Cathy Classics by Cathy Guisewite for October 22, 2013

Gee, I wonder. eye roll

She learned from the best! I’m the same way, I’ll do everything for my kids and skip myself so I’ll probably get this call from one of my daughters in 10 years or so.

Good morning Cathy clan!

Hate them too! Love Dad’s eye roll this morning. Happy Day all.

Owwww, a certain part of my anatomy hurts just thinking about it!

Oh yes – mammograms hurt! But I’ve had quite a few scares over the years, and I’ve had worse times being poked and prodded by male doctors.

Not many years ago I was called back to a specialised breast clinic which is entirely staffed by women. No men are allowed past the waiting area – and the whole atmosphere was so relaxed, so pleasant, friendly and gentle that it was a breath of fresh air. I was examined in several ways by different doctors, by various kinds of camera and so thoroughly – without pain – that I came out at the end feeling reassured and cared for.

Ironically, the last time I had an appointment to the travelling screening clinic (which parks in a local supermarket car park) the weather was awful on the day, and I didn’t fancy the walk, so I didn’t go. And I haven’t been back.

But Cathy’s right! I must get in touch with them again.

I’ve had breast cancer and I don’t do mammos. They didn’t show my cancer and it’s excess radiation for very little chance of finding even a cancer that is already there. I now go to a specialist in breast cancer detection and I get an MRI every year — had it today in fact. It’s not fun either, but at least there is no radiation.

Well, at least Cathy’s mom is looking out for her. I can’t say much about having a mammogram, being a guy, but knowing Cathy’s mom cares is nice.

HI, MOM. Hello, Clan.

I’ve heard it depends on different factors as to whether the mammograms are painful. When I’ve had them, they were uncomfortable but not painful, and I’m usually a wussy about pain :)