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I was in that same imaging centre on Lambton Quay only a few weeks ago! Stripping off multiple layers of clothes from the freezing morning outside, waiting to be squeezed between two chilly layers of metal and painfully reminded that my once plump and cheerful E cups are now oddly thin and saggy but still E cups (how does that work?).

Did it hurt? F yes. Did I go back to work and look happy and tell my workmates how good our Breastscreening NZ service is? Hell yes.

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Tui, you're damn cool. FIVE STARS.

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I have the opposite situation Leah. Buxom, busty or just extra, there’s plenty of boob age and they are lumpy and tender to boot. I no longer qualify for the free mammogram but vividly remember an appointment at Hutt Hosp years ago when the tech was downright rude about my double D’s. I declined to go back and thereafter went to Newtown instead.

My darling daughter was diagnosed with BC in her forties and has now got the all clear but that was an awful shock.

Go and get that mammogram, it’s uncomfortable but necessary.

A great read, thanks.

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Bless you and your daughter. I bet you have the most amazing decolletage. I don't, but someone told me I had a nice pair of clavicles once.

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It's so hard to make people laugh and you do it effortlessly. Or so it seems. Love, love, love it.

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Well if it isn't the FABULOUS Ms Coddington! You are endlessly kind xx

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Achingly funny

They are gradually extending the upper limit to 74 - though why there should be any upper limit is a mystery. Even more of a mystery is why - after all this time - they haven't rounded the edges on the mammography unit.

PS - If breast cancer runs in their families - men should get checked as well

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This is an excellent point to make, Susan

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I tend to watch the pedal, and hope the technician is not an ex bogan.

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Hahahahaahahahaha! There's a PEDAL? OMG

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Yes there’s definitely a pedal 🤣.

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Panini! I see that you did there! I had mine a few weeks ago and I wish I’d thought of that… Yes, it’s not a biannual highlight but utterly (udderly?) essential!

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I see what YOU did there!

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I had my routine mammogram two weeks ago and was wondering how smaller ladies get on, so you’ve answered my question, Leah! Very funny, too.

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It seems everyone I know has had a mammogram in the past few weeks. That's how small Wellington is! Sharon probably rings everyone on the same day. Teehee!

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Well, I’m in England, but they’re quite hot on it here, too!

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I had mine recently too and have noticed as my boobs get saggy with age it is less uncomfortable - or maybe I know what to expect now. I had my first one in Denmark and believe me - the service in NZ is far superior in every way - at least they treat you like a human being here.

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That's interesting, Barbara. We always think the Scandinavians do everything better but there's truly something to be said for empathy and emotional intelligence

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I was always terrified there'd be an earthquake right in the middle of the squeeze. Imagine.

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Gah! I usually think this when my head's in foils at the salon. But...this would be WAY worse!

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Imagine the wear and tear...

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The boob squishing platform has been designed by a masochist and/or a sadist. Why are there sharp corners instead of gently rounded curves that don't dig into your ribs?!

And what about those lovely little capes that you drape elegantly over your shoulders and slip sexily off one shoulder to free the boob that's ready to step up to the plate. Sorry - been watching baseball lately. I always wonder what percentage of women just don't bother with them and 'free-boob' it.

I'm also now fascinated by the empty Sprite can - maybe you could set up a webcam so we can keep an eye on it?

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Snicker! I forgot about the capes. I don't think I could free-boob. GOD. I die just imagining it.

I love the idea of a wildlife cam for the Sprite! My theory is that it's full of rainwater

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