"I went for my first mammogram ..."

What I liked I went for my first mammogram today. I have been worrying about it ever since i turned 50. The hospital was easy to find and there was plenty of parking. You have to pay to park but I was seen almost immediatley and (as the first half hour of parking is free) i was not charged as i was in and out in less than 30 mins. When you walk into the hospital entrance a helpful lady tells you where to find the clinic and it was easy to find and only a short walk from the main entrance. It was all on the ground floor. The staff in the clinic were very tactful and helpful. I was very glad that the x ray team were all female. They gave me the chance to raise any worries before it started. What could be improved? You had to get undressed to your waist and wait in a cubilcle which opened into the x ray room. I probably only had to wait 5 minutes but it was a bit cold. Anything else? When I got the appointment I was tempted not to go. I have got breast implants and i was worried they would pop, or it would hurt more because of them. The appointment letter said to phone if you had implants so i did. They said they had arranged a special clinic for women with implants. The appointment letter for that clinic came very quickly (and it didn't mention implants in the letter - which i had wondered about in case a person had to show it to her employer). The worse bit was walking into the room with 3 Xray ladies with no top on but i thought they must see hundreds of women like this - and once the mammogram started I felt warmer as the machine you were leaning against was warm. It did not hurt at all. The very helpful and pleasnat radiographer made it less embarrassing by her matter of fact and freindly manner. They take 4 xrays, 1 of each breast from above and 1 of each from the side. You have to arch your back and stand in a bit of an awkward position, but they were very gently when they put the plate on my breast. They have to handle you a bit to ensure that folds of skin are not in the way but it was all done very gently. I am not afraid of going again now - and I am glad I decided to conquer my fear and embarrassment, and I would like to thank the team for the professional and kind way they were with me.