side), and none of them hurt.  The entire process, even with the extra training The Chief was doing, was done in under ten minutes. 

When it was over, and I was straightening my lovely poncho, I told The Chief that I was a blogger, and I'd probably write about this.  What, I asked her, is the one thing she'd like women to know about their breast health?

She didn't hesitate.  "Tell them not to depend on just a mammogram or just a self-exam.  The process is three-fold:  they must have mammograms and BSEs and have manual clinical exams by a doctor.  There are some tumors we can feel but can't see.  There are some tumors we can see but can't feel.  You must take control of your health and do all three, faithfully."

And there you have it, straight from The Chief.  And I'm vouching for her, because she and I are verrrry intimate.

She went on to tell me that she had scanned women who were having their first mammogram in their 80's, because they had been too frightened to come in earlier.  And I'm telling you, that is just a shame, because there is nothing to fear about a mammogram.  Breast cancer would be way scarier than a little squish.

Call your doctor or health insurance company to find out what your options are, even if you're under 40.  If you don't have health insurance, Google "free mammogram" or call your local hospital to ask what resources are available. 

Be strong.  Be squished.

Comments

[Christi]

I had my first mammogram last year and it really wasn't as bad as I had feared. Plus I got to go somewhere without my kids. Now I love my kids but I don't always get to go to the bathroom by myself (ok, I usually don't go to the bathroom without someone wanting something vitally important.)

Great post!

[Jean]

Thanks for your sharing your experience. I had a baseline done at 35 - my aunt who had recently discovered she had breast cancer was insistent upon it, and thankfully my dr & ins co were agreeable. You are right that it wasn't nearly as bad as everyone else had made it out to be. And I'm sure it's way less uncomfortable than having breast cancer.

[Melissa]

Had my first at 23. I found a lump while eight months pregnant with my son. The OBGYN wanted to write it off as a clogged milk duct because I was pregnant. I listened to him (because I was young) and let it go for two months. When my son was one month old I went to a specialist and had the mammogram. It was NOT a clogged milk duct. Had to have it removed and luckily it was benign. I've had mammograms yearly since. I'm now 36. They really are no big deal. I don't find it even uncomfortable. Well except for the fact that every year I have to let yet another new person see them. lol

Moral of the story it's never too young to have a mammogram. And if my very tender, nursing breasts could handle The Squisher anyone can do it. :)

[Amber@theRunaMuck]

This is so great, Shannon. I don't know if I'll be able to forget "Be Strong. Be Squished."

[Eva]

Squisher in Chief. *giggle*

[Beth B.]

Thank you for posting this and sharing your story. You always hear how awful it is but my story is the same as yours - it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. Women need to hear that more often. And also thank you for the reminder to call and get mine scheduled.

[Kathryn]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm 27 and was not looking forward to it even though I have a few more years. I think it's funny how everything is pink. October is my favorite month because everything comes in pink but the pink sculpture sounds like overkill! :-)

[Leann]

wow! thank you soooo much for sharing that! I'm turning 30 in a matter of days, and lately I have been mulling over just how close I'm getting to some of those really not so fun tests. What great insight, to know that it's not as bad as 'they' say.

I'm going to put 'call and find out how early I can get mammogram with insurance coverage' on my to-do list.

[Jennifer McGuire]

This was a great post! I think mammograms and a colonoscopy are two of the scariest things but you put in in perspective....oh...and don't worry...no one expects you to blog about the latter. LOL!

[pendy]

Timely...I just had my squishing done this morning! We get to wear waffle weave robes now, although I have done my time in the pink poncho!

[Linda Sue]

Hooray for brave women - I'm MUCH older than you and have been squished poked and prodded over many years. Recently - due to inability to GET health insurance have had to rely on free mammograms and found a wonderful program our county sponsors. Totally free - no income level or anything to qualify and they treated me like it was their honor to do it!
Don't be afraid of the squishy and for goodness sakes y'all get your colon health checked on also -

[sarah]

reading this made me giggle but also squirm, especially the 4 squishes, though you are very true, squishing is better than cancer.

[Monique in TX]

Hahahaha! I had mine this morning. I think the tech trained at the Torquemada School of Mammography. It *hurt*, but it was still infinitely preferable to surgery or chemo.

[Princess Lei]

I had my first at 23/24 (wow...has it really been almost 10 years?!!) due to a lump under my arm, near the arm pit. Nine months, a chest CT, a breast sono, multiple exams by the doc, lots of antibiotics, anti-virals, and anti-fungals later, they removed a benign lump. And then another the next year. The third showed up a few years later, but disappeared after I breastfed my firstborn (a breastfeeding miracle!).

I think I still have the letter from the hospital saying "you're clean, come back when you're 40."

It only hurt because they had to get the already painful lump into the picture, but it really wasn't that bad.

Keep in mind ladies that your "breast" tissue isn't just the melons up front - keep checking in and around those pits too!

[kay]

Yesterday was my 'day'. I'm old so I go annually now. And yep, no big deal. (little squishy, a little cold, but thats IT) Since most places have gone digital now, I'm in and out in under 15 minutes. Love it!

(the only thing that's pink where I go are the ponchos!)

[Jane Anne]

I am glad you re-ran this. Last year when I read it, I thought, "I need to do that." Now, it's me that's 36 and I still need to do that. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement.

[Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)]

I'll be 35 my next birthday (in March). I fully expect to be told it's time for my obituary when I have my next gynecological exam in January. It's funny... I'm not at all worried about a mammogram. But I appreciate the first-hand info. Knowledge IS power.

[Maureen D. Hall]

Great post; it always makes me mad when women complain so much about mammograms. They save lives AND they're not painful. Not fun, but no pain.
Thank you.

[mimi2seven]

Excellent post that will encourage women to go for it! It's just not a big deal.....especially if you go during the time of month when your breasts are the least tender. I do have to pass on my all-time favorite mammogram joke: The best way to prepare for a mammogram is to close your boob in the refrigerator door! Just joking!!!! It really does not hurt.

[darci]

This is a great educational post! I won't tell you how old I was before I went for a pap test.

[Shannon]

Sending a test response--please let me know if you receive this.

[Angie]

I was diagnosed with Stage III-B breast cancer two years ago at age 35. I had never had a mammogram. Had no reason to (or so I thought). There was no family history of cancer. Period. But what I thought was a blocked milk duct while nursing my baby turned into a horrible nightmare. But, praise God, I just celebrated 2 years breast cancer free (we won't talk about the thyroid cancer that showed up a year ago... sigh.)

Thank you for spreading the word. Get checked. A little squish and squirm is worth it... so worth it!

[*~Michelle~*]

Save the Ta-Tas!!!!!!!!!

I just love your hilarious yet educational post......I have been getting my boobies squished since I was about 32 due to some abnormal growths that I have had taken out, biopsied, etc. Praising God they have all been benign....

And yes, it's not the most pleasant thing to do.....but it really is NO BIG DEAL, like you said. Sometimes we just have to suck it up and get it done. I do it for my family because I want to be around to be their mom as long as possible.

thanks for the great reminder and pep rally for many women who might think of blowing it off!

xox
*~Michelle~*

[Shannon]

Yours is a compelling story--and a perfect reason we should all be vigilant! So glad to hear you beat the breast cancer, and hoping many good things for you and your family.

[Shannon]

Yes, you're right! In fact, my understanding is that the tissue around your pits is the *most* susceptible, so we should all watch those areas closely.

[Shannon]

Amen!

[Shannon]

Yeah, not a chance on that second one.  ;)  (I mean, I'd DO it, but I wouldn't BLOG it!)

[Shannon]

Want me to embroider it on a dish towel for you?  ;)

[Brigid]

After nursing two children, I looked at the squisher when she was finished and said "That's it?" No one bit me. No one scratched me. And I got to read a magazine in the waiting room. It was a good day - OK, maybe I need to get out more...

[Erica]

I has a mamogram at 25, because of some concerning lumps, and it was the MOST painful thing I have ever done. I was told it hurts more when you're young. I can't say, but I hope to NEVER have another mamogram. I hope by the time I am 40ish they have some other method. It made tears well up in my eyes, against my control. The woman would take a pic, leave to show the radiologist, and then come back to say she needed more pics. It was awful.

[The Park Wife]

ooooh, glad to read this. My first one is scheduled later this month and I am not excited about the flattening process. Also, I was worried because I am quiet modest, stripper was not ever on my list of what I want to be when I grow up (for many reasons, but modesty was the clincher).

Thanks for the encouragement!
The Park Wife

[Teri]

Thanks for the reminder....it's time for mine. I'll call as soon as I log off.

[pippilngs]

AS a 6 year breast cancer survivor at 51, I can vouch for the effectiveness of mammograms. I skipped a year. The next year the radiologist saw something she described as "funny" so she did a biopsy, which was positive. Even when we knew where the lump was, neither the surgeon nor I could feel it. My cancer was removed, and was very close, but did not extend past the duct it was in. Without the mammogram, I'd have been looking at a whole lot worse cancer by the time either my gynecologist or I could have felt it. AS it was I had a lumpectomy and radiation and keep my follow-up appointments now and don't worry about the future. It won't be your favorite way to spend an afternoon, but BELIEVE ME, it beats the alternative!!!!

[Daniele]

Thank you for sharing your story. At 29, I found a lump in January and my OB/GYN said it was nothing but I was not thrilled with that answer. So I called my primary care doctor and had her schedule me a Mammogram which I was completely scared of and there was nothing at all to be afraid of. I had heard horror stories and didn't have any idea of what to expect. The tech made me feel comfortable and told me everything she was doing. After that I was told by my doctor that I needed an ultrasound because there was something there that they wanted to further exam, which completely freaked me out. After the ultrasound they did see a tumor and a ridge of tissue along the side and said it was benign but went ahead and referred me to a surgeon. It is in fact a benign breast tumor and right now I am living with it because I am a little scared about getting it out. But I will continue to monitor it and have a mammogram every year. Early detection is the best and women need to vigilant at an earlier age that starting at 40, I personally think it should be mandatory for every year beginning at 20.

[Musings of a Housewife]

LOL. I missed this last year. Thanks for the info. It DOES put my mind at ease JUST a tad. :-)

[Lori]

Thank you! At 40 I am having my very first one tomorrow. Perfect timing- I needed a word of encouragement.