Mammograms are important cancer screens. They are a way we can look after ourselves as women, be kind.
Within weeks of my arrival in the U.K. I was invited, by the National Health, to participate in a free, confidential routine cancer screening programme in Bromley. No requests for me to make an appointment, just a fait accompli,
“Please appear at the screening mobile unit on August 11th 2011 at 1050am.”
I felt as though I was being called to jury duty or active combat, but I knew what the invitation meant without further explanation, of which there were a lot in the envelope including a map, bus numbers to get me there and a phone number to call if the appointment wasn’t convenient.
I had to walk up a steep hill for about ten minutes to get me to the South East London Breast Screening Mobile Unit and by the time I had checked my paperwork, already completed for me (love that socialised medicine), I was ready to take all my clothes off! My shirt and cami sufficed.
The technician had me lean into the machine, adjusted my hips and my shoulders and told me to hold the pose while she pressed the button. I felt as though I was in a yoga class! My breasts felt as though they were being run over by a truck. It didn’t take long and my breasts bounced back once I was allowed to step back from the plate.
As I was walking down the hill I felt good, I’d looked after myself done something kind, even if it wasn’t enjoyable.
I wouldn’t be invited back for another three years. Three years! Yes!
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
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