DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘doctor’

Annual Mammogram

As wives, mothers and caregivers we often take care of other’s needs before taking care of our own. I missed my annual GYN appointment by 6 months, but I didn’t forget to make an orthodontist, dental and vision appointment for my sons. I received a letter to schedule my annual mammogram in May, but didn’t make the appointment until this month.

It’s hard to forget to schedule a mammogram in October because of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pink reminders are everywhere. In my family there are 6 cousins and an aunt who had Breast Cancer and unfortunately, one cousin and the aunt succumbed to the disease – RIP Aunt Hazel and Debra! At my job there are several Breast Cancer survivors as well as a woman currently undergoing treatment after being in remission for 10 years. She like so many other brave women remains positive, and upbeat as well as looking good in their scarves and wigs.

My 11th mammogram was this morning, I started going to Papastavros Imaging in Glasgow at the age of 40. I do not like doctor’s appointments and get nervous but I manage the stress by talking. I talk constantly, stopping only to hold my breath for the x-ray, and because of this I can honestly say that I have never felt any pain.

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After entering the dressing room, and given a top gown which I never know how to tie, waiting to be called in is nerve racking and waiting for the results is even worse. There are two types of regular screenings, a “CC”, which is a straight down view and the “MLO”, a side view. If you are called back for a follow up, a Spot Paddle is used and it targets a specific area on the breast. The Spot Paddle is more painful because it pinches that targeted area. A few years ago I was called back and immediately went into a panic mode. Amy, my technician explained that a call back does not mean cancer. It can be a vein, an artery, or dense tissue seen on the x-ray, a change in your breast due to your menstrual cycle or even the technician or the machine. So don’t panic and if you have a low tolerance of pain try talking through it, you’ll be surprised how quickly it goes and the sooner you can get to your deodorant.

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OOTD – Thrifting Thursday

Yesterday’s staycation day was planned for dental, orthodontic and doctor appointments but I did manage to get in a little thrifting.  I had wanted to go to the Christiana Mall for the Fashion Night Out (FNO) events but it didn’t start until 6:00.  Wanting to be home before six I instead stopped at the Salvation Army.  Not having been to the Salvation Army since 1996, I noticed a drastic change for the better and will post pics, my thoughts and of course my finds this weekend.

Top – Goodwill// Capris – Marshalls// Shoes – Ross// Necklace – Jewelrymax.net


Vacation Day with the doctors

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I am on staycation today but it’s not being spent lying poolside, instead it’s in and out of doctor offices. Tayair had dental appointment for two cavities on his front teeth and then an orthodontist appointment to put the wires back onto his braces. He usually goes solo to his appointments but I needed to go for a consult with the orthodontist. Now that Tayair is 20, he will be undergoing facial surgery to correct his elongated jaw bone. Age 20/21 is the normal time that a person face has reached it’s lifetime size.

Tayair was born 3 months prematurely with a myriad of medical issues so he is used to surgery, but it has been 15 years since his last procedure and I am a little nervous. The surgery is considered routine by the surgeon but cosmetic so the cost will be out of pocket. We have to do what we have to do, and it will be an improvement for him so it’s worth it (hello more debt).

Heading out shortly for my annual GYN appointment in Wilmington. Depending on what time I get done I may stop at the Christiana Mall for tonight’s FNO activities.

Hope you are having a fantabulous day!