SAVE THE TATAS - Review for Mammograms Only
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and I recently became aware at my annual physical that I hadn't had a mammogram in two years: perfect timing. I've been to West Valley Imaging for that uncomfortable but recommended exam before and both visits were quick and as relatively painless as can be when you're a female getting your tatas squished by a machine. It helps that I schedule the first appointment available in the morning, which is 8:00am. Arrive at 7:30am, fill out the requisite paperwork, get dressed in one of those exam gowns ("opening in the front") and be in an exam room by 8:00am. The lady mammographers are very friendly and make a point to ensure that you're as comfortable as can be in this situation. In total, there were four different films taken with lots of, "Turn towards me. Now raise your arm over here. Face the machine this way. Relax your shoulder," instructions from the technician. It really doesn't take that long and the radiologist reads the films in a few minutes. I was dressed and done with my whole appointment by 8:20am.
I have friends who are breast cancer survivors and have lost one to the disease. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetime. Mammograms aren't fun, they're not comfortable, but they could save your life. If you have a choice to come to WVI, I recommend them.