Step Up to the Plate: It's October and YOU Need a Mammogram

Then, of course, you remember you have two.

In this case, the left X-ray goes just as smoothly, and the whole study is done in less than 15 minutes. Afterwards, I'm watching a self-exam how-to narrated by Rita Moreno and Meryl Streep, and sipping peppermint tea in my gown when a doc comes in to tell me I have "fine breasts."

(Not exactly the scenario I would have wanted to hear that in, and I know you're talking specifically about the insides but, hey, I'll take it.)

"You take a good picture," she says.

(All right, now, are you pulling my leg?)

No, she's serious. It's a clear image, so I don't have to go back under the clamp. And most importantly, there are no masses. I'll have to wait for my doc's final reading, but things look good.

Even from the outside, my poor battered breasts don't look any worse for wear. And they've plumped right back up to their pre-compression loveliness.

(I can think of one person who'll be glad of that.)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Do yourself and the people who love you a favor and take care of your breasts. For the record, that means doing more than buying them lacy bras. It means eating right, exercising and doing regular breast self-exams. And if you're over 40, don't be a boob ... get a mammogram.