One of the bigger breast imaging facilities in town is one floor up from his office. I was there this morning for my annual mammogram, just a routine checkup. I hate them with a blinding passion, as do most right-thinking people who dislike pain, but that doesn't mean my butt isn't in there like clockwork once a year anyway. Every September...a back-to-school gift to myself and my family. This place does a good job of making an unpleasant experience about as pleasant as it's going to get: among other things, lovely employees, nice warm robes to put over the thin and ugly hospital-gowny shirts, a coffee and tea machine in the lobby, and a bucket of flower bouquets in the changing area. When your appointment is done, they ask if you'd like to choose a bouquet to take home, a very nice touch. Anyway, since I had the telltale evidence in my hands, the man knew exactly where I'd been.
He added that he sees a lot of women with flowers passing his office door, many of whom are sobbing, or who break down as soon as they reach their cars or the curb outside. I was happy to have the whole experience over with and be leaving, but I hadn't taken time to be grateful for my good fortune.
The next time I leave that building, if I am smiling I will NOT take it for granted, I promise you that. Reality check received, loud and clear.
Every year? Aren't you in your early 40's? That seems often based on what my doctors have said and what I've read.
ReplyDeleteI'm 41. My OB is still of the every year after 40 mindset.
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