A One-Breasted Mammogram

I'm still not entirely sure why my first official "check up" was a mammogram of my existing breast. However, at an appointment later yesterday afternoon to check the healing progress of my most recent incision, my surgeon told me to take advantage of every check up opportunity I was offered. She's absolutely correct -- don't look a gift mammogram in the mouth.  Blessed with universal health care in Canada, if a professional wants to give me a mammogram, CT, MRI, or basic feel up -- I'll take it!

My assumption is that I will receive a mammogram on my left breast only the rest of my life. Maureen asked me during a phone call later in the day how I get my right "breast" checked in the future.  I don't have the answer to that question, but I sure will be asking. Even though there is zero breast tissue remaining on my right side, there is still skin and muscle and, therefore, the possibility of cancer cells growing again.

With only one mildly uncomfortable breast-squishing to endure, the procedure went quite quickly. The technologist asked me to sit and wait while she checked with the radiologist to see if the picture was clear. Those seconds ticked by in slow agony.  When the seconds grew into minutes, the irrational part of my brain imagined all sorts of wild and not-so-wonderful scenarios.

     "Yvonne, we see a lump in your left breast and will be taking you immediately
       to the ultrasound room for a biopsy."

     "Yvonne, we regret to inform you that your left breast is now filled with cancer.
       Please contact your surgeon ASAP to book another radical mastectomy."

After about 10 minutes, the technologist did finally return.  Her words were ...

     "Yvonne, the picture is nice and clear for the radiologist to read.
      We'll see you in one year."

I realize that IF anything untoward was brewing in my breast, I would be getting another mammogram way sooner than one year. But, her words were very reassuring after what my imagination had put me through.

My surgeon asked me if I had received my 3-month physical check up yet.  This was the first I heard of needing it.  Yes, I go see my oncologist in December, but no one had told me I needed a physical exam every 3 months for 3 years, and then every 6 months for 3 years.  Now that's thorough.  So, off I go again in November for a physical check up and my liver CT.

Will these medical appointments ever end?? Oh right -- count my blessings for universal health care!