Last week I had my first mammogram. It was really painless, and the tech who did the procedure was very sweet and friendly. Of course I started making jokes, like "Looks like a breast sandwich!" She laughed and said that a lot of joking goes on with this thing.

It really is like a boob sandwich; they place a breast between two plastic plates, to spread out the tissue so the image is more accurate. In the past, I heard other women complaining about the indignity or discomfort, but I didn't find it any big deal. It took about three minutes, and was less uncomfortable than biting down on x-ray cards at the dentist (i.e., e-z!). The cost:benefit ratio is definitely in our favor!

My wish is that mammograms were more readily available; it seems like people who can't afford full healthcare should be able to walk into Planned Parenthood, or any clinic, and get one done. I realize the equipment is $$$$....so even better, we would have more gov't funding go toward making this kind of preventive care happen for everyone, and much less toward missles, bombs, and airplanes. How about that??